Thailand: Discovering the Islands of the Andaman Sea
Updated: Jan 29
The Andaman Islands, part of India and immersed in the Indian Ocean , offer a paradise of pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and wild nature, perfect for those seeking relaxation and beauty away from the frenzy.
(Photo taken in Kuraburi)
The Andamans , still wild and recently opened to international and mass tourism, are one of the last uncontaminated paradises left in the world. When you touch land in these parts you can claim to have arrived in a corner of paradise with pristine beaches, rugged coastlines and lush palm groves that plunge into the Indian Ocean. Located south of the Bay of Bengal, the Andamans are a group of about 204 islands known to Europeans since the 7th century AD and the time of Marco Polo.
After breathing in the scents and colours of Bangkok and its ancient capital Ayutthaya , one of the largest cities in Thailand, I set sail for the islands.
(Photo taken at Bamboo Beach)
Postcard beaches, crystal clear sea, just like in the photos I had looked at with dreamy eyes on the internet. This is why this destination is so loved, especially by us Italians. The climate? Perfect. Sunny days, low humidity and rare rains. During the winter, the coast overlooking the Andaman Sea is a dream: here are some of the most beautiful islands, such as the Similan, Khao Lak, Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Pucket and the Surin nature reserve . An unmissable destination that believe me at first I was skeptical about whether to include it in my itinerary or not but then it won me over. Take a look at my itinerary that will take you to experience unexplored and lesser-known landscapes, enchanting beaches and timeless traditions. I discovered Thailand almost by chance and was immediately fascinated by it.
ITINERARY
After spending two days in Bangkok We took a trip into the past to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the kingdom .
From Bangkok we took a transfer to Ayutthaya (which the Maxtiger guide reserved for us) in an hour and a half we were in history . Here we took a bike tour among the ruins of the temples, savoring the majesty of a time now gone by.
Direction "Ko" Surin Islands from Bangkok to Kuraburi - Khao Lak
(Photo taken in Surin)
After an overnight bus ride (VIP service) from Bangkok, with reclining seats that made the 6-hour journey more comfortable, we arrived at dawn in Kuraburi, a quiet coastal town that serves as a gateway to the "Ko" Surin Islands, part of a protected nature reserve. An archipelago of 5 islands, two of which are normally visited, 70 km from the Thai mainland and 150 km north of Phuket . From there, by boat, the journey continued for about two hours . I had never thought that a place could give me so much beauty and simplicity together , but the "Ko" Surin Islands managed to do it. Ideal for those who love the sea and "Snorkeling". On the island of Ko Surin Tai there is a small Moken village, inhabited by an Austronesian ethnic group known as " sea gypsies" for their traditionally nomadic lifestyle. They live in harmony with the ocean, maintaining unique and fascinating traditions.
(Photo taken in Surin)
I decided to spend the night on Surin Nuea Island in a campsite, right next to the beautiful Mai Ngam Bay. There were only 70 sites and it was my first time in a tent, but the comfort of the facilities offered by the Park Authority amazed me: mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows were available at more than reasonable prices (less than 500 baht for everything). Otherwise, I could also bring a tent and pay only for the occupation of the land. There was even a restaurant, where you can enjoy simple dishes (fried chicken and boiled rice for three days) but delicious with a view of the sea. For those who want to spend the night, Surin Nuea Island also offers simple bungalows for 2-5 people.
The nights were magical : it felt like being on a desert island, with the sky full of stars and the sound of the waves in the background. In the morning, waking up to the sound of the sea was an experience that made me fall in love with this place even more.
At 7 pm the sea retreats, leaving over 200 meters of seabed exposed. It is a common natural phenomenon in these areas, the shallows also affect navigation, but for those who observe it for the first time it may seem disturbing
The National Park is only open seven months a year, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it to the fullest. I already know I'll be back! If you want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in authentic nature, I recommend booking now: here, every moment is worth it.
Every morning we took the boat to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, including Ao Mai Ngam, wild and romantic at the same time.
How to get there: Buses covering the Bangkok – Phuket or Chumphon-Phuket routes also stop in Khura Buri , and minivan transfers can also be organised from Krabi , Phuket or Khao La. All the details here - Park Authority
Similan Exploration "day trip" with stay in Khao Lak
On the third day of our stay in Surin, in the late afternoon we take the boat and return to Kuraburi. Here we find some mini-vans that leave us in Kao Lak , a good hour's drive away. We spend "a dream night" and rest before setting sail the next day for Similian. We stay in a luxury resort, the Eden Beach with one of the most beautiful private beaches I have ever seen. White sand and crystal clear sea. Intercontinental breakfast that put us back in the world after eating chicken and rice for three days.
Immediately after we set sail for a "Day Trip" in the protected national park of the Similan Islands recognized as such in 1982. Unfortunately this wonderful island is stormed by mass tourism and I strongly advise against going there during the high season. From June 2018 it is no longer possible to stay overnight and a tax of 500 baht for adults and 300 baht for children is also mandatory to visit it.
