Northern Andaman Coast Travel Guide
Explore Northern Andaman Coast, Thailand with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Northern Andaman Coast
- List of Places to Visit in Northern Andaman Coast
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Andaman Coast
- Best Things to Do in Northern Andaman Coast: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Andaman Coast
- Food and Drink Scene of Northern Andaman Coast
- Where to Stay in Northern Andaman Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Northern Andaman Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Northern Andaman Coast
- Best Time to Visit Northern Andaman Coast
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Andaman Coast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northern Andaman Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northern Andaman Coast
- Where to Go Next from Northern Andaman Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Northern Andaman Coast
The Northern Andaman Coast is located in Southern Thailand, offering visitors a breathtaking coastline that spans from Khao Lak in the north to Ranong in the south. This region is known for its pristine beaches, diverse activities, and cultural attractions that make it a top tourist destination in Thailand. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Andaman Coast, from the best places to visit, where to stay, things to do, and more.
List of Places to Visit in Northern Andaman Coast
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Northern Andaman Coast is rich in history with a variety of cultural attractions. Visit Phuket Old Town to experience Sino-Portuguese architecture and historical sites such as the Thalang National Museum and Wat Chalong Temple. The Baan Chinpracha Museum is another popular attraction, showcasing a unique mixture of Thai and Chinese architecture.
Natural Attractions of Northern Andaman Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
There is something for everyone in Northern Andaman Coast when it comes to natural attractions. Khao Lak is popular for its serene beaches, while Krabi offers stunning limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters perfect for scuba diving. Take a boat tour to explore the beautiful Phang Nga Bay or visit the Khao Sok National Park to experience camping, hiking, and trekking activities.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Andaman Coast
For avid outdoor adventurers, the Northern Andaman Coast offers a plethora of hiking and biking routes. Trails such as the Khao Sok National Park and Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. For those who love to bike, the beach roads running through Khao Lak and Phuket Old Town are perfect for a scenic ride.
Best Things to Do in Northern Andaman Coast: Activities and Tours
From adventure sports to cultural experiences, Northern Andaman Coast has plenty of activities sure to keep every visitor entertained. Take a cooking class and learn Thai cuisine or explore the vibrant street markets for local handicrafts and souvenirs. Group tours to islands such as the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island offer scenic boat rides and snorkeling opportunities in the clear waters.
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Andaman Coast
A week in Northern Andaman Coast provides enough time to explore the diverse attractions. Start by visiting Phuket Old Town and its surrounding beaches, then head north to Khao Lak for nature and adventure activities. Spend a few nights in Krabi to explore the stunning limestone cliffs and islands before returning to Phuket for some souvenirs and delicious Thai cuisine.
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Andaman Coast
Must-Try Dishes
Northern Andaman Coast offers a variety of Thai dishes with unique flavors influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Malay cultures. Must-try dishes include the spicy, sour, and sweet Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai noodles, and green curry. Seafood is also prevalent in the region, especially local delicacies such as grilled squid and curry crab.
Local Beverages
The region is famous for refreshing, tropical cocktails such as the classic Mai Tai, and the Thai-inspired Tom Yum cocktail. Local beers such as Singha and Chang are also popular, while non-alcoholic drinks such as Thai iced tea and coconut water can be found at every corner.
Where to Stay in Northern Andaman Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Northern Andaman Coast has a range of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget hostels and guesthouses. Phuket and Krabi are popular for their high-end accommodations. Khao Lak offers eco-lodges and mid-range hotels for those looking for a comfortable stay at a budget price.
What to Buy in Northern Andaman Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visit local markets such as the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket and the Krabi Walking Street to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs such as traditional Thai clothing, wooden carvings, and handmade soaps. Buy spices and chili pastes to take home and recreate your favorite Thai dishes.
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Andaman Coast
Thailand is known for its warm hospitality and friendly cultural practices. As a sign of respect, visitors should remove their shoes when entering temples and homes. Buddhism is the primary religion in Thailand, and visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.
Best Time to Visit Northern Andaman Coast
November to April is the best time to visit Northern Andaman Coast, with warm temperatures and clear skies ideal for outdoor activities and beach lounging. The rainy season starts from May and lasts until October, with heavy rainfalls in September.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Andaman Coast
Do:
- Wear sunscreen and a hat when spending time outdoors
- Try the local food and drinks
- Learn about Thai culture and customs
Don’t:
- Forget to negotiate when shopping in the local markets
- Disrespect the Buddha and other religious symbols
- Litter or damage the natural attractions
Safety and Health
Safety in Northern Andaman Coast
As with any tourist destination, visitors should exercise caution when traveling in Northern Andaman Coast. Avoid drinking tap water and participate in tours with licensed and registered companies. Use safety deposit boxes in hotels and guesthouses to protect belongings and money.
Health in Northern Andaman Coast
Visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and zika virus by wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellent. Pharmacies are available in major cities, but visitors should bring their medication and have proper travel insurance.
Getting to Northern Andaman Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Northern Andaman Coast
Phuket International Airport is the primary airport serving Northern Andaman Coast, located in the north of Phuket. Krabi Airport is also close to the region, with flights to and from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.
Bus Stations Near Northern Andaman Coast
Phuket Bus Terminal 2 and Krabi Bus Terminal serve as transportation hubs for buses to and from the region. Local buses and vans run frequently between major cities such as Phuket, Krabi, and Khao Lak.
Other Options
Taxis and private cars can be hired at the airports and major cities. Visitors can also consider renting a car or bike to explore the region at their leisure.
How to Get Around in Northern Andaman Coast
Motorbikes, scooters, and bicycles are popular ways to explore Northern Andaman Coast. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available in major cities, but visitors should negotiate fares before boarding. Boat tours also offer an excellent way to explore the region’s islands and beaches.
Where to Go Next from Northern Andaman Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
The nearby destinations from Northern Andaman Coast include Phang Nga, Similan Islands, and Surat Thani. Phang Nga offers boat tours of the stunning Phang Nga Bay and famous James Bond Island, while the Similan Islands offer a serene and beautiful diving experience. Surat Thani has access to Khao Sok National Park to experience the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Conclusion
A visit to Northern Andaman Coast will leave visitors with unforgettable memories of Thailand’s stunning coastlines, diverse cultures, and natural attractions. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to this beautiful region to explore everything it has to offer.