Northern Andaman Coast

The Northern Andaman Coast is a region in Southern Thailand.

Cities

• 1 Khok Kloi
• 2 Phang Nga
• 3 Ranong
• 4 Takua Pa

Other destinations

• 1 Ao Phang Nga National Park — famous for its limestone cliffs, caves, mangroves, fishing villages and James Bond Island
• 2 Khao Lak — resort region in Phang Nga Province
• 3 Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park
• 4 Ko Chang — small and peaceful island near Ranong
• 5 Ko Phayam
• 6 Ko Phrathong
• 7 Ko Yao
• 8 Similan Islands
• Surin Islands

Understand

The Northern Andaman Coast stretches roughly from Ranong in the north to the Sarasin Bridge leading to the northern tip of Phuket in the south. It is comprised of two of Thailand's least populated provinces, Ranong in the north and Phang Nga in the south. In total, the coastline is more than 200 km in length.

Population centres are few, and generally small. From the north to the south, the larger settlements are Ranong (in Ranong Province), and Kuraburi, Takua Pa, the Khao Lak group of villages, Tablamu, and Thai Muang (in Phang Nga Province).

This stretch of coastline, particularly the Andaman shore line of Phang Nga Province centred on Khao Lak, was the region hardest hit by the Dec 2004 tsunami. Traces of the devastation are still visible.

Do

The Andaman Sea is famous for its diving opportunities. Many companies based in Khao Lak offer day trips as well as liveaboard trips to the Similan and Surin Islands offshore. A few companies based in Ranong offer 3 to 7 day trips to Myanmar/Burma.

The mangrove forests on the coast are alive with wildlife and ideal for a kayak trip. Inland, the jungle is home to many species of animals and birds, made accessible to visitors by virtue of excellent trail systems.

Phang Nga and Ranong Provinces have much to offer those who investigate. Among Thailand's least populated provinces and most heavily forested, these mountainous provinces are lush and green—thanks to abundant rainfall (Ranong Province being the second rainiest place in Thailand)—and being blessed with natural wonders on land and at sea.

The city of Ranong has the busy atmosphere of a border town and benefits from its Chinese heritage coupled with contemporary Burmese accents. The result is colourful markets, golden-cheeked women in sarongs, food stalls selling unfamiliar delicacies. Visas can easily be renewed within a day, by simply crossing the border to Burma by boat from Ranong.

The two provinces includes some 100 islands with white sand beaches, unspoiled forests, and refreshing waterfalls, many of which are incorporated in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.

Go next

Close to this region is Khao Sok National Park where you can spend the night amid nature in wooden houses.