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The Lower Gulf features Thailand’s ultimate island trifecta: Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao. This family of spectacular islands lures millions of tourists every year with their powder-soft sands and emerald waters. Ko Samui is the oldest sibling who made it big, where high-class resorts operate with Swiss efficiency as uniformed butlers cater to every whim. Ko Pha-Ngan is the slacker middle child with a penchant for hammock-lazing and all-night parties. Meanwhile Ko Tao is the outdoorsy, fun-loving kid with plenty of spirit and energy – the island specialises in high-adrenalin activities, including world-class diving and snorkeling.
The mainland coast beyond the islands sees few foreign visitors, but is far more authentic Thailand. From the pink dolphins and waterfalls of Ao Khanom to the Thai Muslim flavors of beach-strolling Songkhla and the charm of Nakhon Si Thammarat, this region is stuffed with off-the-beaten-track wonders.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ko Samui & the Lower Gulf.
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Known for beautiful hiking trails, cool streams, waterfalls and wildlife, this national park, named after the tallest mountain in the south, is a soaring range covered in evergreen forest and inhabited by a plethora of flora and fauna unique to the region. A total of 327 animal species and orchids found nowhere else on earth call it home. Camping is permitted and basic bungalows can be reserved via the website (from 600B). There's also a restaurant at the park's HQ.
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This lovely, secluded cove has a stretch of soft sand overlooked by green hills and is a superb choice for a relaxing day of swimming and snorkelling. With no proper roads leading to the beach, there is a genuine sense of exclusivity. Most people arrive by water taxi from Hat Khom or they pack a bag of water and don a pair of walking shoes and a sun hat to do the Chalok Lam to Bottle Beach Trek through the jungle.
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Known officially as Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, this series of jungle-covered islands – the inspiration for Alex Garland’s cult classic novel, The Beach – resemble a shattered emerald necklace decorating the azure waters of the Gulf. February to April are ideal months to visit, and the best way is on a guided tour (ask at your accommodation), which usually includes lunch, snorkelling equipment, hotel transfers and (fingers crossed) a knowledgeable guide.
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This viewpoint might just be the most stunning vista in all of Thailand. From the top, visitors will have sweeping views of the jagged islands nearby as they burst through the placid turquoise water in easily anthropomorphised formations. The trek to the lookout is an arduous 450m trail that takes roughly an hour to complete. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and a sun hat, and bring plenty of water. Walk slowly on the sharp outcrops of limestone.
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Wander through narrow historic streets where quaint old houses in the Sino-Portuguese style rub shoulders with traditional wooden Chinese buildings. Some of these old-world relics have been restored and are home to little boutique cafes and restaurants, and others remain in a glorious state of decay. Hidden in amongst them are Chinese temples, beautiful streets of art, and a village mosque where the waft of grilled meat fills the air as local Muslim street vendors sell halal satay skewers.
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The tallest seated-Buddha image in southern Thailand is at Wat Khao Kong, 8km southwest of town on the way to the train station in Tanyongmat. Located in a park, the image is 17m long and 24m high, and made of reinforced concrete covered with tiny gold-coloured mosaic tiles that glint magically in the sun.
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Nam Tok Phaeng is protected by a national park and is a pleasant reward after a short but rough hike. After the waterfall (dry out of season), it's a further exhilarating 15-minute climb up a root-choked path (along the Phaeng-Domsila Nature Trail) to the superb Domsila Viewpoint. The two- to three-hour trail then loops through the jungle past other waterfalls where the eagle-eyed might spot wild boars, snakes, deer and monkeys.
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This colourful Chinese temple cascades down a serene jungle-covered mountainside overlooking the Island's green canopy. Dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, the temple's Chinese name (普岳山) at the entrance refers to the island in China that is the legendary home of the goddess. The Great Treasure Hall contains several bodhisattvas, including Puxian (seated on an elephant) and Wenshu (sitting on a lion) whilst the Guanyin Palace has a mesmerising statue of a 1000-hand Guanyin.
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Thrusting 54m into the heavens near Wat Pho, Ko Pha-Ngan's tallest Yang Na Yai ( dipterocarpus alatus; ยางนา), said to be over 400 years old, is an astonishing sight in the heart of Ban Nok village. The aesthetically pleasing giant of nature is deemed by Ban Nok villagers to be sacred, which is why there are several small shrines near the foot of the tree and it is often garlanded with colourful ribbons.