Things to do in  Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast

The jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands rise majestically from the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, giving way to white-sand beaches and green jungles further inland. Longtail boats putter between the islands, collectively known as Koh Phi Phi or Ko Phi Phi, surrounded by turquoise waters and colorful marine life.

A starring role in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun put the towering limestone islands of Ko Khao Phing Kan and the 66-foot-tall (20-meter) islet Ko Tapu on the map. The formations are part of Phang Nga Bay, famous for its turquoise colored water and karst features that rise dramatically from the Andaman Sea, creating an image you’ll see on many Thailand postcards.

The stunning Maya Bay (Maya Beach) became a major tourist attraction after the 2000 film,The Beach, was filmed here. It’s situated within Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, off the coasts of both Krabi and Phuket on the mainland, and is distinguished by its beautiful white-sand beach sheltered by limestone cliffs on three sides. There are in fact several beaches here, but most are small and some only exist at low tide. The main beach, where most boats drop passengers just offshore, is a 200-meter long strip of silky white sand. It’s surrounded by clear waters filled with colorful coral and an abundance of exotic fish, making it an absolute haven for snorkelers. Walking inland is also a treat, with a path that winds through lush greenery and reveals some simply spectacular scenery. It’s true that Maya Bay’s popularity has taken a certain degree of the shine from this once little-heard of slice of paradise. It’s become so well-known that its shores are filled with hoards of boats dropping visitors off and picking them up throughout the day, particularly in peak season. Visitors should arrive early in the morning to avoid the larger part of the crowds. Please note: Maya Bay (Maya Beach) is closed indefinitely due to overtourism.

Thailand's Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga) draws in visitors with its limestone rock formations and emeraldine waters. Many visitors to Thailand find themselves crossing the bay on the way to popular tourist spots, such as Phuket or Krabi, but this place deserves some dedicated exploration time of its own.

The Big Buddha Phuket is hard to miss. Built on a patch of virgin rainforest on Khao Nakkerd Hill high above Phuket, this gigantic 148-foot (45-meter) statue is one of the island's most prominent landmarks, easily seen from most places in the south. From the statue’s base, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Chalong Bay and Phuket Old Town.

Sheltered by Racha Island and Coral Island, Chalong Bay (Ao Chalong is one of Phuket’s busiest tour boat ports. But there’s more to the area than the 1,640-foot (500-meter pier. Chalong is home to Wat Chalong temple, the Chalong Bay Rum distillery, a yacht club, muay thai camps, and a wealth of resorts and restaurants.

Known for its limestone rock formations rising out of the turquoise Andaman Sea, the protected Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park covers a large swathe of water in southern Thailand. Many visitors come to the area to enjoy the scenery and take part in watersports.

The prominence of Phuket’s beaches and out islands mean that Phuket Old Town is often overlooked. Yet, it offers a wealth of 19th-century architectural delights and fantastic photo ops. Beside the latticed windows of Malay-style shop-front buildings on Soi Rommanee, Old Phuket Town boasts temples, museums, and restaurants.

The Hong Islands (Mu Ko Hong or Mu Koh Hong) are a group of rocky blips in the Andaman Sea, located just off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand. A popular day trip destination from Ao Nang or Krabi, the islands are fringed with rain forests, hidden lagoons, and white-sand beaches.

As the most significant of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples, Wat Chalong attracts hundreds of visitors daily. A mountain backdrop emphasizes a golden spire, while wall paintings inside each temple depict vibrant Buddhist images. The main stupa, known as the Grand Pagoda, is said to harbor a splinter of the Buddha’s bone.

Tiny Tup Island (also written Tub Island, Koh Tup, Ko Tup, Koh Tub, or Ko Tub sits just 500 feet (150 meters from neighboring Mor Island (Mo Island, Koh Mor, Ko Mor, Koh Mo, or Ko Mo, offshore from Ao Nang. When the tide is right, you can walk between the rocky islets on a picture-perfect white sandbar, framed by warm turquoise waters.

Koh Panyi is a charming Muslim fishing village built on stilts over the water. Visit to see the 18th-century houses, the mosque, and the floating market. The area is a popular stop on tours of the region that also take in well-known sights such as James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) and Hong Island.

Khao Sok National Park is a secluded pocket of southern Thailand that contains one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. The area is characterized by rugged limestone formations, dense greenery, and turquoise waters. The park also harbors a variety of wildlife, such as sambar deer, sun bears, Malayan tapirs, and 200 species of birds.

Big, brash, and bold, Patong is a high-energy resort on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand. Patong Beach, a deep stretch of white sand on a crescent bay, holds natural charms. But many head here for the restaurants, cabarets, dance shows, Thai boxing matches, and the loud and lively nightlife that draws travelers young and old alike.

Jutting out into the Andaman Sea, crowned with a lighthouse and an elephant shrine, Promthep Cape (Laem Phromthep) is Phuket’s southernmost point. Sweeping views over sparkling waters, rugged islands, sailing boats, sugar palms, and maybe even a paraglider or two make the headland a favorite photo stop, particularly around sunset.