Southern Thailand may be best known for its beaches and islands, but its orchards reveal another side of the region. Through Southern MUST TASTE Thai Fruits, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) inspires travellers to plan their journeys around the fruits in season across the South’s 14 provinces, pairing distinctive local fruits with orchard visits, community experiences, nature, culture and nearby attractions.
This approach also reflects TAT’s Value over Volume focus on creating greater value from tourism. By bringing locally distinctive produce — particularly Geographical Indication (GI) products — into the travel experience, the initiative helps connect tourism more closely with growers, local businesses and communities, while encouraging travel beyond established destinations and throughout the year.
Follow the fruit calendar
The Southern MUST TASTE Thai Fruits calendar provides a month-by-month guide to what is in season across the South. Availability varies by fruit and location, with the widest choice concentrated around the middle of the year. Travellers planning around a particular variety should check with the orchard or local tourism contact before travelling, as harvest periods can vary with local growing conditions.
Across the 14 provinces, the map highlights a remarkable range of local fruit:
- Chumphon: Hom Thong Lamae Banana, Lady Finger Banana and Chumphon Durian
- Surat Thani: Nasan Rambutan, Nasan Salak, Khlong Noi Santol and Khlong Saeng Durian
- Ranong: Nai Wong Durian and Nai Wong Mangosteen
- Phang Nga: Salika Durian and Thip Phang Nga Mangosteen
- Phuket: Phuket Pineapple and Kamala Durian
- Krabi: Talay Hoi Durian
- Nakhon Si Thammarat: Pak Phanang Siam Ruby Pomelo, Khao Khiriwong Mangosteen and Ban Wang Hon Durian
- Phatthalung: Phatthalung Salak and Thong Liao Champedak
- Trang: Ko Sukon Watermelon
- Satun: Satun Champedak
- Songkhla: Chana Neck Orange, Songkhla Mini Mango, Khuan Lang Pomelo and Ko Yo Sapodilla
- Pattani: Yarang Velvet Tamarind, Yarang Puko Pomelo, Yarang Puang Mani Durian and Sai Khao Durian
- Yala: Yala Sadet Nam Durian, Bannang Sata Rock Banana and Musang King Durian
- Narathiwat: Tanyougmat Longkong and Su-ngai Padi Mangosteen.
Four routes to get you started
Surat Thani | Orchards, Khao Sok and community waterways
Best time for this route: July–August
Start in Nasan, harvesting Nasan Rambutan GI and tasting Nasan Salak before moving into Khao Sok National Park for rainforest scenery. Day two shifts to Cheow Lan Lake, where a long-tail boat journey between limestone cliffs can be paired with Khlong Saeng Durian. Finish at Khlong Noi Community with Khlong Noi Santol GI, followed by canoeing through the Bang Bai Mai Nipa Palm Tunnel and fresh Bang Bai Mai Coconut.
Getting there: Surat Thani can be reached by air or rail, with onward road transfers connecting Nasan, Khao Sok, Rajjaprabha Dam and the community areas. Three days and two nights allow the route to flow naturally from orchards to rainforest and waterways.
Nakhon Si Thammarat | Heritage, mountain orchards and community life
Best time for this route: July–September
Begin at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore Nakhon Si Thammarat Old Town, with a taste of mangkhut khat, or peeled young mangosteen prepared as a local speciality. Continue to Khiriwong Community for Khao Khiriwong Mangosteen, a streamside local lunch, cafés and crafts. On the final day, try bamboo rafting at Ban Wang Hon and sample its preserved durian paste.
Getting there: Fly into Nakhon Si Thammarat and continue by road to the city and Khiriwong. A night in town followed by a night in Khiriwong keeps transfers manageable while allowing more time for community activities.
Krabi | Durian, clear water and the Andaman coast
Best time for this route: July–August
Begin inland with Talay Hoi Durian GI, noted for its smooth golden flesh and rich, creamy sweetness, then visit Wat Tham Prasat Nala Kiring, taste Phu Tawan Robusta Coffee and explore Wat Khao Hua Sing. The next day brings kayaking at Khlong Root, a long-tail boat trip to Khao Garos and Ban Nai Nang, and sunset at Ao Nang. Leave the final day for Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, with an island-hopping or scenic boat trip.
Getting there: Fly into Krabi International Airport and continue by road for the inland section. Staying first in or around Krabi town and then at Ao Nang lets the journey progress naturally from orchard country towards the Andaman coast.
Phang Nga | Salika Durian from Kapong to Khao Lak
Best time for this route: July–August
Start at a Kapong fruit orchard with Salika Durian GI, then relax at Plai Phu Hot Spring. Continue to Tamnang Waterfall, add a farm-to-table Southern lunch and drive onwards to Khao Lak. For the final day, choose between Phang Nga Bay by long-tail boat or the nature trail and coastline of Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park, and look for Thip Phang Nga Mangosteen GI locally.
Salika Durian is typically in season from May–July, so travellers making the fruit itself the focus should confirm availability before travelling.
Getting there: Phuket International Airport is a practical gateway for Khao Lak, with onward travel by road. A private transfer or hire car is particularly useful when including Kapong, as the route connects inland orchard country with the Andaman coast.
Make the fruit part of the journey
The idea is not simply to stop, taste and leave. Allow time for orchard visits, local meals, community activities, markets, crafts and nearby natural or cultural attractions. Seasonal weather can also affect boat trips and outdoor activities, so build some flexibility into the itinerary and check local conditions before setting out.
The Southern MUST TASTE Thai Fruits calendar offers a different way to travel through the South: follow what is in season, taste it close to where it grows, meet the communities behind it, and let each fruit lead to a wider story of place.
Editorial note: English spellings and transliterations of fruit varieties, communities and attractions follow those used in the Southern MUST TASTE Thai Fruits promotional calendar.
