Phuket and the Andaman Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Phuket and the Andaman Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Phuket and the Andaman Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
On the western edge of Noppharat Thara National Park, Laem Son Beach is a long stretch of sand with a few vendors selling Thai specialities. There are a few inexpensive beachside bungalows to stay at, too. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: solitude; sunset; swimming.
Accessible by boat only, Laem Tong Beach is more secluded than some of the other Phi Phi beaches. The turquoise waters are warm and the beach is bordered by jungle. All this gives Laem Tong more of a tropical-island-paradise feel than other busier Phi Phi beaches. Local fishermen can bring you here and take you to other nearby destinations on their longtail boats for less money than organized trips. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; swimming.
On the other side of the Phi Phi Don Island from Tonsai Village, Loh Dalum has all the hallmarks of a tropical paradise: clear emerald waters, views onto the beautiful bay, and a white sandy beach. However, it's also touristy, busy, and noisy—an unfortunate symptom of Phi Phi's popularity. Beach bars put on spectacular fire shows at night, and the partying lasts well into the early hours. Swimming is best at high tide. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming.
Long Beach, a few minutes' longtail boat ride from Tonsai Pier, affords visitors a calmer and more relaxing experience away from the madding crowds. The white sands are almost silky underfoot and there are gorgeous views of Phi Phi Leh. Day-trippers often only stay for a dip and lunch, so the rest of the time it's pretty peaceful. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
This is Phuket's northernmost beach and it's still a haven for leatherback turtles that lay their eggs here between November and February. The J. W. Marriott here has a beach club if you're looking for a bite to eat and the next-door Sirinath Marine National Park is worth a visit to learn about the turtles. Mai Khao connects with Nai Yang Beach to form Phuket's longest stretch of sand, and is ideal for long walks or a jog. It's dangerous to swim during the monsoons. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.
The Mu (group) Koh Similan National Marine Park consists of the nine Similan Islands, as well as Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, which are farther north. The diving around the Similan Islands is world-class, with visibility of up to 120 feet; abundant blue, green, and purple coral; and rare marine life, such as the whale shark, the world's largest fish. In addition to sparkling, crystal-clear water, the Similan Islands also have ultrafine, powdery white-sand beaches and lush tropical forests. The National Park Service allows visitors to stay on the beaches of Koh Miang (Island 4) and Koh Similan (Island 8). If you plan to dive, contact a dive operator in Phuket or Khao Lak; there are no dive shops on the islands, though snorkeling gear is available for rent from the ranger stations.
South of Kata Beach the road cuts inland across the hills before it drops into yet another beautiful bay, Nai Harn. On the north side of the bay is the gleaming-white Nai Harn resort, beyond which lies the tiny bay of Ao Sane. But the main attraction is Nai Harn Beach itself, with plenty of surf to play in, and a favorite anchorage for yachts.
A few miles north of Bang Thao Bay, follow a smaller highway off the main routes (4030 and 4031) along a scenic coastline reminiscent of California's Pacific Coast Highway. These beaches are good for swimming and snorkeling in the dry season. Layan is a wildlife hot spot, as the lake behind the beach attracts lots of wildfowl. Nai Thon is 1 km long and still has few accommodations. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
Nai Yang Beach is really a continuation south of Mai Khao, making a long stretch of sand good for a jog or swimming in the dry season. Casuarina trees line the gently curving shore offering shade. It's a far quieter beach than most, with a strip of trees and a small string of beachside restaurants and bars, tour guides, tailors, and shops. Fishing boats anchor nearby, making for picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; sunset; swimming.
The four beaches that make up Railay Beach are connected by walking paths, and each has its own attractions. Tonsai Beach, with a pebble-strewn shore and shallow, rocky water, caters to budget travelers and rock climbers. West Railay has powdery white sand, shallow but swimmable water, gorgeous sunset views, and many kayaks for hire. East Railay, a mangrove-lined shore unsuitable for beach or water activities, draws rock-climbing enthusiasts, as well as younger travelers looking for late-night drinks and loud music. Phra Nang Beach, one of the nicest beaches in all Krabi, is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and rock-climbing. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.
Noppharat Thara Beach, part of Noppharat Thara National Park, is a 15-minute walk from central Ao Nang. After the renovated walking path was extended from Ao Nang in 2004, a mishmash of development followed (even though it's supposedly part of the national park). The beach is still pleasant but many of the trees have been uprooted to make way for resorts. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.
On Phuket’s west coast just north of Surin Beach, this small, secluded stretch of sand is backed by coconut trees and a variety of exotic flora and fauna. At the southern end of the beach is a small shack serving drinks and snacks, and there are loungers for hire. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; sunset.
Once cluttered with beach umbrellas, Patong Beach now has some room for both sunbathing and playing soccer or Frisbee on the beach. Every conceivable beach activity from wakeboarding to Jet Skiing to parasailing is available. Patong became so popular because of its picture-perfect paradisical nature, and now its popularity has caused some degradation of the environment, particularly noticeable when the monsoon rains wash the grime off the street and onto the beach. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.
Phi Phi Lae, where Maya Bay is located, is a popular day trip from Phi Phi Don via longtail or speedboat. The first stop is Viking Cave, a vast cavern of limestone pillars covered with crude drawings. Most boats continue on for an afternoon in Maya Bay, aka "The Beach," (though note the government has taken to closing Maya Bay periodically to allow the area's nature to recover from mass tourism). If you don't mind thronging crowds (snorkelers practically outnumber the fish), Maya Bay is a spectacular site. If you get a really early jump on everyone, cruise into a bay and leave first tracks along the powdery sand beach; otherwise, head to Loh Samah Bay, on the opposite side of the island. Loh Samah Bay may, in fact, be the better option. Though smaller, it is as beautiful as Maya Bay but receives less attention.
Long and wide, Phra Ae Beach is Lanta Yai's main tourist destination. The sand is soft and fine, perfect for both sunbathing and long walks. The water is less shallow than at other Lanta beaches, and therefore more suitable for swimming. Nevertheless, kayaks, catamarans, and other water activities, while available, are not as ubiquitous as on other islands. Although most lodging consists of simple budget resorts, the beachfront does have several three- and four-star accommodations. Along the beach and on the main road are many restaurants, bars, cafés, and dive operators. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.
From the top of the cliff at Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on Phuket, you're treated to a fantastic, panoramic view of Nai Harn Bay, the coastline, and a few outlying islands. At sunset you can share the view with swarms of others who pour forth from tour buses to view the same sight. If you're driving, arrive early so you get a parking spot. There's a lighthouse atop the point, as well as a collection of elephant statues where locals go to pray for good fortune.
Not far from Chalong is Rawai Beach. Though its not a beach to relax on, the pier makes for a pleasant early-evening walk. Longtails depart from here for offshore islands, and numerous decent Thai restaurants line the seafront.
This huge entertainment park contains a cultural village, complete with boats, games, and traditional crafts, and an indoor theater where Thai history is told through dance, performance, and song. The main show starts nightly at 8:30 pm, but come early to wander among the stalls.
This long stretch of sandy beach has some grassy areas shaded by pine trees---great spots to take refuge from the midday sun. The beach is generally quiet but it does get busy on weekends, as it's popular with local Thais and expats. The area is best avoided during the rainy season, as the seas can get rough and there are strong, dangerous currents. Refreshments can be bought from local vendors working the beach. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.
The National Museum, opposite the Heroine's Monument, has an engaging exhibition of the island's culture and history, including its encounter with the Burmese and their defeat by the island's two heroines. The building itself gives a glimpse into local culture, with its attractive architecture and design. The halls each show a different period of local and wider Thai history.
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