Andaman Coast

Ao Nang: The main beach town in Krabi province, Ao Nang is a bustling, tourist-friendly base for exploring the Andaman coast's limestone stacks. Its long, palm-lined beach is a departure point for longtail boats to the precipitous cliffs of Railay and the offshore islands of the Hong archipelago. The town is compact, walkable, and packed with seafood restaurants, bars, and tour operators, offering a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere.

Koh Lanta: A laid-back, family-friendly island south of Krabi, known for its long, uncrowded sandy beaches stretching down the west coast. It's a place to unwind—scooter along the coast, watch spectacular sunsets, and snorkel from the beach at Kantiang Bay. The island has a mixed Muslim and Thai-Buddhist culture and is home to the once-nomadic Chao Leh (sea gypsy) community. It's the ideal spot for a relaxed, barefoot island experience.

Koh Phi Phi: A stunning archipelago that is a poster child for Thailand's beauty, dominated by sheer limestone cliffs rising from turquoise waters. The main island, Phi Phi Don, has no roads and is a pedestrian-only party and backpacker hub around Tonsai Village, but you can find quieter corners on the east coast. The uninhabited Phi Phi Leh is home to Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach. It's breathtakingly beautiful, though heavily developed and best visited for its natural drama.

Phuket: Thailand's largest island and a province in its own right, connected to the mainland by a bridge. It's a powerhouse of tourism, from the high-energy Patong nightlife to the luxurious, tranquil resorts of the northwest coast around Mai Khao. The island is rich in Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket Town, has a big sailing and diving scene, and serves as the main gateway to Phang Nga Bay's James Bond Island and the Phi Phi islands. International airport, world-class dining, and a huge range of accommodations make it the most developed beach destination.