Things to Do in Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast

The Big Buddha Phuket is hard to miss. Built on a patch of virgin rain forest 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 town.

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.

A tiny, remote cluster of five uninhabited islands some 10 miles off the coast of Koh Lanta in the Thai Andaman, Koh Haa (also written Koh Ha or Ko Ha) hides an underwater paradise. Here, striated granite pinnacles dotted with gnarly trees tower above some of Thailand’s clearest and bluest waters. Koh Haa's shock of white sand beneath its central, protected cerulean lagoon affords a breathtaking backdrop for some of the best snorkeling and diving in the country.

Comprised of northerly Ko Haa Neung, central Koh Haa Sam and southerly Ko Haa Yai, as well as two tiny unnamed pinnacles guarding sentry at the mouth of the lagoon, the underwater landscape is just as rugged as the rocky islets themselves. Protected swim-through caves hide lobster, morays and schools of shimmering fish, while vibrant coral is littered with psychedelic nudibranchs (sea slugs), and drop-offs provide the occasional glimpse of deeper denizens such as sharks. Sixteen recognized dive sites with names such as Lost Pinnacle, The Cathedral, Lionfish Den and Cliff Jump Cove divulge some of what’s in store.

Phranang Beach is a sweeping curve of pale gold sand that’s backed by limestone cliffs and overlooked by the distinctly-shaped Chicken Island. Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave) features a one-of-a-kind fertility shrine, while bioluminescent plankton create spectacular night-time effects when conditions are right.

Tup Island(Koh Tup) is one of the most popular offshore islands around Krabi, and is a staple part of the itinerary for most day trips from the mainland. Situated southwest of Ao Nang and between Poda Island and Chicken Island, Tup is smaller than the other islands in the archipelago it belongs to, but its white sands and excellent snorkeling certainly don’t disappoint.

Tup Island(Koh Tup) is most commonly visited as part of a ‘Four Islands’ longboat tour from Ao Nang. The three other islands include Poda Island, Chicken Island, and Mor Island, with a stop at Phra Nang Cave Beach usually included. This entire area is incredibly scenic, with panoramic views of the Krabi coastline as its backdrop.

The clear waters and abundance of tropical fish surrounding Tup Island(Koh Tup) make it a haven for swimming and snorkeling, although many visitors prefer to simply relax on the beach or enjoy a stroll. At low tide, a sandbar emerges linking Tup Island with Chicken Island as well as the smaller Mor Island. This unique occurrence is commonly referred to as Talay Waek, meaning ‘divided sea’.

Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and backed by thick forest, the interconnected fairy-tale beaches of Railay (Rai Leh) are accessible only by boat. The four beaches—Tonsai, Phra Nang, East Railay, and West Railay—offer powder-soft white sand, clear calm waters, and a decidedly bohemian vibe perfect for those looking to get away from it all.

Part of the tiny Poday archipelago off the coast of Krabi, Poda Island (Koh Poda) ranks among the most pristine of the islands that line the coast. Dramatic limestone formations are visible from the white sands of the beach and a nearby coral reef provides excellent snorkeling.

With blue-green waters that can turn a vivid emerald when the light is right, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot or Sra Morakot in Thai), is a natural travertine swimming pool set in a protected evergreen forest. A pretty path lined with smaller pools runs through the trees to the Emerald Pool, then continues to the Blue Pool further on.

Krabi is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, idyllic beaches and peaceful mangrove forests, and Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay) represents one of the most beautiful mangrove forests in all of Thailand. On this stretch of coast 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Krabi Town, dense mangroves shroud the karsts and cliffs, hiding caves, small inlets and secluded lagoons.

The best way to explore Ao Thalane is with paddle in hand. Shaded by the canopy, kayaking through the winding network of mangrove roots gets visitors close to nature, where it’s possible to spot kingfishers, crab-eating Macaques, river otters, herons, monkeys, monitor lizards and snakes. It’s an ideal place to escape the bustle of Ao Nang or Krabi for a day spent surrounded by only the sounds of nature.

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.

Ao Nang beach sits along the edge of the town of Ao Nang, Krabi’s main tourist hub. Fine sand, clear waters, beautiful views, and cluster of bustling bars and restaurants make the beach a popular spot to spend a day relaxing in the sun or swimming in the Andaman Sea.

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.

Thailand’s Similan Islands National Park (Mu Ko Similan National Park), a group of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea, is one of the most pristine places in the world for diving. The islands boast picturesque landscapes with white-sand beaches, large granite rocks jutting out from the earth, dense jungles teeming with diverse fauna and flora, and crystal-clear azure waters.

As one of the most glamorous cabaret shows in southern Thailand, the Simon Cabaret is a must for fans of glitz and drama. Shows are a flamboyant combination of costumed transgender performers, traditional Thai dance and music, and comedy routines. After the show, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the stars and take photos.