The Thai Andaman coast runs for several hundred kilometres, and its islands fall into natural groups. Around Phuket and Phang Nga Bay are the big-name sights and the international airport. Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta form the classic island-hopping heartland. The northern coast — Khao Lak, the Similan and Surin Islands, Ranong — is quieter and more seasonal. The far south has the small, sleepy islands of Trang and Satun.
Beyond Thailand, the same sea touches Langkawi in Malaysia, the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar and India’s Andaman Islands. They are covered more briefly here, with honest notes on access.
