Southern Andaman Coast Travel Guide

Discover the best of Southern Andaman Coast in Thailand with our comprehensive travel guide. From cultural and natural attractions to food, accommodation, and safety tips – this guide covers it all.


Introduction to Southern Andaman Coast

The Southern Andaman Coast is a breathtaking region located in Southern Thailand. With its lush tropical forests, white sandy beaches, emerald waters, and limestone cliffs, it’s no surprise that it’s one of Thailand’s most visited destinations.

The region is home to several islands, including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Lanta, each offering something unique to visitors.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Southern Andaman Coast, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Andaman Coast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wat Chalong Temple: one of the most revered temples in Phuket, known for its impressive architecture and intricate artwork.
  • Krabi Town: a charming town known for its peaceful ambiance, local markets, and vibrant street art.
  • Thalang National Museum: a museum showcasing the history and culture of Phuket through a collection of artifacts and exhibits.
  • Koh Lanta Old Town: a quaint fishing village with a unique mix of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Natural Attractions of Southern Andaman Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Railay Beach: a stunning beach that can only be accessed by boat, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water.
  • James Bond Island: a stunning island made famous by the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”
  • Maya Bay: a beautiful bay located on the Phi Phi Islands, known for its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery.
  • Ko Phi Phi Viewpoint: a must-visit spot in Phi Phi Island for its panoramic views of the island and beautiful sunset view.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Andaman Coast

  • Khao Phanom Bencha National Park: a park offering a range of hiking trails through the jungle, waterfalls, and stunning limestone cliffs.
  • Krabi Jungle: a scenic biking trail through the lush Krabi jungle, with multiple stops along the way for scenic views and refreshments.

Best Things to Do in Southern Andaman Coast: Activities and Tours

  • Island Hoping: explore the surrounding islands while enjoying the beautiful views from the boat and enjoying water activities like snorkelling and kayaking.
  • Scuba Diving: discover the colourful marine life while diving in the open sea with professional trainers.
  • Thai Cooking Classes: perfect for food enthusiasts, this class offers the opportunity to learn how to prepare delicious Thai dishes.
  • Sunset Cruises: a perfect way to end the day, cruise through the sea en-watching stunning sunsets and beautiful marine life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Andaman Coast

Day 1: Arrive in Phuket and take a relaxing stroll through Old Phuket Town. Day 2: Explore Phuket’s beaches, like Patong, Kata, and Karon Beach. Day 3: Head to Krabi and hike to Tiger Cave Temple and enjoy the scenic beauty. Day 4: Take a boat ride to Koh Phi Phi and relax on the beach. Day 5: Participate in water sports or go island hopping. Day 6: Venture to Ko Lanta and kayak through the mangroves and visit the Old Town. Day 7: Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise overlooking the picturesque Southern Andaman Coast.

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Andaman Coast

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tom Yum Goong – a hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, and lime juice
  • Massaman Curry – a rich curry made with meat, potatoes, and peanuts
  • Som Tam – a spicy green papaya salad
  • Pad Thai – a stir-fried rice noodle dish with meat or seafood and vegetables

Local Beverages

  • Chang Beer – an iconic Thai draft beer
  • Singha Beer – a widely consumed Thai beer
  • Thai Iced Tea – a refreshing drink made with black tea, condensed milk, and sugar
  • Cha Yen – a creamy, sweet iced tea made with condensed milk

Where to Stay in Southern Andaman Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort: a luxurious resort with sea view rooms and a private beach.
  • The Beacha Club Hotel: a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Patong Beach.
  • Krabi Sands Resort: a peaceful and relaxing resort with a beautiful pool.
  • Bananas Bungalows: a guesthouse with bungalows in a beautiful location, perfect for budget-travellers.

What to Buy in Southern Andaman Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Phuket Pearl Jewelry – popular for its unique and beautiful pearl jewelry, mostly freshwater pearls.
  • Chang Handicraft – art and crafts made by local artisans, including wooden bowls, bags, clothes, and ornaments.
  • Batik Fabric and Souvenirs – unique clothing designs made of beautiful Thai Batik fabric, can also be used as souvenirs to take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Andaman Coast

Southern Andaman Coast is known for its friendly and hospitable locals who adhere to traditional Thai customs and values. It is important to dress appropriately in temples and other sacred places. One can enter temples only in proper attire such as covered legs, arms and shoes.

Best Time to Visit Southern Andaman Coast

The best time to visit the Southern Andaman Coast is between November and April when the weather is dry and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Andaman Coast

Do:

  • Respect the Buddhist culture and follow the customs.
  • Carry sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and comfortable shoes for outdoor activities.
  • Keep your surroundings clean and tidy.
  • Try the local food and specialties.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect or disregard any sacred sites or temples.
  • Litter on the beaches.
  • Wear revealing or inappropriate clothing in the monasteries and temples.
  • Touch or stand on the coral reefs while scuba diving or snorkeling.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Andaman Coast

Southern Andaman Coast is one of the safest travel destinations in Thailand for travelers of all ages. However, it is always important to take basic precautions regardless of where you’re travelling.

  • Keep your valuables locked up.
  • Avoid walking alone late at night.
  • Follow the rules while participating in water sports.

Health in Southern Andaman Coast

The healthcare system in Thailand, including the Southern Andaman Coast, is fairly decent. Visitors are recommended to get vaccine for tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Japanese Encaphalitis as a preventive measure. Also, travelers must carry sufficient travel insurance.

Getting to Southern Andaman Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Andaman Coast

  • Phuket International Airport - located 32 km from Phuket Town.
  • Krabi International Airport - located 15 km from Krabi Town.

Bus Stations Near Southern Andaman Coast

  • Phuket Bus Terminal – located in Phuket Town.
  • Krabi Bus Terminal – located in Krabi Town.

Other Options

  • Taxis, mini-vans, ferries, and boats are other transportation options you can use for traveling around Southern Andaman Coast.

How to Get Around in Southern Andaman Coast

  • Taxi and Tuk-Tuk: easily available in cities, which are ideal for solo and group travelers.
  • Bike Rental: a great option if you’re looking for an adventure and want to explore Southern Andaman Coast at your pace.
  • Longtail Boats: a unique transport option that can take you to nearby islands and be used for island hopping.

Where to Go Next from Southern Andaman Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bangkok – Thailand’s capital city, known for its vibrant street life, amazing night shows and shopping.
  • Koh Samui – a beautiful, tranquil island known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
  • Chiang Mai – a beautiful city known for its peaceful lifestyle, beautiful temples, and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

The Southern Andaman Coast in Thailand has a lot to offer to all types of travelers. From its scenic beauty to its cultural attractions and local cuisine, there is something for everyone. We hope that this complete guide has given you everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Southern Andaman Coast. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.



    Ko Ngai
    Ko Tarutao
    Pak Bara
    Trang