Guide to the Andaman coast Thailand
Thailand boasts one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines along the eastern shores of the Andaman Sea. Pictures of glistening white beaches and azure waters, with awesome backdrops of sheer karst pillars, are common on the country’s exotic-looking brochures.
The Andaman coast stretches from Thailand’s border with Burma at the Isthmus of Kra, 150kms north of Phuket, all the way to the Malaysian border and it’s blessed with some of the world’s most remarkable scenery. Formed by a bizarre karst landscape comprising of hundreds of limestone pillars and rocky outcrops that dot the sea and land this part of the Andaman coast is unique is character.
Phuket is at the centre of the Andaman coast in Thailand, with its busy tourist trade, lovely beaches, plush resorts and every manner of convenience. Further north however, the coastline remains equally beautiful but far less developed in areas such as Khao Lak and smaller, more exclusive resort centres, typified by long beaches lined with casurina and coconut trees, and flat inland mangrove.
Off shore in the Andaman Sea are two island groups that promise seclusion, fantastic diving and an escape from the crowds. The Similan islands are notable for their boulder landscape and undeveloped beaches, though drier than the lush flora of the mainland. Further north the Surin islands are similarly known for good diving and beach camping, and both are national parks. Live aboard yacht trips are a practical way to visit these islands.
Behind Phuket, on the east side, lies one of the coast’s most stunning areas, stretching from the awesome theatre of Pha Nga Bay to the popular family-orientated resort area of Krabi and including the quieter Yao islands. This entire part of the Andaman coast is noted for its concentration of the remarkable karst landscape for which the coast is famous. South of here is a popular vacation island, Koh Lanta, which doesn’t boast the same towering backdrops but offers lovely beaches at affordable rates.
And finally, the jewel in the Andaman crown is the Phi Phi islands, which are breath-taking in their natural design and featured in the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach, mainly due to their stunning lagoons of turquoise water and coconut lined tropical beaches.
Using Phuket as a base, it’s possible to make day trips to some of these highlights or short excursions to others, and it’s certainly worth venturing away from your comfortable resort to witness some of the finest coastal scenery in the world.
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Phi Phi IslandsThailand’s ‘poster islands’ , this archipelago consists of the stunning Phi Phi Ley with its Maya Bay and the popular Phi Phi Don, take a day trip to discover this topical gems...more |
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Pha Nga BayAn incredible seascape of karst pillars, islands and cliffs, scattered over 400 square kms of jawc-dopping scenery, a must day trip to add to your itinerary...more |
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KrabiMore incredible karst backdrops in this popular province near Phuket, including Ao Nang and Railay Beaches, with pretty scenery and hotel views...more |
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Koh LantaA more down-to-earth, all island experience for families and those wanting escape Phuket, a two hour ferry ride away with great beachfront resorts...more |
