T.I.C.D.: Intro to the Northern Thai Andaman Sea
An out of the way coastal zone hosting beach towns and islands to go with some of the finest marine national parks in Thailand.
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Thailand’s Northern Andaman coastal zone covers Ranong province near Myanmar along with most of Phang Nga and some mountainous W reaches of Surat Thani. Not as popular as the Central Andaman further S, this largely rural zone boasts several marvelous NP islands and a handful of alternative isles, plus the popular mainland coastal area of Khao Lak with its many beach resorts.
Northern Andaman: The TIQ take
Many visitors to Thailand never see the Northern Andaman because, unless one of its destinations is your final one or perhaps you want to cross into southern Myanmar via Mueang Ranong, entering this coastal zone makes little sense from a transit standpoint. If heading from Bangkok or Hua Hin to Phuket or Krabi, for instance, the fastest routes barely touch the Northern Andaman, if at all.
But this set-aside geography is precisely what draws some dedicated travelers to the secluded beaches and rugged mountains. I’m a big fan!
A long list of protected natural areas include some of Thailand’s most impressive marine NPs, with Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin both featuring brilliant beaches and reefs. While non-divers can only hit the Similans on day tours bringing in many revelers from Phuket and Khao Lak, the twin isles of Ko Surin draw thinner crowds and host some of the most idyllic beach camping spots in Thailand.