Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
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.
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 has a few upscale accommodation options. 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.
Noppharat Thara Beach, part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, is a 15-minute walk from central Ao Nang. Though it has also been developed with hotels and resorts, it is still a stunning soft-white sandy beach that stretches over 6 km (4 miles). 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. In addition to the exclusive resorts and on-beach masseuses, 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; sunset.
Once cluttered with beach umbrellas, Patong Beach now has some room for both sunbathing and playing soccer or Frisbee on the sand. Every conceivable beach activity—from wakeboarding to Jet Skiing to parasailing—is available. Patong became so popular because of its picture-perfect nature, but it has become a victim of its own success: Despite intermittent cleanup efforts, its popularity has caused some degradation of the environment, and the crowds keep this from being the peaceful paradise it once was. 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, Maya Bay is a spectacular site. You can no longer swim or sail into Maya Bay even when it is open; instead, boats dock in Loh Samah Bay and visitors trek overland---which, unfortunately, does not solve the problem of overtourism.
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 food, games, and traditional crafts—and an indoor theater where Thai history is told through dance 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. Exercise caution 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 Heroines 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 heroine sisters in the 18th century. 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.
Tham Lot is a large limestone cave with an an opening to the sea large enough for boats to pass through. It can be explored by canoe or an inflatable boat to see the impressive stalactites and stalagmites, some as long as 100 meters.
Not to be confused with the Tonsai, in Railay, this Tonsai Beach is not a place for the fainthearted; it's crowded, noisy, and not the cleanest. The best time to visit is in the early morning when most of the young revelers are sleeping off the excesses of the previous night. Amenities: showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers.
The largest and most famous of Phuket's Buddhist temples, Wat Chalong---officially Wat Chaiyathararam---has gilt statues of two revered monks who helped quell an 1876 Chinese rebellion. The newest addition is the 61-meter high chedi that houses a splinter of bone from the Buddha, which is considered a sacred relic. The temple grounds generally open during daylight hours. It's also home to the annual Chalong Temple Fair that coincides with the Lunar New Year (January or February).
Just 3 km (2 miles, or a 10-minute drive) from Krabi Town is Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple), with its giant Buddha statue and scenic surrounding landscapes. Built in 1976 as a monastery and meditation retreat, Wat Tham Suea is both respected by the local population and popular with tourists. Locals come to participate in Buddhist rituals, while most tourists come to climb the 1,237 steps to panoramic views of the cliffs, Krabi Town, the Krabi River, and the Panom Benja mountain range. There's also a cave with many chambers, which can be fun to explore, though it's not terribly attractive. The wat is between Krabi Town and the airport.
