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    Andamanensee-Küste

    Thailand

    Andamanensee-Küste

    Region

    The Andaman Coast forms the western side of the Thai peninsula. It is characterized by limestone karsts that rise from the sea and the plains, often dropping vertically, and are particularly dense in Phang Nga Bay.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
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    7. Andamanensee-Küste
    The Andaman Coast forms the western side of the Thai peninsula. It is characterized by limestone karsts that rise from the sea and the plains, often dropping vertically, and are particularly dense in Phang Nga Bay.Off the coast lie the well-known island groups, from Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands to Koh Lanta and the far-flung Similan Islands. Several coastal sections and island groups are protected as national parks, home to some of the country's most renowned diving areas.The season is clearly defined: From approximately November to April is the dry season with calmer seas, while from May to October, the southwest monsoon brings waves and rain. During the monsoon months, many island businesses and some marine national parks close, and dangerous currents can form on some beaches. Pay attention to red flags and do not enter the water then. Current safety advice can be found at the German Federal Foreign Office.
    The Andaman Sea coast stretches from Ranong in the north to Satun on the Malaysian border. Phuket and Krabi are the main starting points with airports, from where you can reach the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lanta, Railay, or the islands off Trang. Phang Nga Bay is known for its karst islands, while the Similan and Surin Islands are famed for diving and snorkelling. The best time to visit is between November and April.
    Koh Kradan

    Place 1 of 4

    Koh Kradan

    Koh Kradan is a small island located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Trang province. Most of it belongs to Hat Chao Mai National Park.

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    Koh Yao Noi

    Place 2 of 4

    Koh Yao Noi

    Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, offering views of limestone karsts rising from the shallow waters. Its name translates to "small long island.

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    Trang

    Place 3 of 4

    Trang

    Trang is a provincial capital on the Andaman coast in southern Thailand and thrives less on tourism than on trade, rubber, and agriculture. Many residents have Chinese roots, evident in the rows of shophouses, the shrines, and especially the cuisine.

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    Phang-Nga Bay

    Place 4 of 4

    Phang-Nga Bay

    Phang Nga Bay, north of Phuket, has been protected as Ao Phang Nga National Park since 1981, covering around 400 square kilometers.

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    More places in Andamanensee-Küste

    Koh Lipe

    Koh Lipe

    Koh Lipe is a small island of about two square kilometers in the far south of the Andaman Sea, in Satun Province near the Malaysian border. It lies on the edge of the Tarutao Marine National Park, directly south of the significantly larger and sparsely developed islands Koh Adang and Koh Rawi.The island has three main beaches: Pattaya Beach in the south with most restaurants and bars, Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) in the east, and Sunset Beach (Hat Pramong) in the west. Between them runs the Walking Street with eateries and shops.Koh Lipe is seasonal: During the high season from about October to June, boats run from several places, while in the low season only speedboats from Pak Bara run, and some businesses close.
    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang is the main beach resort in Krabi province and a departure point for boat tours into the Andaman Sea. From its long sandy beach, you can gaze at offshore limestone islands, while longtail boats take you to Railay and Phra Nang beaches, which are only accessible by water. Popular options include the Four Islands Tour, featuring Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup, and Poda, as well as excursions to the Hong Islands. Boat tours are most reliable from November to April.
    Khao Lak

    Khao Lak

    Khao Lak in Phang Nga province is not a single town, but a string of beaches and settlements north of Phuket. The beaches Nang Thong, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak stretch for miles and are less developed than the famous beaches on Phuket; many families and divers come here.Khao Lak is a starting point for diving trips to the Similan Islands, with boats departing from the nearby Thap Lamu pier. On the land side, it borders the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, featuring coastal forest and viewpoints.No other Thai coast was as severely hit by the 2004 tsunami as this one. Among other things, Police Boat 813 serves as a reminder of this, which the wave carried approximately two kilometers inland and which now stands in a memorial park. The season runs approximately from November to April; during the rainy season, many businesses close, and boat tours to the islands are suspended.
    Koh Lanta

