Andaman Coast

Phuket (543 km²) is Thailand's largest island — and with over 10 million visitors annually, the country's tourist powerhouse. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and has an international airport with direct flights from Europe. Phuket polarizes: The west coast is highly developed with resorts, shopping malls, and nightlife, while the north and east have remained surprisingly quiet and authentic.

★★★ Kata Noi Beach

The most beautiful beach in Phuket — a small, perfectly shaped bay with fine light sand and crystal-clear water. Only 200 m wide and framed by rocks, Kata Noi feels like a private bay. In the high season (November–April), the water is calm and ideal for swimming. The Katathani Resort dominates the hill, but the beach is publicly accessible.

Sunbed: 200 ฿. Parking: 50 ฿. No jet ski noise (prohibited). Best time: mornings before 10 AM.

★★★ Freedom Beach

Phuket's best-kept secret — a pristine white sand beach, accessible only by longtail boat (from Patong, 1,500 ฿ round trip for the whole boat) or via a steep, slippery jungle path (20 min). The water is as clear as in the Maldives. Maximum 100 visitors at a time. There is a small restaurant with acceptable prices (Pad Thai 120 ฿, beer 100 ฿).

Entrance: 100 ฿ (if via the footpath). Best access by boat from Patong.

★★ Nai Harn Beach

At the southern end of the island, far from the hustle and bustle — a wide, beautiful beach, popular with locals and expats. In the rainy season, surfers get their money's worth here (waves up to 2 m). Behind it, a large lake (Nai Harn Lake) and a Buddhist temple. Much less commercial than the west coast.

★★ Surin Beach

The beach of the beautiful and wealthy — Phuket's most exclusive shore. Fine sand, good restaurants in the area, and a well-maintained atmosphere. Since the clearing of illegal beach clubs (2017), the beach itself is natural again, but the surroundings remain upscale. Twin Palms Resort within walking distance.

★★ Mai Khao Beach

Phuket's longest beach (11 km!) at the far north, adjacent to the Sirinat National Park. Almost deserted, as it is far from the tourist centers. Here, planes land directly overhead — a spectacle for plane spotters. Between November and February, sea turtles nest here.

★ Kata Beach

The larger sister of Kata Noi — wider, busier, with more infrastructure. A good all-round beach for families with surfboard rental (from 300 ฿/hr), restaurants, and shops within walking distance.

Patong Beach — Is it necessary?

Phuket's most famous beach is also the most commercialized. 3 km of sand, lined with hotels, massage salons, jet skis, and noise. At night, Bangla Road transforms into a neon-lit party mile with go-go bars, ladyboy shows, and cheap cocktails. Some love it, many hate it. If you want to experience Phuket's beaches, there are dozens of better options.

While the west coast belongs to mass tourism, Phuket Town in the southeast of the island has preserved its historic charm. The old town is an architectural gem — rows of restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses from the 19th century, when Phuket was a prosperous tin mining center and Chinese immigrants shaped the cityscape.

★★★ Thalang Road & Soi Romanee

The most photogenic street in Thailand outside Bangkok. Pastel-colored facades in yellow, turquoise, and pink, wrought-iron balconies, antique wooden doors, and street art on the walls. In the former opium dens and brothels of Soi Romanee (yes, really), there are now charming cafes, boutique hotels, and galleries. Plan 2–3 hours for a relaxed stroll.

★★★ Sunday Walking Street Market

Every Sunday from 4 PM to 10 PM, Thalang Road becomes a pedestrian zone with over 200 stalls. Street food (Hokkien Mee: 50 ฿, Roti with curry: 40 ฿, Cashew ice cream: 40 ฿), live music, handicrafts, and a fantastic atmosphere. The best evening of the week in Phuket — miles away from Patong's neon madness.

★★ Thai Hua Museum

In the most beautiful shophouse of the old town, this lovingly designed museum tells the story of Chinese immigration to Phuket. Multimedia installations, historical photos, and artifacts. An excellent introduction to understanding Phuket's multicultural identity.

Entrance: 200 ฿. Tuesday–Sunday 9 AM–5 PM. Audioguide in English included.

★★ Dining in the Old Town

One Chun — The best Phuket food on the island: Hokkien noodles (Mee Hokkien, 80 ฿), Crab Curry (180 ฿), Phuket-Style Cashew Chicken (120 ฿). Local specialties that differ significantly from "standard Thai." Often a queue at lunchtime — a good sign.

Kopitiam by Wilai — Charming café in a historic shophouse. Dim Sum (60 ฿), Kaya Toast (40 ฿), Thai iced coffee (50 ฿). Instagram-worthy interior.