“Similan” means nine and refers to the nine islands that are aligned from north to south about 60 km from the mainland. The ideal is to rent a boat and go to explore the most beautiful beaches by circumnavigating the islands : like Koh Pa Yu, it is famous for its wonderful coral gardens and the diving point “West of Eden” as well as Koh Meang, is home to the park ranger station and hosts two splendid beaches: Honeymoon Beach and Princess Beach. The largest of the islands, famous for the panoramic point “Sail Rock”, (to do on foot uphill and with flip-flops it is very tough) from which you can admire a spectacular view of Donald Duck Bay. Impressive and famous for the granite rocks that make it special given the size, shapes and colors.
However, it is a very crowded beach throughout the day.
From Similan to Phuket, between comfort, nightlife and dream sea
We arrive in Phuket with a mini van in a couple of hours from Karaburi - Khao Lak . We stay at Bandalo Boutique Hotel very nice structure, welcoming but above all facing the sea on the beautiful Patong Beach on the west coast of the island and with a plentiful and varied breakfast.
Here in Phuket one evening it is a must to immerse yourself in the crazy and transgressive nightlife of the nearby (but not too much) Bangla Road popular for its lively nightlife and its ladyboys. Our hotel had a perfect location. Close to everything without suffocating in chaos. We spend two nights here and three intense days at sea. With a long tail boat in this area we explore many beaches. Kata Beach is very suggestive and especially during the sunset hours, it offers a beautiful show.
Kata Beach
Kata won me over with its simplicity and the color of the water. The beach is divided into two parts: Kata Noi , smaller and quieter, and Kata Yai, with its larger area, hotels and shops. Both offer extraordinary views of the picturesque island of Koh Pu , not to be missed especially at sunset. A real show for everyone!
Karon Beach
Nestled between Patong (north) and Kata (south), it is the third longest beach on the island and one of the most popular. The sand is white and the turquoise sea is ideal for swimming and staying soaked throughout your holiday. Quieter than other nearby beaches (ideal for me), it also offers activities such as paragliding and jet skiing if you are still looking for a bit of action.
Railay Beach
The Railay peninsula can only be reached by sea. And it is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Krabi province . The sand is white but what is striking are the imposing limestone cliffs that are one of its distinctive features, ideal for being photographed. Accessible only by boat, from Ao Nang or other beaches in Phuket,
From Phuket to Phi Phi Island, the earthly paradise
The Phi Phi Islands archipelago is located in the province of Krabi, here I discovered paradise on earth, Phi Phi Island does not have its own airport; the archipelago can only be reached by sea from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe. Or you can reach Phi Phi Island from Bangkok and book a flight to Phuket or Krabi .
I spent two nights on the island and three full days exploring. If I were to return to Thailand, I would definitely give this island more time, it deserves to be experienced thoroughly. I highly recommend staying here, avoiding the crowds of day trips, to truly discover its charm. We stayed at Cabana Hotel sea view less than 1 km from the center, direct access to the beach but above all a bar open also in the evening but never until late.
With a Long Tail Boat we visited countless beaches, we stopped when we liked the view of one of the coves and beaches. And I assure you the beaches here are fantastic
Maya Beach, the Island Famous for DiCaprio's "The Beach"
Arrive early in the morning this island because it is stormed and entry is limited. It is characterized by the presence of lush vegetation and sheer cliffs. The sea is crystal clear, almost postcard-like and impossible to forget for any tourist, even those less accustomed to staying in seaside resorts. The island is part of the Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park. Walking along the perimeter of this splendid beach you can admire not only its very fine sand, but also many other interesting things, starting with the Viking Cave caves. The Thai government has banned the possibility of staying on this island
Tonsai Bay (Loh Tonsai)
Tonsai Bay is the tourist center and the main pier of the Phi Phi Islands archipelago (Tonsai Pier). All the boats arrive and depart from here. sea connections to/from Phi Phi Island . From Phi Phi Island you can reach Krabi in about 2 hours of navigation. The centre is located on an isthmus characterised by two opposing bays: Tonsai Bay (Loh Ton Sai) to the south and Dalum Bay (Loh Dalum) to the north, separated from each other by a strip of land approximately 150 metres wide.
(Photo La Thailandia.com )
Dalum Bay (Loh Dalum)
Dalum Bay – Loh Dalum in Thai, we went here after dinner. It is a beautiful, stunning and very large bay located north of Tonsai Bay, separated from the latter by a strip of land. It is full of beach bars and restaurants, ideal for tasting some typical dishes and sipping a cocktail a few meters from the sea. After sunset, this area represents the center of Phi Phi Island's nightlife and is full of people of all ages.
From Phi Phi we flew back to Phuket and then from there we took a domestic flight to Bangkok where we spent our last night. Recommended choice due to unpredictable weather and sea conditions that can make you miss your flight.
The attractions and monuments you have discovered in this blog are only a small part of what Thailand has to offer. Each of these itineraries are unique, driven by your curiosity and desire to learn about a place through its history and people.
Travelling means opening yourself up to new experiences, being surprised by what you did not expect to find, and learning to see the world through different eyes. Sometimes, all it takes is an unexpected meet, a little-traveled road or an unexpected detail or simply a perfume to make the journey even more special.
And with this in mind, I want to leave you with a quote that I keep in my heart:
Traveling is to be unfaithful. Be ruthless about it. Abandon your friends for strangers
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