The Andaman Sea sits off the west coast of Thailand, blessing six southern provinces with its natural beauty and resources, beginning at Ranong province bordering with Burma and continuing down to the southern border with Malaysia in Satun province.

The sea is divided into two distinct zones, with the northern Andaman stretching across the coastlines of Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket, and the southern Andaman running from Krabi, Trang and Satun.

More than half of all the islands found in Thailand are found in the Andaman Sea, which stretches along the Kingdom's coast for approximately 739 kilometers.

In past times, the Andaman Sea was a haven for traders from India, China, and Europe. Modern day visitors to the region are sure to find a tourist's paradise and the sight of sailing yachts and diving boats have largely replaced the trading vessels of yesteryear.

The Andaman sea region became a hot spot on the travel and tourism scene some two decades ago with the tourism boom in Phuket, dubbed as the "Pearl of Andaman."

With its long-stretch coastlines, spectacular beaches, limestone cliffs, and scenic natural environment, Phuket, Thailand's largest island, has become well-known to travelers from around the world. Dramatic developments in the tourism industry in Phuket have turned it into a world-class resort island accommodating thousands of holidaymakers.

The range of activities available in Phuket is impressive, especially for lovers of water sports. Sailing, yachting, cruising, jet skiing, windsurfing, diving, sea canoeing, kayaking are all available allowing participants to bask in the scenic beauty of the crystal clear waters of the Andaman.

Phuket also serves as a jumping-off point for trips to the attractions of neighboring provinces, including Trang, Phangnga and Krabi, which have been gradually emerging as popular destinations for travelers visiting Thailand's in recent years.

The Surin and Similan islands in Phangnga are now internationally recognized as one of the world's best diving sites blessed with an abundance of rare and colorful marine wildlife. Day trips for Phuket can be made to Phangnga Bay to explore many limestone islands and caves.

Just south of Phuket lie the famous Phi Phi islands situated in Krabi province, site of the motion pictures "The Beach" and "The Man with the Golden Gun". Phi Phi offers an unlimited number of recreational activities, in addition to it's towering limestone cliffs, which make the islands world-famous for rock-climbing. Krabi is also known as the great place for kayaking and canoeing, allowing participants to explore exotic caves and mangrove swamps.

Just south from Krabi, another outstanding destination for travelers can be found which is gaining in notoriety, Trang province. Efforts by the provincial authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have raised the profile of Trang putting it squarely onto the map for international tourists.

Ko Kradan has gained attention as the world's first and most reputable site for underwater wedding ceremonies, becoming known as Valentines Island. Hin Dang and Hin Muang are two of the best diving sites in Trang.

Even further south, on the Malaysian border, are the islands of Tarutao National Park in Satun province. Ko Tarutao figures prominently in Thai history as a penal colony for political dissidents in 1939. During World War II, warders and prisoners were essentially stranded together on the island and the story has been retold frequently in Thai films, novels as well as a documentary series on television.

Ko Tarutao is also a setting-off point to explore other islands in the group including Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Lipe and Ko Bulon.

From Ranong to Satun in the west south of Thailand, Andarman Sea is awaiting all visitors to come and explore the jewels of Andaman.

Best time to visit
Best time to travel to north Andaman is from December to May. Particularly in March and April when the water will be exceptionally clear. During this time, a host of marine life is in the area including migrant birds that inhabit the area.

**June to November is considered the low season for travelers to the Andaman sea as rainy season in the area.

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