Raya — Fine Thai cuisine in a beautiful colonial house. The Yellow Curry with Crab (320 ฿) is legendary. Reservation recommended. Main courses 180–400 ฿.

Krabi is the counterpoint to Phuket — less developed, cheaper, and even more dramatically scenic. The province stretches along the Andaman Coast and offers some of Thailand's most iconic landscapes: hundreds of limestone monoliths rising from emerald waters and dense jungle. Ao Nang is the main tourist hub and starting point for boat tours to Railay, Phi Phi, and the Four Islands.

★★★ Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

The most impressive temple in the region — not because of its architecture, but because of the view. Exactly 1,237 steps lead up the steep limestone mountain to the golden Buddha at the summit. The climb is brutal (30–60 min, depending on fitness), the steps are uneven and sometimes steep. But at the top, a 360° panorama awaits you over the entire Krabi coastal strip, the offshore islands, and the endless rice fields in the hinterland. One of the best viewpoints in all of southern Thailand.

Entrance: free. Daily 8 AM–5 PM (best start before 9 AM, before the heat comes). Bring water (at least 1 liter). Long pants or sarong required.

★★★ Four Islands Tour

The most popular boat tour from Ao Nang — by longtail boat (1,200 ฿) or speedboat (1,800 ฿) to four dream destinations:

• Koh Tup — At low tide, a sandbar connects two islands. Surreal photo motif
• Koh Mor — Small rocky island for snorkeling
• Koh Poda — Postcard beach with white sand and limestone cliffs. Snorkeling at the reef
• Phra Nang Cave Beach — One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, at the foot of a gigantic limestone wall with a phallus shrine in a cave (a fertility symbol)

Longtail: 1,200 ฿ (from Ao Nang, including national park fee 400 ฿). Duration: 5–6 hours. Snorkeling equipment included. Lunch on Koh Poda.

★★ Emerald Pool & Hot Springs

Inland, 60 km from Ao Nang, lies the Sa Morakot (Emerald Pool) — a natural freshwater pool whose water shimmers bright emerald green due to minerals. An 800 m long wooden walkway leads through the lowland rainforest to the pool. Another 1,400 m further is the Blue Pool — even more intensely colored, but swimming is prohibited. Nearby: Klong Thom Hot Springs, natural hot springs in the jungle (38–42°C).

Entrance Emerald Pool: 200 ฿. Hot Springs: 200 ฿. Best with rental car or organized tour (1,500 ฿ from Ao Nang, full day).

★★ Ao Nang Town

The main town is not a beauty — a tourist street with restaurants, dive schools, massage salons, and souvenir shops. But Ao Nang is practical: All boat tours start here, there are cheap accommodations in every price range, and the beach is acceptable for a sunset cocktail. Stay here, spend the days elsewhere.

Bungalow: from 500 ฿/night. Mid-range resort: 1,500–3,000 ฿. Pad Thai on the beach: 80 ฿. Beer: 80 ฿.

The Phi Phi Islands are among the most famous travel destinations in the world — and rightly so. The dramatic limestone formations rising from turquoise waters, Maya Bay (known from "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio), and excellent snorkeling make Phi Phi a must-visit. The only question is: Day trip or overnight stay?

★★★ Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh)

The most famous bay in Thailand — an almost closed lagoon, surrounded by 100 m high limestone cliffs, with a narrow sandy beach. After the film "The Beach" (2000), Maya Bay became so crowded that the Thai government closed it in 2018 for 4 years. Since the reopening in 2022, strict rules apply: a maximum of 375 visitors at a time, no swimming in the bay, time slots (each 1 hour).

Entrance: 400 ฿ (national park fee). Access only by organized tour. The bay is breathtakingly beautiful again — the corals are visibly recovering.

Day Trip (recommended for most)

Speedboat tour from Phuket: 1,800–2,500 ฿ (approx. 45–65€). Duration: 7–8 hrs. Stops: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon (snorkeling in crystal-clear water between cliffs), Monkey Beach, Viking Cave (only from outside), Bamboo Island (lunch and swimming). Departure 8 AM, return 4 PM.

Speedboat tour from Krabi/Ao Nang: 1,500–2,000 ฿. Shorter travel time (45 min instead of 90 min from Phuket), more time on site.

Longtail tour from Phi Phi Don: 800–1,200 ฿. If you stay overnight on Phi Phi, you can explore the Leh Islands by longtail — more flexible and personal.

