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KO YAO

KRABI TOWN

KHAO PHANOM BENCHA NATIONAL PARK

AO NANG

AROUND AO NANG

RAILAY

KO PHI-PHI DON

KO PHI-PHI LEH

KO JAM & KO SI BOYA

KO LANTA

TRANG TOWN

TRANG BEACHES

TRANG ISLANDS

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As airfares soar and vacation time dwindles, we tighten the grip on our ‘travel bibles’ in hopes of planning the best trip ever. This is a daunting task, especially for those of us on the relentless quest for ‘-est’. Fortunately, the Andaman Coast is the ultimate land of superlatives: the tallest karst formations, the longest beaches, the softest sands, the bluest water – the list goes on.

Along the coast, boats from Khao Lak idle between the Similan and Surin islands, dropping scuba buffs deep down into the greatest dive sights around. Further south, Phuket, the biggest island, is the region’s hedonistic launching pad, offering a glimmer of what’s to come next.

The Andaman’s signature pinnacles of jagged jungle-clad slate come to a stunning climax in Krabi. The region’s earthen fortresses lie frozen in the sea – each one protected by a halo of neon reefs. Ko Phi-Phi Don’s unimaginable beauty exceeds even the highest expectations. Scurry up to viewpoints for change-your-life vistas of the island’s idyllic hourglass-shaped sandbar. At Railay, climbers take in the scenery as they dangle like ornaments on a giant Christmas tree.

Down in Trang, the skyscraping swell of iconic limestone starts to sink back into the deep, but not before punctuating the coastline with a handful of anthropomorphic islets. This quiet getaway, the Andaman’s best-kept secret (until now), is the mystical stomping ground of the local sea gypsies, who cast their lines amongst the finest blooms of snorkel-worthy coral. Save these islands for the end of your journey – we guarantee you’ll be imprest.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Cavorting with curious pufferfish in the necklaces of fiery coral draped around each of the Trang Islands ( Click here)

Tooling around on your motorbike uncovering local markets and desolate beaches on Ko Lanta ( Click here)

Tempting your tastebuds with a heady mix of gourmet treats and street-side eats on Phuket ( Click here)

Slinking into the sea for a sunrise dive while cruising through Thailand’s top scuba sites on a live-aboard from Khao Lak ( Click here)

Spotting colourful hornbills and prancing monkeys from your wooden canoe while paddling between the peaks of Khao Sok National Park ( Click here)

Floating in a sea of lapis lazuli while staring up at the astounding limestone crags on Ko Phi-Phi ( Click here)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: December–April

Population: 1.13 million

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Climate

A main concern when visiting Thailand’s southern provinces is the weather. The Andaman Coast receives more rain than the southern gulf provinces – with May to October being the months of heaviest downpours. During this time, passenger boat frequency to the islands slows, and in many instances ferries suspend their service (most in the far south).

National Parks

This region has more than its share of national parks. Ao Phang-Nga ( Click here) offers limestone cliffs, islands and caves to explore by sea kayaking, scuba diving or snorkelling. Khao Sok ( Click here) has endless hectares of prehistoric rainforest. Khao Lak/Lam Ru ( Click here) offers hiking past cliffs and beaches, while multiple islands and throngs of mangroves and jungle make Laem Son ( Click here) perfect for birding. The Similan Islands Marine National Park ( Click here) is a world-class diving and snorkelling destination, as is the Surin Islands Marine National Park ( Click here). The islands in the Ko Lanta archipelago ( Click here) are well worth a visit, as are the jungly islets surrounding Ko Phi-Phi ( Click here). Sa Nang Manora Forest Park ( Click here) has a fairyland setting of moss-encrusted roots and rocks, as well as multilevel waterfalls.

Getting There & Away

Frequent flights from Bangkok land in Phuket and Krabi, making travel to the Andaman Coast a breeze. Phuket also services a slew of domestic and international destinations like Chiang