Arguably Thailand’s most idyllic getaway destination, the Andaman Coast is characterized by powdery, white-sand beaches, countless islands and surreal, rocky seascapes. This is the Thai scenery featured on post cards, brochures and travel guide covers.
Explore: Ranong • Krabi • Phang-nga • Takuapa • Phuket • Khao Lak
- Ranong: Known for its hot springs, lush rainforests, and as a gateway to the untouched islands of the Mergui Archipelago.
- Krabi: Famous for its stunning limestone karsts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, with easy access to the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Railay Beach.
- Phang-nga: Renowned for its picturesque bay dotted with limestone islands, including the famous James Bond Island and the serene Phang Nga Bay National Park.
- Takuapa: A charming town offering a glimpse into traditional Thai life, with old Sino-Portuguese architecture and proximity to the Similan Islands.
- Phuket: Thailand’s largest island, known for its bustling beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions like the Big Buddha and Old Phuket Town.
- Khao Lak: A tranquil coastal area with beautiful beaches, excellent diving spots, and close access to the Similan and Surin Islands.
There is room along the Andaman coast for travelers of every persuasion. Island resorts with upscale amenities are situated within walking distance of modest beach bungalows and frugal guest houses. Activities range from lounging in hammocks to surfing, rock-climbing and sea kayaking.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are major sports in this part of the world. The bizarre limestone formations that dot the coast also extend into the underwater realm, creating the perfect apparatus for colorful coral formations and accompanying marine life.
Another way to enjoy diving in the Andaman is to book a multi-day excursion to outlying islands or reefs on live-aboard boats. The variety of sea life here is staggering, and divers have the entire area to themselves as few run-of-the-mill tourists venture this far from the mainland.
Along the southern stretches of the Andaman Coast, Phuket is the Thai island with the best name recognition. Beaches are backed by a mountainous interior and an excellent transportation network. For those who can pull themselves away from the coast, Phuket City boasts Sino-Portuguese architecture unlike that found anywhere else in Thailand.
Second to Phuket in terms of numbers, but just as tantalizing, is Krabi Province. This is where you’ll find some of Thailand’s most coveted island resorts like those found on Phi Phi or Lanta islands. Krabi is a leader in adventure sports, with soaring limestone cliffs that offer the nimblest climbers unparalleled panoramas of the coast and mountains.
Phang Nga Province is synonymous with Ao Phang Nga National Park and is a leading eco-tourism destination. Hikers explore caves and pristine coastal forests, while water-goers enjoy snorkeling and kayaking through karst fields and mangrove forests. The jewel of Phang Nga Province is the Similan Islands, one of the world’s most sought-after diving destinations.
Ranong is the smallest province along the Andaman Coast, and it’s best known for Ko Chang. This secluded island has the vast beaches of Phuket with a fraction of the crowds. Easily visited on a weekend trip from Bangkok, Ranong’s quiet ambiance is a secret that’s getting harder to keep.
From world-class resorts to simple guest houses and bungalows, the Andaman Coast offers tourists all of the time-tested hospitality that has made Thailand such a popular world travel destination. And with access to so many activities unique attractions, it is no wonder that the same visitors return over and again.
Where to Go
Top Cities
- Ranong: The northernmost town on the west coast is growing into a new beach destination.
- Krabi: A pleasant town with access to some of the most exotic beaches and islands in the world.
- Phang-nga: A good land travel hub within striking distance of the region’s best inland national parks.
- Takuapa: Once a thriving trade town, there’s still a bit of flavor here in the old town district.
- Phuket: The top beach resort destination on the Andaman Coast.
- Khao Lak: Not much of a town but plenty of stunning beaches and dozens of upper-end resorts.
Provinces
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Krabi Province: The main settlement here, Krabi Town, is mainly used as a jumping-off point to the islands of Phi Phi and Lanta.
Ao Nang • Hat Noppharat Thara • Khao Phanom Bencha National Park • Ko Jam • Ko Lanta • Ko Phi-Phi • Ko Si Boya • Krabi • Railay • Than Bokkharani National Park • Wat Tham Seua
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Phang Nga Province: This area of intense natural beauty is home to natural wonderlands such as Ao Phang Nga National Park and the Similian Islands Marine National Park.
Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park • Bang Niang • Bang Sak • Khao Lak • Khao Lak LLam Ru National Park • Ko Panyi • Phang-nga • Sa Nang Manora Forest Park • Similan Islands Marine National Park • Surin Islands Marine National Park
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Phuket Province: Located off the south coast of Thailand, the main attraction here is the island of Phuket, while Ko Hae also attracts plenty of sun worshippers and snorkelers.
Ko Hae • Ko Raya Noi • Ko Raya Yai • Phuket
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Ranong Province: Bordering Burma to the west, this tiny province is the main gateway to Khlong Nakha Wildlife Sanctuary and Ranong Biosphere Reserve.
Islands & beaches
- Ko Phi Phi: Undeniably beautiful but a bit touristy and pretentious.
- Ko Lanta: A large mellow island with a distinctive Muslim vibe adds some welcome color to the beach choices along the Andaman.
- Railay Beach: Rock climbing heaven and singles beach hookup scene.
- Ko Yao: One of the many little resort islands surrounding Phuket.
- Ko Libong: Near Trang, one of the new breed of hot island destinations and a real beauty.
- Patong Beach: Phuket’s main party and tourist hangout is long on fun and short on friendliness.
National parks
- Phang-nga National Park: Inland limestone karsts, stunning jungle and exotic wildlife make this a must-visit destination.
- Tarutao National Park: The southernmost islands in Thailand are real gems if you can handle the long boat ride to reach them.
- Ko Surin National Park: Legendary snorkeling awaits at this island paradise well offshore in the Andaman.
- Ko Similan National Park: One of the world’s top 10 dive spots is truly as magical as the guidebooks suggest.
- Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park: Waterfalls and jungle reach down to some of the finest beach in the country.
- Sirinath National Park: The northwest corner of Phuket and some great reefs offshore make up this top-notch sand and sea park.
Need to Know
- Worth it?: Definitely, those who enjoy pristine sandy beaches, water sports and jungle trekking will be in their element here.
- What to do: Soaking up the sun on the beach, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, caving, taking in the magic of local festivals.
- Best time to go: From October until February when the weather is dry and relatively cool.
- How long?: At least five days and nights are needed to soak up the sun here.
- Trivia: The Andaman Coast is famed as one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world and is lined with sandy beaches and attractive offshore islands.