Thailand's Andaman Coast

Stretching from the southernmost border of Myanmar to northern Malaysia, the Andaman Coast's serpentine shoreline boasts many of Asia's finest beaches and islands. Phuket and Krabi feature bay after bay of white sand beaches backed by a blend of modern and traditional resort facilities, while Ranong, Phang-Nga, Trang, and Satun represent the latest vanguard of marine tourism, albeit with more rustic tourist facilities. Between Ranong and Phuket, both along the coast and in the interiors, wilderness abounds, from rugged limestone cliffs to thick jungle. Culturally, Thailand's Andaman region is somewhat set apart from the rest of the country. ...

Stretching from the southernmost border of Myanmar to northern Malaysia, the Andaman Coast's serpentine shoreline boasts many of Asia's finest beaches and islands. Phuket and Krabi feature bay after bay of white sand beaches backed by a blend of modern and traditional resort facilities, while Ranong, Phang-Nga, Trang, and Satun represent the latest vanguard of marine tourism, albeit with more rustic tourist facilities. Between Ranong and Phuket, both along the coast and in the interiors, wilderness abounds, from rugged limestone cliffs to thick jungle. Culturally, Thailand's Andaman region is somewhat set apart from the rest of the country. Most provinces claim a Muslim majority, with Buddhist temples few and far between. Adding the fascinating cultural blend are the Moken, also known as "sea gypsies," a semi-nomadic seafaring tribe that inhabit many of the smaller, more remote Andaman islands.

About the Expert

Joe Cummings has contributed to more than 35 guidebooks, maps, atlases, phrasebooks and photographic works, including his bestselling Lonely Planet Thailand and Buddhist Stupas of Asia: The Shape of Perfection.