    Koh Lanta

    Koh Lanta, part of Krabi Province, is larger and more tranquil than most Andaman Sea islands. Its main island, Lanta Yai, is elongated: beaches line the west coast, forested hills rise inland, and a single main road connects north and south.The beaches vary distinctly. In the north lie Klong Dao and Phra Ae, featuring shallow water and the densest infrastructure. Further south, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, and Kantiang Bay become quieter and rockier. The Mu Ko Lanta National Park, complete with a lighthouse, hiking trail, and macaques, adjoins the southern tip.On the east coast lies Lanta Old Town, a village of stilt houses built over the water, where the island's Chinese-Muslim trading history is evident; nearby live families of the Urak Lawoi, the original sea nomads. The island is reached by ferry from Krabi and Phuket, and via a land connection over Koh Lanta Noi. The season runs from November to April; during the rainy season, many accommodations and restaurants close.
    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    The Phi Phi Islands are located between Phuket and Krabi. The largest are the inhabited Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, both part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Limestone cliffs drop almost vertically into the sea here, with narrow sandy coves nestled between them.All ferries reach Phi Phi Don at Tonsai Pier. The village, situated on a flat land bridge between two bays, is car-free; you travel on foot or by longtail boat. From the village, steps lead to viewpoints above the double bay; quieter beaches like Long Beach are located further southeast.On Phi Phi Leh lies Maya Bay, which was closed for years due to overuse and is now accessible with restrictions: swimming in the bay is prohibited, and it remains closed every year from August to September. In the evenings, nightlife centers on Loh Dalum Bay, featuring beach bars and fire shows. High season runs from November to April.
    Krabi

    Krabi

    Krabi Town is the administrative hub of the province and, for many travelers, primarily the gateway to the islands of the Andaman Sea. The town is situated on the Krabi River amidst mangroves and limestone cliffs, revealing authentic Thai daily life that the surrounding beach resorts rarely offer, most vividly at its night markets. Staying here for a night or two offers more affordable accommodation, easy access to Wat Tham Suea and the mangrove canals, and a convenient base for excursions to Ao Nang, Railay, and the islands.
    Phuket

    Phuket

    Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is more than its famed beaches. Phuket Town's Old Town, with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and old cafes, recounts its tin mining past. In the south stand the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill and *Wat Chalong* temple; the west coast has bays from lively Patong to quieter Kata Noi and Nai Harn. Hokkien noodles, Moo Hong, seafood define the island's cuisine. Best travel time: November to February.
    Railay Beach

    Railay Beach

    Railay is a peninsula in Krabi Province, between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, with steep limestone cliffs cutting it off from the mainland. No road leads here: you arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang (around 15 minutes) or from the Krabi coast; departures depend on wind and sea conditions.The peninsula has several sides: Railay West (wide sandy beach, promenade, boat pier), Railay East (mangrove bay, not for swimming, but cheaper accommodation), and Phra Nang Beach (south, under overhanging rocks, famous cave shrine). North of this is Tonsai, the climbers' and backpackers' quarter.Railay is one of Asia's most renowned sport climbing areas, boasting over 700 bolted routes. Local schools rent equipment and offer courses for beginners.A steep, rope-secured path leads to the viewpoint and the Sa Phra Nang lagoon; it's slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are required. Macaques live on the beaches, deliberately grabbing bags and edibles.
    Similan Islands

    Similan Islands

    The Similan Islands are located about 70 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga and form the Mu Ko Similan National Park. The name comes from Yawi, a Malay dialect, and means "nine". Today, the park comprises eleven islands, numbered from north to south. The largest is Koh Similan, Island 8.Above water, rounded granite boulders and white sandy coves shape the landscape. On the east sides are shallow coral slopes, on the west sides rock formations with passages like Elephant Head Rock. Manta rays and whale sharks are rare, most likely between February and April.The park is closed from May 16th to October 15th. Overnight stays on the islands are no longer possible since October 2019; you can visit as a day guest or on a liveaboard dive safari. The number of daily visitors is limited.

    Sights in Andamanensee-Küste

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham

    The temple on Khao Rang, the hill above Phuket Town. At its center stands a large gilded seated Buddha figure, looking out over the city from the hillside. For the residents of Phuket Town, the Wat is an everyday temple, not a tourist attraction – accordingly, it is peaceful here. From the grounds, the view extends over the rooftops of the Old Town. Covered shoulders and knees are required, as in any temple.
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    Khao Rang Viewpoint

    The viewpoint on the hill above Phuket Town, from which you overlook the Old Town, the harbor, and, with clear visibility, the offshore islands. On the summit stands a monument to Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahitsaraphakdi, who, as governor, shaped the island's tin industry around the turn of the century. Around the terrace there are cafés and a park where locals go for a run in the evenings. Most pleasant early in the morning or in the last hour before sunset.
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    Wat Anuphasakrittharam (Wat Ket Ho)

    A community temple in western Phuket, locally known as Wat Ket Ho. The complex follows the typical structure of Southern Thai temples with an Ubosot, Chedis, and a hall for ceremonies. Nothing here is developed for tourism – the Wat thrives on local community activities, morning alms rounds, and annual festivals. For visits, shoulders and knees must be covered; shoes are left outside the halls.
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    Monkey Hill Viewpoint

    Khao To Sae is the highest point within Phuket Town and gets its unofficial name from the macaques that live along the access road. The road up is used by locals for running and cycling; at the top are transmission masts and a viewpoint over the city. Do not feed the monkeys – they are used to people, will grab bags and purses, and quickly become intrusive. Keep food and loose items in your backpack.
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    Chinpracha House