Overnight Stay on Koh Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island of the archipelago — a mix of paradise and party hell. Tonsai Village, the main village, is car-free, tiny, and one big party at night. Fire show on the beach, bucket cocktails, and live music until the early hours. During the day, the village empties — everyone is on boat tours or at Long Beach.

Pro Overnight Stay:

• You experience the Viewpoint sunrise — the famous view over the twin bays is crowd-free early in the morning
• After 4 PM (when day-trippers leave), the beaches become empty and quiet
• The nightlife is legendary (though a bit chaotic)

Contra:

• The accommodations are expensive for the quality — a simple bungalow costs 800–1,500 ฿, a room with air conditioning 2,000–4,000 ฿
• It's noisy at night (parties until 4 AM), and the village is dirty
• The infrastructure is limited — electricity, water, and internet are unreliable

★★★ Viewpoint

The iconic viewpoint over the two bays of Phi Phi Don. 20–30 minutes climb over steps and paths. The view is as spectacular as in any photo — the symmetrical bays, the turquoise water, the limestone islands on the horizon. Come for sunrise (5:30–6:00 AM) or sunset (5:30 PM). During the day, it's crowded and hot at the top.

Entrance: 30 ฿. Bring water. Good shoes recommended.

Koh Lanta is the island for those tired of Phuket's hustle and Phi Phi's party excesses. The elongated island (30 km north-south) has retained its relaxed, uncomplicated charm: No jet skis, no neon parties, no crowds. Instead: long, empty beaches, excellent food, a friendly backpacker scene, and the most beautiful sunsets on the Andaman Coast.

★★★ Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach)

Koh Lanta's main beach — 4 km of fine golden sand, gentle entry, calm waters. Enough restaurants and bars for comfort, but never crowded. In the evenings, tables are set in the sand, lanterns are lit, and dinner becomes a romantic event. Accommodations range from simple bamboo bungalows (500 ฿) to boutique resorts (3,000–6,000 ฿).

★★★ Klong Dao Beach

The island's most family-friendly beach — wide, flat, with fine sand and gentle waves. Located in the north, close to the ferry pier and the small village of Saladan. Perfect for families with young children. The sunset here is legendary.

★★ Kantiang Bay

A beautiful crescent-shaped bay in the south — more secluded, quieter, and with the best snorkeling directly from the beach. The Pimalai Resort (one of Thailand's best hotels) sits on the hillside above. Budget travelers will also find cheap bungalows here (from 600 ฿). The restaurant "Same Same But Different" at the southern end is a hidden gem (fish BBQ from 200 ฿).

★★ Mu Ko Lanta National Park

At the southern end of the island lies the national park with a beautiful rocky beach, a lighthouse with panoramic views, and a short nature trail through mangrove forests. The main attraction: snorkeling at the offshore rocks with turtles and colorful reef fish.

Entrance: 200 ฿. Daily 8 AM–6 PM. Accessible by scooter (steep road at the end).

★★ Old Town (Ban Si Raya)

On the east coast lies Koh Lanta's historic center — an atmospheric village on stilts over the water. Chinese trading houses, a few cafes, a community museum, and a pier where fishermen land their catches. No tourist attractions in the classic sense, but an authentic insight into the island's original life. Small night market on Friday evenings.

★ Koh Rok — Day Trip

The uninhabited Koh Rok Islands, 30 km south of Lanta, offer the best snorkeling in the entire Krabi province: visibility up to 25 m, intact coral reefs, reef sharks, and turtles. Only accessible by organized day trip (speedboat: 1,500–1,800 ฿ from Koh Lanta, including national park fee, lunch, and snorkeling equipment). Open only from November to April.

Khao Lak (70 km north of Phuket) is a coastal town for those seeking peace, nature, and world-class diving. No party mile, no crowds — instead, kilometers of empty beaches, upscale jungle resorts, and the starting point for the spectacular Similan Islands. Khao Lak was severely hit by the tsunami in 2004 — the tsunami memorial (a police boat washed 2 km inland) is a poignant reminder.

★★★ Similan Islands

The nine Similan Islands (Mu Ko Similan National Park) are considered one of the 10 best diving areas in the world. Crystal-clear water with 25–40 m visibility, huge granite boulders above and below water, manta rays, whale sharks (rare), turtles, and a kaleidoscope of soft and hard corals. Snorkelers also get their money's worth — the reefs start at 1–2 m depth.

Day trip by speedboat: Departure 8 AM from Tab Lamu Pier. 4 stops: Donald Duck Bay (Koh Similan, the iconic Sail Rock), snorkeling points at Koh Payu and Koh Miang, Princess Bay for lunch. Return 5 PM.

