Thailand Guide
Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
Southern Thailand's gently undulating Gulf coast is famed above all for the Samui archipelago, three small idyllic islands that are the country's most popular seaside venue for independent travellers. Of the trio, Ko Samui is by far the most naturally beautiful, with its long white-sand beaches and arching fringes of palm trees. Its varied spread of accommodation draws many package tourists, so backpackers congregate instead at Ko Pha Ngan's less costly, more laid back beaches, making a beeline for Hat Rin's notorious full moon parties. Ko Tao has taken off as a scuba-diving centre, but still has the feel of a small, isolated outcrop.
Away from the beaches, there's cultural interest aplenty in the historic towns of Phetchaburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat, the latter a sophisticated city of grand old temples, delicious cuisine and distinctive handicrafts.
The Gulf coast has a slightly different climate from the Andaman coast and much of the rest of Thailand, being hit heavily by the northeast monsoon's rains, especially in November, when it's best to avoid this part of the country altogether. Most times during the rest of the year should see pleasant, if changeable, weather, with some effects of the southwest monsoon felt on the islands between May and October. Late December to April is the driest period, and is therefore the region's high season, which also includes July and August.