Southern Spine of Thailand

A 10 day, 3000 kilometre Road Trip visiting highlights of Thailand’s Southern Spine.

The Southern Spine of Thailand is essentially a part of the Malay Peninsula that separates the Gulf of Thailand from the Andaman Sea.

This is the Thailand you won’t see on Trip Advisor or ‘sell your soul’ travel sites. Although interludes in Krabi and Phuket may strain that statement.

Happenstance discoveries and interactions. Cultural surprises with welcoming people. And opportunities for an appreciation of place.

Unlike the advice in the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s ‘Top 10 Attractions around Xxxxx’ (seven of which will absolutely be temples) we do not visit religious sites unless they are ancient ruins more than 1000 years old.

: MAP OF ROUTE SOUTHERN SPINE OF THAILAND TOUR

This Itinerary includes numerous references to Thailand’s well-thought-out Road Numbering System that makes navigating the regions easier. Go here if interested.

Day 1 – 5 January 2026
Ban Pong to Hua Hin

The train journey from Bangkok’s KTW terminal to Ban Pong railway station takes about 1.5 hours. In line with Thailand’s fluid railway schedule nationwide the arrival time at Ban Pong is estimated to be sometime around 11.00 a.m. Or 10.30 a.m. Do it for the experience – a taxi journey would be of equivalent duration and way more more stressful.

Without being condescending – How to catch the train from Banggkok to Ban Pong.

To Hua Hin

The push south commences immediately we leave Ban Pong with Hua Hin being the first overnight destination.

Hua Hin is an expat town. Lots of Farangs, lots of condos, lots of golf. But also lots of things to see/do.

Day 2 – 6 January 2026
Hua Hin to Pran Buri

Close to Hua Hin we’ll divert to the Monsoon Valley Winery in the hills, claimed to be Thailand’s largest vineyard.

Flat tyre. Changed in under 30 minutes.

Lunch and wine tasting at MVV.

Visit B Quik Pran Buri. No tyres. Refer us to Pattalung. Start of the debacle. TiT.

Day 3 – 7 January 2026
Pran Buri to Lang Suan

Start of storm that came in from the north-east as far away as China. Damage in BKK, Three days of grey skies with a bit of rain. Lots of coastal damage

Day 4 – 8 January 2026
Lang Suan to Khanom

Two hot water springs

Drama with replacement tyre

Lunch at Surat Thani

Dark, wintry weather, rain

Fish Spa. Coconut, durian

Resort on the water at Khanom.

Day 5 – 9 January 2026
Khanom to Khiriwong Village

Uninspiring breakfast.
Visited devastated beaches
Refuelled
Khao Wang Thong Cave – two tour guides 500THB for 4 people. Excellent cave.
1500yo ruins
Lunch at devastated beach
Khiriwong

Day 6 – 10 January 2026
Khiriwong Village to

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