In a country as vast as Thailand, there are many opportunities to get off the beaten path. From unspoiled tropical islands to secret beaches, these Thailand hidden gems are not to be missed.
Southern Thailand Hidden Gems
Are you looking for the perfect hideaway for your next beach vacation? The Andaman Coast of Thailand is a hidden slice of paradise that’s sure to offer all the seclusion and relaxation you seek.
Stretching from the Myanmar border on its east-side, towards Malaysia in its west, this region of Southern Thailand encompasses lush rainforests, stunning beaches and dreamy islands that are yet to be touched by mass tourism – making it ideal if you’re looking to experience true local culture.
In this article, we’ll share our top tips and recommendations on where to stay, eat & explore during your time along Thailand’s beautiful Andaman coast.
1. Cape Panwa, Phuket
Phuket is known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling night market, yet there is a quieter side to Thailand’s largest island. 8 kilometres from Phuket town, you’ll find Cape Panwa, also known as Khao Khat.
This Thai viewpoint has a tranquil, south-westerly facing beach that’s generally uncrowded. It’s bordered by a mangrove swamp and fishermen’s huts and has nice views towards Lone Island.
People tend to walk along the beach rather than swim here as it has a stony seabed. The area has been popular with celebrities for many years and hasn’t changed much since then.
Many of them including Leonardo di Caprio have stayed at Cape Panwa Hotel, which overlooks the beach. All of the rooms have direct sea views.
The hotel is a good base if you wish to explore internationally renowned Phuket Aquarium, just a few minutes away. It’s also worth heading to Khao Khad Viewpoint for 360 degree views over the coast and surrounding area.
2. Fossil Shell Beach, Krabi
One of only three fossil beaches worldwide, Fossil Shell Beach in Krabi is a fascinating place. Susaan Hoi, to give the site its Thai name, is located at Ban Laem Pho in Krabi.
Despite its man-made appearance, its a natural phenomenon that’s 40 million years old. Hundreds of thousands of snail shell fossils have joined together to form slabs which look rather like concrete.
At low tide you can sometimes see new fossils being formed. This unusual beach is a popular spot for both tourists and locals to take photos.
You can access Fossil Shell Beach via the visitor centre on Ban Laem Pho Road. It’s open until 4.30 pm daily and there’s a 200 baht entrance fee to the site.
Alternatively, it’s free to enter after 4.30 pm and a nice place to see the sunset. Make sure to wear shoes with a good grip as it can be slippy at certain times of day.
There are quite a few stalls lining the short walk down to the beach, selling clothing and refreshments. The pearl jewellery is great value compared to many places in central Krabi and there are lots of different styles. If you’re staying at the luxurious boutique hotel, The ShellSea Krabi, you can walk along the beach in the early afternoon at low tide.
3. Khao Ngon Nak Nature Trail, Krabi
Thailand is blessed with 147 National Parks, spread all over the country. If you want to escape the buzz of Krabi town centre, Khao Ngon Nak National Park makes a great excursion. Also known as Dragon Crest Mountain, it’s known for its lush vegetation and viewpoints.
The park is easily reached by taxi from the centre of town or you could stay a few minutes away at Amari Vogue. At the entrance to the park, staff will ask you to fill in a form, so that they can keep track of everyone who is entering the park.
It’s a steep path and not suitable for young children, the disabled or injured. In fact we’d recommend wearing hiking boots rather than sports shoes or sandals. Take water with you, though most of the path goes through the forest and is nice and shady.
You hike four kilometres through the park, passing a small waterfall and stream along the way. It takes several hours to reach the summit, from which you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
565 metres above sea level, Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint won’t disappoint. The cliff ledge jutting out from the mountain is closed to visitors as it’s too dangerous, but you can get a great view from the summit’s rock nonetheless.
4. Koh Phi Phi Don
The Phi Phi Islands are true Thailand gems and extremely popular with visitors. One of the reasons are their close proximity to Maya Bay, where the movie The Beach was filmed.
Maya Bay got quite crowded, particularly in mid afternoon and is currently closed to visitors. This is to allow the island to recover from the effects of mass tourism.
It’s worth staying overnight on Koh Phi Phi Don. Out of the six Phi Phi Islands, Koh Phi Phi Don is the only one that is inhabited.
Head to Phi Phi Viewpoint at 186 metres high for fantastic views over Tonsai and Loh Dalum bay. From Tonsai Village, just head towards Loh Dalum Bay and follow the signs.
