Gulf of Thailand Coast

The southern Gulf coast was early connected to maritime trade between India and China. In Chaiya near Surat Thani, temples like Wat Phra Borommathat recall the Srivijaya Kingdom era. Nakhon Si Thammarat was a religious center for centuries; its large chedi dates from the 13th century.From the 1920s, Hua Hin became a royal seaside resort when the Klai Kangwon Palace was built there. In Surat Thani, the Chak Phra festival is celebrated at the end of Buddhist Lent, with Buddha figures paraded through town on decorated floats and boats. Further south, around Songkhla, Muslim cuisine and culture become more visible.

Rail, bus, and highways run parallel along the coast heading south. The Southern Line from Bangkok travels via Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani to Hat Yai. The night train arrives in the morning; buses are often faster but less comfortable.From Bangkok, you'll need about three to four hours to reach Hua Hin, around seven to Chumphon, and nine to eleven to Surat Thani. Airports are located in Hua Hin, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Hat Yai, and Koh Samui, among others.Ferries to the islands: from Chumphon to Koh Tao; from Don Sak and Surat Thani to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Separate connections operate between the three islands; combination tickets for train or bus plus ferry are common.Local transport: Songthaews and motorbike taxis in the towns. On the islands and in Hua Hin, scooters or rental cars are most practical.In the Southern Gulf, most rain falls from October to December, extending partly into January around Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla. The driest period is usually from February to June.Current safety and health information, including for the southern border provinces, can be found at the Auswärtigen Amt.