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.
What is it?: The Andaman Coast is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, vibrant islands, and diverse marine life. Destinations like Krabi, Phuket, and Phang-nga offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, with access to some of Thailand’s most famous islands like Koh Phi Phi and James Bond Island.
Affordability: Varies - While Krabi and Takuapa offer more budget-friendly options, places like Phuket and Khao Lak can be more expensive, especially in tourist-heavy areas. However, the region offers a range of accommodations and food options for all budgets.
Safety: Very safe - The Andaman Coast is a popular and safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s always good to stay cautious in busy areas.
Popularity: Popular - The Andaman Coast is one of Thailand’s top destinations for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Famous islands and beaches attract millions of visitors annually, while quieter spots like Khao Lak offer a more relaxed experience.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed - Major towns like Phuket, Krabi, and Khao Lak are well-equipped with modern amenities, including resorts, restaurants, and activities. Smaller towns like Takuapa offer a more authentic experience, with fewer tourist facilities but still accessible.
Weather: Tropical - The region experiences a tropical climate with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the weather is ideal for beach activities, water sports, and island hopping.
Best Time to Go: November to April - The dry season offers perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, diving, and beach lounging, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain.
Known For: Stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, clear waters, vibrant islands, marine life, James Bond Island, diving, and traditional Thai towns.
Top Destinations: Phuket • Krabi • Phang-nga • Ranong • Khao Lak • Takuapa • Similan Islands • Railay Beach • Koh Phi Phi • James Bond Island • Surin Islands
- 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.
Krabi Province
Krabi Province, located along Thailand’s Andaman coast, is a paradise for beach lovers, climbers, and island-hoppers. The main settlement, Krabi Town, serves primarily as a transport hub, but the province is famed for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Tourists flock here to explore stunning beaches, embark on boat trips to nearby islands like Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, and enjoy outdoor adventures like rock climbing at Railay or kayaking through mangrove forests. Inland, Krabi offers lush jungles, caves, and natural hot springs, creating a diverse mix of relaxation and adventure.
- Krabi: Laid-back town serving as a gateway to nearby beaches and islands.
- Ao Nang: Bustling beach town with restaurants, nightlife, and boat tours.
- Hat Noppharat Thara: Long stretch of sandy beach lined with casuarina trees, popular for sunsets.
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park: Mountain park with waterfalls, caves, and nature trails.
- Ko Phi-Phi: Famous island known for its cliffs, turquoise bays, and snorkeling.
- Ko Lanta: Laid-back island with quiet beaches and family-friendly resorts.
- Ko Jam: Small, peaceful island with rustic accommodations and empty beaches.
- Ko Si Boya: Off-the-beaten-path island offering tranquility and fishing villages.
- Railay: World-renowned rock climbing destination with beautiful secluded beaches.
- Than Bokkharani National Park: Inland park with emerald pools, caves, and waterfalls.
- Wat Tham Seua: “Tiger Cave Temple” featuring forest walks and a panoramic summit viewpoint.
Phang Nga Province
Phang Nga Province is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, boasting some of Thailand’s most breathtaking seascapes. The province is home to Ao Phang Nga National Park, famous for its towering limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald waters, including the iconic “James Bond Island.” Visitors come for sea kayaking, snorkeling, and island-hopping adventures through hidden lagoons and sea caves. Inland, lush forests, waterfalls, and small coastal towns offer a more relaxed pace. Phang Nga is also the launch point for trips to the Similan and Surin Islands, two of the country’s premier diving and snorkeling destinations.
- Phang-nga: Small town near the bay with access to boat tours and local markets.
- Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park: Scenic bay with limestone cliffs, sea caves, and mangroves.
- Ko Panyi: Floating Muslim village built on stilts over the water, famous for its seafood and soccer field.
- Khao Lak: Laid-back beach town with long sandy shores and access to diving trips.
- Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park: Coastal park with forest trails, viewpoints, and quiet beaches.
- Bang Niang: Popular area north of Khao Lak with markets and mid-range resorts.
- Bang Sak: Quieter beach area with family-friendly resorts and peaceful shores.
- Similan Islands Marine National Park: World-class diving and snorkeling archipelago with clear waters and coral reefs.
- Surin Islands Marine National Park: Remote islands known for vibrant coral reefs and Moken sea gypsy villages.
- Sa Nang Manora Forest Park: Small forest park with waterfalls and picnic areas.
Phuket Province
Phuket Province, Thailand’s largest island, is a global tourist magnet known for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the bustling beach towns like Patong, visitors can discover quieter spots like Kata and Nai Harn, explore colorful old Phuket Town with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, and take boat trips to nearby islands. The island offers a wide range of activities, from scuba diving and snorkeling to jungle trekking and cooking classes. Phuket’s cultural side is also rich, with temples, shrines, and festivals adding depth to a beach getaway.
- Phuket: Island hub with beaches, resorts, nightlife, and historic old town.
- Ko Hae: Also known as Coral Island, a popular day-trip spot for snorkeling and water sports.
- Ko Raya Yai: Quiet island south of Phuket with white beaches and dive resorts.
- Ko Raya Noi: Smaller, less developed island ideal for diving and boat trips.
Ranong Province
Ranong Province is Thailand’s least-visited coastal province, offering unspoiled nature and authentic local charm. Bordering Myanmar, Ranong is famous for its hot springs, lush rainforests, and as a gateway to the islands of Ko Phayam and Ko Chang. It’s a province for travelers seeking peace and quiet, wellness experiences, and eco-tourism adventures. Ranong’s rainy climate feeds its lush greenery, waterfalls, and rivers, making it perfect for nature hikes and jungle escapes. The town itself retains a slow pace with a mix of Thai and Burmese influences.
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.
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.
- 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.