Thailand Hit by Devastating Floods: What Tourists Need to Know Before Visiting Hat Yai, Pattani, and Songkhla in 2025

Published on November 28, 2025

Thailand, renowned for its tropical beauty, bustling cities, and picturesque beaches, is currently facing a devastating flood crisis. In late November 2025, severe flooding has swept across the southern provinces, including major tourist destinations such as Hat Yai, Pattani, and Songkhla. While these picturesque areas are popular with international travelers for their vibrant culture, exotic landscapes, and renowned cuisine, the recent flooding has disrupted travel plans for many. Tourists planning to visit Thailand in the coming weeks need to be aware of the ongoing impact of the floods, as well as travel restrictions, and safety advisories.

With the floods affecting large areas, including key transportation hubs and tourist hotspots, it’s important for travelers to stay informed about what’s open, what’s closed, and how to navigate the challenges posed by the extreme weather. While southern Thailand continues to battle this natural disaster, the region is actively working to recover, with government and rescue teams on the ground to aid those affected.

Introduction: Southern Thailand in Crisis

Southern Thailand is currently grappling with one of the worst flooding disasters in over 15 years, significantly impacting popular tourist destinations. Major cities such as Hat Yai, Songkhla, and Pattani are submerged in floodwaters, leaving thousands stranded and displacing millions. The death toll continues to rise, and the government has declared a state of emergency in some areas, ramping up rescue efforts to help stranded residents and travelers. For tourists planning to visit this vibrant region, it’s crucial to understand the situation and make informed decisions regarding travel.

The storm and subsequent floods have left transportation routes cut off, delayed flights, and hindered access to popular tourist attractions. However, the Thai government is doing everything it can to support affected areas and ensure the safety of both locals and visitors. As water levels begin to recede, efforts are underway to restore vital infrastructure and resume regular tourism activities. This article will provide essential updates on the flooding situation, what travelers need to know, and how to navigate the changes in travel plans.

Flood Impact on Thailand’s Southern Region

Southern Thailand has been hit particularly hard by heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding that has affected several provinces. The city of Hat Yai, one of the most visited destinations in the region, has been particularly impacted, with parts of the city submerged under over a meter of water. The floods have caused major disruptions to transportation, including road closures, airport delays, and train cancellations.

Key Affected Areas:

• Hat Yai (Songkhla) — major city and transport hub
• Pattani — popular for cultural heritage and local food
• Songkhla — a key gateway to Thailand’s southern islands
• Trang, Satun, Yala, and Narathiwat — affected rural areas and towns

Flooding Impact Overview:

• Transportation — Many major highways and transport routes are blocked or submerged.
• Hotels and Resorts — Multiple accommodations are temporarily closed, and some have been turned into emergency shelters.
• Attractions — Key tourist sites in these regions are either flooded or inaccessible due to the hazardous conditions.
• Flights — Multiple flights to Hat Yai and other flood-hit airports have been delayed or canceled, with airlines offering free rescheduling for affected travelers.

For anyone planning to visit the region in the immediate future, it’s essential to check flight schedules and local advisories before departure. Major Thai airports are working to clear backlogs, but travelers should anticipate potential delays in the coming days.

What Tourists Should Do During the Floods

If you’re already in southern Thailand, here are important steps to follow:

• Stay informed — Monitor local news channels and online updates to track flood developments and official evacuation orders.
• Avoid flooded areas — If you’re in a flood-prone region, avoid traveling to areas under a flood warning.
• Follow government guidelines — Adhere to evacuation plans and directions provided by local authorities or your hotel.
• Stay indoors — During intense rainfall, stay indoors, and keep emergency numbers handy.
• Check your travel insurance — Ensure your travel insurance covers cancellations, delays, and potential evacuations due to natural disasters.

Key Areas to Avoid for Tourism in 2025

While some areas of Thailand remain unaffected by the floods, others, particularly in the southern provinces, are still experiencing severe disruptions. Here’s a quick guide to the regions tourists should avoid for the foreseeable future:

• Southern Thailand Flood Zones — Particularly Hat Yai, Songkhla, Pattani, and Yala. These areas are experiencing widespread flooding and may remain inaccessible for several weeks.
• Tourist Attractions Closed — Major attractions such as beaches, national parks, and historical sites in affected provinces are either closed or inaccessible.

For tourists whose travel plans include these areas, it may be best to postpone or reroute your visit. Many airlines, tour operators, and hotels are offering refunds or rebooking options to assist with these adjustments.

What’s Open: Alternative Travel Plans

Despite the devastating flooding in parts of southern Thailand, not all regions have been affected equally. The central and northern regions of Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, remain unaffected by the floods, and tourism continues to thrive in these areas.

Recommended Destinations for Travelers

• Bangkok — The bustling capital remains the heart of Thai tourism, offering an abundance of cultural landmarks, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife.
• Chiang Mai — Northern Thailand’s cultural jewel, famous for its temples, mountainous landscapes, and unique festivals.
• Phuket — While parts of southern Thailand are experiencing flood damage, Phuket‘s beaches and resorts remain operational, providing a safe option for beach lovers.

These destinations are safe to visit, and travelers can enjoy Thailand’s rich culture and tourism offerings without significant disruptions. Airlines and travel companies are now routing more flights to these destinations, as many tourists look to switch their travel plans to unaffected parts of the country.

How Thailand’s Tourism Industry is Recovering

Thailand’s tourism industry is no stranger to natural disasters, and its response has been swift. Tourism authorities are focused on relief efforts for both locals and visitors while setting plans in motion to restore travel infrastructure and ensure future tourism is protected.

Key Recovery Steps:

• Restoring infrastructure — Road repairs, bridge reconstruction, and restoring electricity to flood-hit areas are the priority for the Thai government.
• Marketing campaigns — The Thai Tourism Authority (TAT) is launching campaigns to promote unaffected regions of Thailand, focusing on cultural tourism, wellness travel, and eco-tourism to help revive the sector.
• Government support — The Thai government is providing financial support and loans to businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors affected by the floods.

Tourists should remain confident in the recovery efforts and the government’s ability to restore normalcy to affected regions. Recovery could take several weeks to a few months, but the infrastructure is expected to be restored by early 2026.

Travel Advisory: Stay Safe and Informed

Travelers considering a trip to Thailand or those already in the country should adhere to the following travel advisories:

• Consult airlines and travel operators — If you have bookings in the affected areas, check for cancellation policies or rescheduling options.
• Monitor local news — Keep up-to-date with the latest flooding developments and recovery efforts.
• Use government resources — Follow updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and local emergency services for real-time advisories.

For those traveling later in the year, adjusting travel dates and focusing on destinations not impacted by the floods will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Thailand.

Conclusion: Will Thailand Rebound from the Floods?

Southern Thailand’s flooding crisis is a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of popular tourist regions to natural disasters. However, Thailand’s rapid response and resilience in the face of adversity will likely lead to a swift recovery. While travelers to flood-affected areas should exercise caution, alternative destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai remain open and welcoming to visitors. As the country works to restore vital infrastructure and support flood recovery, Thailand’s tourism sector remains a popular and attractive destination for travelers worldwide.

Whether you’re planning a vacation to explore Thailand’s beautiful beaches or rich cultural heritage, staying informed about the situation will help ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and safe. Thailand will recover, and it remains a destination worth visiting, even in the wake of the floods.