Thailand shows off quieter southern spots to European tour operators

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ran an eight-day familiarisation trip from 9 to 16 October 2026, bringing along ten representatives from tour firms based in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Arranged through its Frankfurt office under the Link Plus programme, the visit introduced them to lesser-known parts of Southern Thailand so that new products could be created for European travellers.

The journey combined the coastal districts of Khanom and Sichon, which lie in Nakhon Si Thammarat, with nature attractions in Surat Thani province, namely Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake. On 11 October a trade meet put the visiting group in touch with 14 local hotel operators to talk about possible partnerships. TAT considers February to September favourable for Khanom and Sichon, while the two nature areas can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Community tourism in Tha Kham and Phrom Lok was also part of the plan, alongside heritage sites such as Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat city. Fresh German-language videos and brochures for Khanom and Sichon were released as well. According to TAT, the country saw 640,674 travellers arrive from Germany during the first nine months of 2026.

What it means for travellers from India

• These places are being shaped for multi-stop journeys, so Indian visitors may eventually pair calm beaches with nature trips instead of staying in a single resort.
• Khanom and Sichon are presented as quieter coastal choices, best visited between February and September.
• Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake, including floating places to stay, are promoted as all-season nature options in Surat Thani.
• The effort centres on building new itineraries across Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani, which could give travellers planning Southern Thailand holidays more routes and choices.