Price: 2,500–3,500 ฿ (approx. 65–90€) including national park fee (500 ฿), lunch, snorkeling equipment. Hotel pickup in Khao Lak included.

★★★ Liveaboard Diving

For serious divers, a liveaboard (diving safari on a boat with overnight stay) is the holy grail. 2–4 days on a dive boat, 3–4 dives per day at the most remote and best dive sites of the Similans and the Surin Islands (Richelieu Rock — THE top dive site in Thailand for whale shark sightings).

Prices: 2 days/1 night from 8,000 ฿. 4 days/3 nights from 18,000–25,000 ฿ (including equipment, meals, 11+ dives). Booking through dive schools in Khao Lak (Sea Dragon, Wicked Diving, Khao Lak Scuba Adventures).

★★ Beaches in Khao Lak

Nang Thong Beach — Khao Lak's main beach: wide, golden, and wonderfully quiet in the high season compared to Phuket. Resorts on the beach, but never crowded. Beach walks at sunset are a ritual here.

White Sand Beach (Haad Khao Lak) — Even quieter and more pristine, 10 km north. The national park begins right behind it. Ideal for nature lovers.

★ Khao Sok National Park (Day Trip)

Only 1.5 hours by car from Khao Lak lies one of the oldest rainforests in the world (160 million years). The Cheow Lan Lake — a reservoir with limestone formations reminiscent of Halong Bay — is the highlight. Day trips from Khao Lak: 2,500–3,500 ฿ (kayak, hike, floating huts).

Railay is a place that shouldn't really exist — a peninsula accessible only by boat because steep limestone cliffs block the land route. The result: a car-free paradise with four beaches, world-class climbing, and a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of Thailand before mass tourism.

★★★ Railay West

The main beach and postcard motif — fine white sand, turquoise water, and massive limestone walls rising like cathedrals from the jungle. This is where the longtail boats dock. Along the beach are some resorts and restaurants, but everything remains within limits — no high-rises, no jet skis. In high season, it can get crowded during the day, but in the morning and evening, the beach is yours.

★★★ Phra Nang Cave Beach

At the southern end of Railay, accessible via a 10-minute path: one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A dramatic cave (Princess Cave) with hundreds of wooden phallus offerings (a fertility shrine) forms the backdrop. The water is crystal clear, longtail boats sway picturesquely offshore, and the limestone formations are simply overwhelming.

★★★ Climbing (Rock Climbing)

Railay is one of the world's best climbing destinations — over 700 routes on limestone cliffs from beginner (5a) to world-class (8c+). Most routes are sport climbing with bolted anchors. The most popular areas:

• Muay Thai Wall — Beginner-friendly, right on the beach
• One-Two-Three Wall — Intermediate level, spectacular overhangs
• The Diamond Cave — Advanced, located in the jungle
• Tonsai Tower — The big wall above Tonsai Beach, for experts

Climbing courses: Half-day (3 routes): 1,000–1,200 ฿. Full-day (6+ routes): 1,800–2,200 ฿. Includes equipment, instructor, and insurance. No prior knowledge required — the instructors are excellent.

Best climbing schools: Basecamp Tonsai, Hot Rock Climbing, Real Rocks.

★★ Tonsai Beach

The backpacker beach — a rocky bay west of Railay, connected by a jungle path over the cliffs (15 min, ankle-deep at high tide). Here, climbers and long-term travelers stay in cheap bungalows (300–600 ฿) and hang out in reggae bars in the evenings. Tonsai feels like Thailand in the '90s — a bit run-down but with irresistible charm.

★ Railay East & Lagoon

Railay East is not a swimming beach — mangroves and mud dominate. But most accommodations are here (cheaper than West) and the starting point for the Lagoon Trail: an adventurous 30-minute path with rope climbing and mud leading to a hidden lagoon inside the peninsula. Accessible only at low tide and not for the unfit.

The Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi is one of the most surreal landscapes on earth — over 40 vertical limestone islands rise like fingers from the emerald waters. James Bond filmed "The Man with the Golden Gun" here in 1974, and since then, Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island) has been one of Thailand's most visited destinations. But the bay offers far more than a film set.

★★★ Kayak Tour through Phang Nga Bay

The by far best way to experience the bay: paddle a kayak through flooded caves (Hong, Thai for "room") into hidden lagoons inside the limestone islands. At low tide, low rock passages open, leading to secret hideaways full of mangroves, monkeys, and silence. An unforgettable nature experience.

Top provider: John Gray's Sea Canoe — the pioneer (since 1989) and still the best. The "Hong by Starlight" tour (afternoon to evening) is legendary: kayaking at sunset, dinner on the boat, then bioluminescence paddling in the dark, when the water glows blue-green at touch.