    Elegantes Herrenhaus im Sino-Kolonial-Stil von 1903 mit Innenhof und Führungen.
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    Phuket Thai Hua Museum

    Museum in Gebäude von 1934 mit Ausstellungen zur Geschichte der Chinesen in Phuket sowie einem Café.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Blue Elephant Phuket Cooking School & Restaurant

    Restaurant and cooking school in a restored Sino-Portuguese villa in Phuket Old Town. It serves upscale Thai cuisine, and the establishment belongs to a group that operates the same concept in Bangkok and Europe. The building, with its high ceilings and garden, is at least as noteworthy as the menu. Prices are significantly higher than neighborhood eateries, and you should register for cooking classes in advance.
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    2

    Craft Pizza

    Restaurant in 54/18 Montri rd Tambon Talad Yai.
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    3

    The Vegan Table

    Restaurant in 106 Thanon Ratsada.
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    4

    O-Tao Ji Pien

    Restaurant in ตําบล ตลาดใหญ่ Phoonpon Soi 7.
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    5

    One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

    Bekanntes Restaurant mit traditioneller Küche in einem Gebäude im Kolonialstil.
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    6

    Kookhawn

    Restaurant in 320 Phuket Rd.
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    7

    Lucky 13 Sandwich Phuket Town

    Restaurant in 108.
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    8

    Larn Dimsum

    Restaurant in Talat Nuea.
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    9

    Talay Thai

    Restaurant in ตำบลตลาดเหนือ เมือง ภูเก็ต 83100.
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    10

    Pancake Corner and the Coffee Club

    Café in 51/2 Phuket Rd.
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    Khrua NC

    Restaurant in 183/6 Phangnga Rd.
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    11

    TOY-TOR-TOE

    Restaurant in 2 4 Thep Krasattri Rd.
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    Eating and Drinking

    Southern Thai cuisine is significantly spicier than that of the central region and heavily uses turmeric, shrimp paste, and fresh fish. In addition, two influences shape the region: the Muslim cuisine of the Malay-influenced southern provinces and the Hokkien Chinese cuisine of the tin merchants who shaped Phuket Town. You eat at street stalls, night markets, and simple restaurants where curries are ready in pots and you order rice.

    Gaeng Som

    Sour, turmeric-yellow curry with fish and vegetables without coconut milk, a cornerstone of Southern Thai cuisine. Distinctly spicy, eaten with rice.

    Khao Yam

    Rice salad where you mix herbs, lemongrass, shredded coconut, and dried shrimp into the rice yourself, served with a dark fermented fish sauce. A typical Southern breakfast.

    Roti and Muslim-style dishes

    Breakfast roti, sweet or savory with curry, plus dishes like Massaman curry or Khao Mok Gai, yellow chicken rice.

    Hokkien dishes from Phuket

    Phuket Town boasts its own cuisine with Chinese roots, such as Mee Hokkien and O-Tao, a pan-fried dish with taro and oysters, plus Dim Sum for breakfast.

    Oceanic food

    Fish, squid, crab, and shrimp, mostly grilled, steamed, or fried with chili and garlic. The cheapest places to eat are in fishing villages and at markets away from the beach promenades.

    Culture and History of the Andaman Coast

    The Andaman Coast was long a trade hub between the Indian Ocean and the Malay Peninsula. With tin mining in the 19th century, many Chinese immigrants arrived, especially in Phuket. Sino-Portuguese shophouses in the old towns of Phuket, Trang, and Takua Pa bear witness to this.Besides Buddhist temples, mosques also shape the landscape; the further south you go, the larger the Muslim population. Along the coast, communities of so-called sea nomads like the Moken and Urak Lawoi also live.The best-known festival is the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, which is rooted in the Chinese-Thai community.

    On-site exploring

    The coast stretches from Ranong in the north to Satun on the Malaysian border. The backbone on land is Highway 4, connecting the provincial capitals. From Bangkok, you travel by night bus or fly: Phuket and Krabi have international airports, plus smaller airports like Ranong and Trang. You can reach Trang directly by train; for Phuket and Krabi, you travel to Surat Thani on the Gulf side and continue from there by bus or minivan.Minivans and buses are common between towns. Within Phuket, a rental car or scooter is worthwhile because the island is large and public transport links between beaches are sparse.Longtail boats cover the last kilometers where no road leads, for example to Railay.Ferries and speedboats connect Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and the Trang islands. During the rainy season, schedules are thinned out, and individual routes are cancelled.Songthaews run fixed routes in the cities; taxis and apps work primarily in Phuket and Krabi.Between November and April, the sea is usually calm; from May to October, the monsoon brings rain and waves, and the Similan and Surin Islands are then closed.