It’s only about 30 minutes to the top and an easy walk as most of the path is paved. There’s a little snack stall at the top although it’s a good idea to take water with you for the climb, as well as around 30 baht for the entrance fee.
Phi Phi Island Village Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels on Koh Phi Phi Don. This charming Thai hotel is located in a tranquil spot on Loh Bakao Bay.
Also known as Loh Bagao, it overlooks the turquoise Andaman Sea. All the accommodation is in traditional Thai style but with modern comforts like air-con and high speed Wi-Fi.
The 800 metre long bay faces North East but gets plenty of sunshine. Next to the resort, a path leads to the local village which has quite a few shops and places to eat such as Oasis Bar and Restaurant. At the end of the village, you’ll come to mangroves and a bridge nicknamed The Golden Gate by the locals.
5. Koh Yao Noi
This unspoiled island is one of our favourite hidden gems in Thailand. The name Koh Yao Noi means Island (Koh) Long (Yao) and Little (Noi).
Getting here is part of the fun – you take a speedboat from the very swanky Phuket Yacht Haven. In 55 minutes you’re transported to Koh Yao Noi.
Measuring just 50 square kilometres, this quiet Thai island has a rural charm. Walking around the island, you’ll see buffalo grazing in the shade.
There are many rubber trees being tapped with a bucket to collect the sap. Despite being so tranquil, there are actually several five star hotels on the island. It’s also one of the closest places to James Bond Island, which makes a great day excursion.
Koh Yao Yai is known for its wildlife, in particular the Oriental Pied Hornbill birds. These colourful creatures are distinguished by their yellow beak.
They feed mainly on berries, figs and live mainly in tree canopies. One of the best places to spot them is at Paradise Koh Yao Yai.
This beachfront boutique hotel is one of our favourite Thailand luxury escapes. They also have a new sister hotel next door where guests can stay in funky treehouses. From here you can kayak around the neighbouring islands or snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
6. Koh Yao Yai
Although this is the larger of the two Koh Yao islands, Koh Yao Yai is the least populated. Nestled in Phang Nga Bay, it’s just 10 minutes away from Koh Yao Yai by long tail boat. This makes it an ideal destination for Thailand island hopping.
If travelling from Phuket, you can take a speedboat from Bangrong Pier to Klong Hia Pier. Koh Yao Yai is one of the most authentic Thailand hidden gems, with some lovely beaches.
You can get around by tuk-tuk or by hiring a bicycle. There are also tours that will show you the highlights of the island, such as the rice paddy fields and a marine lobster farm.
You might however prefer to sunbathe on Ao Muang or Son Bay beach, or to get a massage from Dr Saad, a blind masseur based in Ban Lo Po, Koh Yao Yai, who speaks excellent English.
It’s best to stay overnight in order to truly appreciate the island’s beauty. Santhiya is an exceptional hotel in traditional Thai style.
Ornate wooden carvings abound and master craftsmen are sculpting more in the lobby pillars. The views from the infinity pool are superb and there are several complimentary classes to initiate guests into Thai boxing and dance.
7. Loh Samah Bay near The Beach
As we mentioned, if you’re visiting iconic Maya Bay, aka The Beach, it can get crowded. Yet there is a more serene side to Maya Bay, if you know where to find it.
Loh Samah Bay is on the other side of the island and accessible by traditional long-tail boat for confident swimmers. In fact, it’s possible to hire your own private long tail boat for the day.
You can then travel to various nearby sights such as Monkey Bay, where you will see monkeys in their natural habitat, at the most convenient times. The Viking Cave is also interesting, having some wall paintings which are apparently quite recent.
For those arriving at The Beach itself, once you’ve admired Maya Bay and its limestone cliffs, then walk past the restrooms to Loh Samah Bay on the opposite side of the island. It’s only a few minutes walk. Here you’ll find wooden steps from which you can swim in the azure blue water.
Snorkeling in the crystal clear water is a great experience, with a myriad of colourful fish to spot. Just be careful not to disturb the coral.
Check out our travel vlog for the inside scoop on these Thailand hidden gems.
Final Thoughts on Southern Thailand Hidden Gems
As you can see, there are some truly impressive hidden gems of Thailand where you’ll enjoy tranquility and stunning scenery. Thailand’s Andaman Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty that still feels off the beaten path.
