Thailand's Andaman coast, on the west side of the country, is the Thailand of limestone cliffs, longtail boats and clear green water. Krabi province makes a good base, with Railay, the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta all within reach by boat or road. It's where our hosted Thailand trip is heading, and that trip is coming soon.
Krabi and Ao Nang
Krabi has its own international airport, and the beach town of Ao Nang is the main jumping-off point for the area. Longtail boats leave from the beach for Railay, and day trips run out to nearby islands such as the Hong Islands and the cluster usually sold as a four-islands tour.
Railay
Railay is on the mainland, but limestone cliffs cut it off from the road, so you arrive by longtail boat. That gives it a feel of its own. Railay West is the place for sunset, Phra Nang Cave Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the area, and the cliffs draw rock climbers from around the world. The scramble up to the viewpoint and lagoon is steep and uses ropes, so it isn't for everyone.
The Phi Phi Islands
Koh Phi Phi Don is the main island, with Tonsai village, places to stay and a hilltop viewpoint over the twin bays. Its uninhabited neighbour, Koh Phi Phi Leh, is home to Pileh Lagoon, where boats stop so you can swim in emerald water between the cliffs. Phi Phi Leh is also home to Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach. It has had long closures to let its reef recover, and visits come with limits, so check the current rules before you go.
Regular ferries run to Phi Phi from Krabi and Phuket, and day trips are easy to book from both.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is long, green and slower-paced. The west coast is lined with long sandy beaches such as Long Beach and Kantiang Bay, and Mu Ko Lanta National Park covers the island's southern tip, with a lighthouse on the headland. You can reach Lanta by road from the mainland, with a short car ferry crossing on the way, or by boat from Krabi or Phi Phi in high season.
What about Phuket?
Phuket is Thailand's biggest island, with a busy international airport and the most choice of places to stay. Patong is the lively centre, while beaches like Kata and Karon are a little calmer. It's a practical base, though Krabi is closer to Railay and Koh Lanta.
When to go
The Andaman coast is typically at its best from November to April, in the dry season, when the sea is calmer and boats run most often. From around May to October the south-west monsoon brings rougher seas, and some boat routes run less often or stop.
Island-hopping tips
- Book boats with established operators and check the weather before longer crossings.
- Several islands sit inside national parks, which charge entry fees, so carry some cash.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag for boat days.
- Don't try to see every island. Two bases make for a better trip than five.
Thailand with Unpinned
Our hosted Thailand trip is coming soon: a small group and a host the whole way, on this stretch of coast. Want mountains first? See our Vietnam and Thailand concept trip. Or plan a personalised holiday with your own people.
