Things to do in Andaman Coast
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Hammock House
A stop at the Hammock House is a must. The friendly owners have amassed the largest selection of quality hammocks in Thailand. They are stunning and unique creations woven by indigenous hill tribes. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of their awesome (and free) Lanta Biker Map, a free leaflet detailing some of the coolest spots to stop if you’re tooling around on a motorbike.
reviewed
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Sala Resort & Spa
Enjoy your aromatherapy massage or herbal body scrub at the hip and sexy, yet not full of itself, Sala Resort. The villa property is a blend of Sino-Portuguese and art deco influences with a modern flair. The black-granite infinity pool at the beachfront is gorgeous, and the beachfront bar area includes cushy, circular sofa lounges. It’s the kind of place that makes everyone feel like a celebrity.
reviewed
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Khao Rang
For a bird's-eye view of the city, climb up pretty Khao Rang, northwest of the town centre. It's at its best during the week, when the summit is relatively peaceful, but keep an eye out for the mobs of snarling dogs.
reviewed
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Phi Phi Viewpoint
The strenuous climb to the Phi Phi Viewpoint is a rewarding short hike. Follow the signs from the road heading east towards Ao Lo Dalam from the tourist village. The viewpoint is reached via a 300m vertical climb that includes hundreds of steep steps and narrow twisting paths. The views from the top are amazing - the marine park vistas stretch on forever in colours of aqua, emerald and jade.
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Romadon Gallery
Surrealism lives on in the anthropomorphised animals gleaming on Romadan’s canvases. He’s painted here since 1975, and originality is the keyword. Our favourite was the canvas of night-blooming flowers, a Muslim crescent moon, leaf-shaped clouds and a spaceship. His version of Pan, the human-goat God, is also unique. The doors are always open, but if you want to buy something, call the man.
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Boat Charters
Rawai is the best place to charter a boat to the neighbouring islands. You can lounge on nearby Ko Bon (800/2000B long tail/speedboat), snorkel off Coral island (1200/3000B) or Ko Racha (3000/7000B), and explore Ko Kai (4000/8000B). There are several reliable captains along the waterfront. Unfortunately, they no longer serve Ko Phi Phi. For private Phi Phi charters enquire at Chalong pier.
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John Gray's Sea Canoe
The original, still the most reputable and by far the most ecologically sensitive sea-kayaking company on the island. Like any good brand in Thailand, his 'Seacanoe' name and itineraries have been frequently copied. He's north of Phuket Town.
reviewed
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Sa Nang Manora Forest Park
The fairyland setting at this beautiful and little-visited park is nothing short of fantastic. Moss-encrusted roots and rocks, dense rainforest and rattan vines provide a delicious backdrop for swimming in pools beneath multilevel waterfalls. The park’s name comes from a local folk belief that the mythical Princess Manora bathes in the pools when no one else is around.
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Hun Kuak Maa
The region's best diving is around Ko Rang. Protected from fishing by its marine park status, this mini archipelago has some of the most pristine coral in Thailand. Visibility here is much better than near Ko Chang and averages between 10m and 20m. Hin Kuak Maa is probably the top dive and is home to a coral-encrusted wall sloping from 2m to 14m and attracting swarms of marine life.
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Rockfish
Perched above the river mouth and the bobbing long-tails, with beach, bay and mountain views, is Kamala's best dining room. It rolls out gems such as braised duck breast with kale, and prosciutto-wrapped scallops.
reviewed
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Thale Ban National Park
Very few foreigners make it out to this park, which lies on the Malaysian border about 30km northeast of Satun. Its main feature is a freshwater lake that sits in the middle of the 196-sq-km park, a scenic area of upland rainforest with captivating wildlife, waterfalls and caverns. There's no public transport to the park, but you can get here by hired taxi from Satun or Hat Yai.
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Wat Hat Som Paen
The village of Hat Som Paen is a former tin-mining community. At Wat Hat Som Paen visitors feed fruit to the huge Ъlah ploo·ang (black carp) in the temple stream. The faithful believe these carp are actually tair·wá·dah, a type of angel, and it's forbidden to catch and eat them. Legend has it that those who do will contract leprosy.