    Round trips through this region

    Thailand Klassiker Nord & Insel

    Thailand Klassiker Nord & Insel

    The route leads from Bangkok north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and ends at the Andaman Sea on Koh Yao Noi and Phuket. To get to the south fastest, take a domestic flight to Phuket.

    21 Days
    5 stops
    Thailand entspannt mit Andamanensee

    Thailand entspannt mit Andamanensee

    The route quickly leaves Bangkok and spends most time on the Andaman Sea: long beaches in Khao Lak, tranquil Koh Yao Noi, and limestone karsts around Krabi. From Bangkok you fly to Phuket, Khao Lak is an hour north of the airport; further stages are short and easily covered by minibus and boat.

    18 Days
    4 stops
    Thailand Nord intensiv & Süden sanft

    Thailand Nord intensiv & Süden sanft

    First mountains, then sea: From Bangkok, you travel to Chiang Mai, over the winding mountain road to Pai and on to Chiang Rai. From there, you fly via Bangkok to Krabi and cross by minibus and car ferry to Koh Lanta, where you spend a week at the end.

    20 Days
    5 stops
    Thailand Inselhüpfen sanft

    Thailand Inselhüpfen sanft

    Island hopping in the Andaman Sea without party islands: the tranquil Koh Yao Noi, Phuket for trips and Old Town, and finally Koh Lanta with long beaches. From Bangkok, you fly to Phuket and take a boat to Koh Yao Noi; ferries and speedboats operate between the islands.

    20 Days
    4 stops
    Thailand für Entdecker

    Thailand für Entdecker

    The route leads to regions few Thailand travelers see: jungle and wildlife in Khao Yai National Park, the temple city of Nan in the north, and the islands off Trang. Khao Yai and Nan are over 600 road kilometers apart; a flight from Bangkok to Nan is quicker. From Nan, you fly via Bangkok to Trang, and a boat from Pak Meng Pier takes you to Koh Kradan.

    18 Days
    5 stops

    Nearby

    Phuket

    Phuket

    Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is more than its famed beaches. Phuket Town's Old Town, with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and old cafes, recounts its tin mining past. In the south stand the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill and *Wat Chalong* temple; the west coast has bays from lively Patong to quieter Kata Noi and Nai Harn. Hokkien noodles, Moo Hong, seafood define the island's cuisine. Best travel time: November to February.

    Koh Yao Noi

    Koh Yao Noi is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, offering views of limestone karsts rising from the shallow waters. Its name translates to "small long island." To its south lies the larger sister island, Koh Yao Yai.The island is predominantly Muslim and thrives on fishing, rubber cultivation, and rice farming. It features villages, a ring road, mosques, and a number of resorts and homestays, but no nightlife. You'll mostly get around by scooter.The beaches on the east coast are very shallow, and the tidal range is significant. At low tide, the sea recedes considerably. The beaches are only suitable for swimming around high tide; plan according to the tide calendar.Nonetheless, the island is an excellent base for kayak and boat tours to the bay's rocky islands. As the population lives conservatively, swimwear is inappropriate outside of beach and pool areas.
    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    The Phi Phi Islands are located between Phuket and Krabi. The largest are the inhabited Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, both part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Limestone cliffs drop almost vertically into the sea here, with narrow sandy coves nestled between them.All ferries reach Phi Phi Don at Tonsai Pier. The village, situated on a flat land bridge between two bays, is car-free; you travel on foot or by longtail boat. From the village, steps lead to viewpoints above the double bay; quieter beaches like Long Beach are located further southeast.On Phi Phi Leh lies Maya Bay, which was closed for years due to overuse and is now accessible with restrictions: swimming in the bay is prohibited, and it remains closed every year from August to September. In the evenings, nightlife centers on Loh Dalum Bay, featuring beach bars and fire shows. High season runs from November to April.
    Phang-Nga Bay

    Phang-Nga Bay

    Phang Nga Bay, north of Phuket, has been protected as Ao Phang Nga National Park since 1981, covering around 400 square kilometers. Here, steep limestone islands rise from the shallow sea, and along the coast grows Thailand's largest contiguous original mangrove forest.The bay is primarily known for Khao Phing Kan, the James Bond Island, where scenes from the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun were filmed. In front of it stands the narrow rock pinnacle Ko Tapu. Another destination is the stilt village of Ko Panyi.Most visitors arrive by boat tour from Phuket, Krabi, or the mainland near Phang Nga. On weekends and during high season, the popular spots can get very crowded; early departures are quieter.
    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang is the main beach resort in Krabi province and a departure point for boat tours into the Andaman Sea. From its long sandy beach, you can gaze at offshore limestone islands, while longtail boats take you to Railay and Phra Nang beaches, which are only accessible by water. Popular options include the Four Islands Tour, featuring Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup, and Poda, as well as excursions to the Hong Islands. Boat tours are most reliable from November to April.

    Sources & method

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