Full-day kayak tour: 3,800–4,500 ฿ (including transfer from Phuket, lunch, kayak guide). Hong by Starlight: 3,950 ฿. Budget tours by other providers: from 1,500 ฿ (fewer stops, larger groups).

★★ James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)

The iconic rock needle Ko Tapu (20 m high, barely 4 m wide) rises from the water in front of the island Khao Phing Kan — the image is world-famous. The reality: The island is small, crowded, and commercial. Dozens of souvenir stands, crowds of people, and only 30 minutes stay on a standard tour. Still, a stop is worthwhile — the rock formation is more impressive in real life than in photos.

Most tours combine James Bond Island with kayaking and Koh Panyee. Longtail from Phuket (via provider): 2,000–3,000 ฿ full day.

★★ Koh Panyee — Floating Village

A Muslim fishing village on stilts, inhabited for over 200 years by descendants of Indonesian fishermen. The wooden houses, mosque, and even a floating football field stand on stilts over the water. Today, the village lives half from tourism — the lunch restaurants are set up for large groups (quality: mediocre). But a short walk behind the tourist area shows real village life.

★ Mangrove Forest

The mangrove forests in the inner bay are ecologically fascinating — habitat for proboscis monkeys, kingfishers, and hundreds of crab species. Some tours include a ride through the mangrove channels by longtail — less spectacular than kayaking, but nature-wise exciting.

★★★ Phuket — Culinary Stronghold

Phuket has the best food scene in southern Thailand — a unique cuisine that combines Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences. Phuket specialties you won't find anywhere else:

• Mee Hokkien — Fried egg noodles in a rich shrimp shell sauce. The best version: Mee Ton Poe in Phuket Town (70 ฿)
• Oh Tao — Crispy oyster pancakes with eggs and bean sprouts. Best at the night market (60 ฿)
• Khanom Jeen — Rice noodles with various curries for breakfast. At every morning market (40–60 ฿)
• Lobster — Fresh lobster from the Rawai Seafood Market: buy the lobster at the stand (500–800 ฿/kg depending on size) and have it prepared in the restaurant next door (cooking fee: 100–200 ฿)

★★★ Night Markets

Phuket Indy Market (Limelight) — Thursday and Friday, 4 PM–10 PM. Next to the Limelight Shopping Centre. Modern night market with excellent street food, craft beer, and live music. Less touristy than the Sunday Walking Street Market.

Chillva Market — Saturday 5 PM–11 PM. Made from converted containers, with vintage clothes, local art, and innovative street food. Young Thais meet here — almost no tourists.

Krabi Night Market (Maharaj Rd.) — Daily from 5 PM. Excellent seafood at local prices: grilled squid (80 ฿), shrimp skewers (100 ฿), green curry (50 ฿). The atmosphere is unspoiled, and the portions generous.

★★ Nightlife Phuket

Bangla Road (Patong) — Phuket's notorious party mile. A 400 m long street full of neon signs, go-go bars, ladyboy cabaret, and clubs. Loud, chaotic, and not everyone's cup of tea — but a unique experience. Clubs: Illuzion (largest club, entry from 500 ฿ including drink), Tiger Disco (rooftop, cheaper drinks). Bangla Road is safe, but pickpockets are active.

Catch Beach Club (Surin) — The upscale alternative: infinity pool, international DJs, cocktails from 350 ฿. Beach club by day, party by night. Dress code: Smart Casual.

Ska Bar (Kata) — Reggae bar right on the beach, relaxed, cheap (beer 80 ฿, cocktails 180 ฿). Live music every evening. Perfect sundowner spot.

★★ Dining in Krabi & Koh Lanta

Nong Bua Seafood (Ao Nang) — Fresh fish and seafood right on the beach. Grilled snapper: 250 ฿. Tom Yam Talay (seafood soup): 150 ฿. Not glamorous, but fantastically fresh.

Lanta Seafood (Koh Lanta) — On Long Beach, tables in the sand. Fish of the day from the grill: 200–350 ฿. Order the fish "Pla Pao" style (grilled in salt crust) — unforgettable.

Diver's Bar & Restaurant (Koh Lanta) — The social center of Lanta for backpackers. Good burgers (220 ฿), cheap beer (80 ฿), billiards, and evening movie screenings on the beach.

Price Comparison — Beer in the Evening

7-Eleven: Chang 640ml: 55 ฿ | Beach Bar: 100–180 ฿ | Bangla Road: 150–250 ฿ | Beach Club: 200–350 ฿