The Andaman Coast

South of Bangkok definitely has a different look and feel to northern Thailand.  All the rice paddies and sugar cane fields are replaced with lush jungle.  Huge rubber and coconut plantations can be found here and they flourish due to the steady rain count throughout the year. As soon as someone mentions the Andaman coast you immediately think of the terrible Tsunami which devastated not just Thailand but many parts of Asia. At the forefront of the Andaman tourism is Phuket, the largest of the Islands of Thailand and most commercial. Although it has grown through commerce the island still hasn’t lost its charm with picturesque scenery and amazing coral reefs, Phuket still remains to be Thailand’s number one holiday destination.

Another gem in the Andaman is Krabi, much less spoken about but still a incredible destination to choose. Here you can relax more with the locals as the region has yet to really take off and become covered in modern stores and fast food take away. Krabi boasts some of the finest beaches with fantastic swimming and snorkeling however should you visit during the monsoon the conditions of the beaches somewhat deteriorate.

Moving away from the island now and heading slightly further in land is Khao Sok National Park which is also very popular with travelers wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle and seek some peace and tranquility in the beauty of the lush jungle. Here is possible to find accommodation within the park in either the form of a raft on the river running through Khao Sok or in a tree hut which is quite unique.

The easiest way to access the Andaman coast is by plane from Bangkok into Phuket. Alternatively you can catch a bus down from the capital but another popular way for backpackers in particular is taking the train to the Gulf coast and catching a bus cross country as there is no train directly to or down the Andaman coast.