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Chicken Rice Briley
The only diner in the Patong Food Park to offer sustenance when the sun shines. Steamed chicken breast is served on a bed of rice with a bowl of chicken broth with crumbled bits of meat and bone, and roast pork. Dip in the fantastic chilli sauce. There's a reason it's forever packed with locals.
reviewed
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Aqua Divers
The lone dive outfitter on the beach, it can take you to Phuket’s dive mainstays in the south, but you’ll probably choose to visit a few of the nearly two-dozen sites within 15 minutes of the beach. Nearby Ko Waeo is surrounded by vibrant coral, and there’s a sunken tin-mining platform, which is also a popular dive. Aqua Divers can also send you on day trips to the Similans.
reviewed
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Shell Cemetery
About 9km east of Ao Nang at the western end of Ao Nam Mao is the Shell Cemetery, also known as Gastropod Fossil or Su-San Hoi. Here you can see giant slabs formed from millions of tiny 75-million-year-old fossil shells. There's a small visitors centre, with geological displays and various stalls selling snacks. Sŏrng·tăa·ou from Ao Nang cost 30B.
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Hat Ya Noi
Tucked between Hat Nai Han and Laem Phromthep, where the road dips back down to the sea, is this lovely cove with a healthy rock reef that is ideal for snorkelling. You’ll have to watch your step to get into the ocean, but once you’re there you’ll want to stay a while. This is the quintessential turquoise bay, with lush mountains behind and an island dominating the horizon.
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Baan Thai Antiques
A glorious collection of antiques and new-production traditional art from Myanmar (Burma), China, Laos and Thailand crowd this small shop. There are 70-year-old alabaster Buddhas, gongs, temple bells (the real thing), lacquerware, ceramics, enormous doors and teak-wood reliefs. This place is not cheap, but serious collectors won’t mind the expense of shopping at Baan Thai.
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Ocean Divers
A veteran dive outfitter, Ocean Divers is Thai owned and operated and has been doing its thing since 1979. It offers live aboards to the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock, as well as day trips to Ko Racha Yai, Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck and Ko Phi-Phi. And it has been recognised as a top eco-outfitter for its underwater garbage collection efforts.
reviewed
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Phuket Introduction City Sightseeing Tour
4 hours (Departs Phuket, Thailand)
by Viator
Familiarize yourself with the island of Phuket on a half day guided coach tour. Take in the islands natural beauty as you drive along the beach roads through…Not LP reviewed
from USD$12.44 -
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Ka Jok See
Ostensibly, this is a restaurant, and, by all accounts, a quite good one. However, it has two identities, and once the tables are cleared it becomes a bohemian madhouse and the kind of party you’ve always wanted to go to. The superb music bounces between soul, rare groove, ambient and hip-hop. Some folks get on the mic, others bang away on bongos and everyone must dance.
reviewed
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'Post Tsunami Experience' Tour
The worthwhile 'Post Tsunami Experience' Tour leaves from Nang Tong Supermarket in central Khao Lak and includes an authentic Thai lunch. Proceeds and anything you buy along the way help support local economies. Also stop by the centre for drop-in Thai cooking or language classes at 15:00 every Wednesday, and check the schedule for occasional craft and dancing classes.
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Sea Kayak Krabi
It offers a wide variety of sea-kayaking tours, including to Ao Thalane (half/full day 900/1500B), which has looming sea cliffs; Ko Hong (full day 1800B), famed for its emerald lagoon; and Ban Bho Tho (full day 1700B), which has sea caves with 2000- to 3000-year-old cave paintings. All rates include guides, lunch, fruit and drinking water.
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Paradise Diving
One of the best outfitters on the island, with speedboats on both sides of the north coast, nobody gets you from Phuket to Phi-Phi or the Similans faster than Paradise. As a result, day trips include three tanks and two meals. Paradise offers local dives at Ko Waeo and its shallow house reef, and you can charter its speedboat for tours through gorgeous Ao Phang-Nga.
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Ranong Mineral Hot Springs
Ranong Mineral Hot Springs offers pools hot enough to boil an egg (65°C). Like the three bears of Goldilocks fame, the names of the three springs translate as Father Spring, Mother Spring and Baby Spring, and each has its own distinct smell (all horrid). The spring water is thought to be sacred, as well as having miraculous healing powers.
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Wat Pho
Second on the tourist itinerary after Wat Phra Kaew, this temple has many curious corners (and traditional massage pavilions) to explore beyond the crowd-pleasing reclining Buddha, a 46m-long and 15m-high figure illustrating Buddha’s passing into nirvana. It’s also home to Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images and the earliest centre for public education.
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