As the monsoon season draws to a close, Thailand's beautiful Andaman coast welcomes visitors back to its tropical islands, spectacular diving spots and hidden lagoons – just in time for the Australian summer holidays.

Thailand's Andaman coast is one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular coastal regions, renowned for its imposing limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, and extraordinary underwater world. And now, as the southwest monsoon subsides, the region awakens to new life, offering another season of island adventures.

The Similan Islands, one of Thailand's leading diving and snorkeling destinations, reopened to visitors on October 15, 2026, following their annual five-month monsoon closure, while the world-famous Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Leh welcomed visitors again on October 1.

With calmer seas and increasingly clear skies expected at the start of the dry season, now is the perfect time for Australian travelers to plan a tropical getaway. But beyond the popular beaches of Phuket and Krabi, Thailand's Andaman coast offers a wealth of extraordinary experiences – from exploring hidden sea caves and encountering marine life to discovering traditional island communities.

Discover the hidden lagoons of Phang Nga Bay

Few landscapes are as distinctive as Phang Nga Bay, where towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the emerald-green waters. One of the most unforgettable ways to explore this extraordinary scenery is by canoeing through narrow cave entrances known locally as hongs. These remarkable natural chambers, formed by the collapse of limestone caves, are surrounded by steep cliffs, mangrove forests, and lush tropical vegetation.

When the water level is right, visitors can glide through shallow tunnels into tranquil lagoons and discover a hidden world nestled among the towering islands. It's an unforgettable experience and one of the most striking natural attractions on the Andaman coast.

Get to know the Moken people of the Surin Islands.

Further north, near the border with Myanmar, the Surin Islands offer pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs and the opportunity to experience one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating maritime cultures.

The islands are home to the Moken, a traditionally seafaring community whose lives have been closely linked to the sea for generations. Visitors can participate in small, community-organized events and thus learn about the Moken traditions, their exceptional knowledge of the marine environment, and their relationship with the sea.

The surrounding reefs offer some of Thailand's best snorkeling spots, with vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and clear, shallow water. Choosing responsible local operators supports the community and helps preserve the islands' cultural and natural heritage.

Immerse yourself in Thailand's spectacular underwater world

For divers and snorkelers, the reopening of the Similan and Surin Islands marks the beginning of one of the most exciting times of year to explore the Andaman Sea in Thailand. The Similan Islands are renowned for their towering granite boulders, vibrant coral reefs, dramatic underwater landscapes, and rich marine life.

Dive sites like Elephant Head Rock offer spectacular passages and imposing rock formations, while Richelieu Rock, north of the Similan Islands, is considered one of Thailand's best dive sites. This horseshoe-shaped rock attracts huge schools of fish, barracuda, trevally, and colorful reef inhabitants, and with a bit of luck, you might also spot whale sharks and manta rays.

Liveaboard dive trips from Khao Lak offer access to more remote dive sites, while day trips to the Similan Islands are ideal for snorkelers and divers seeking a shorter adventure. For Australian divers, Thailand's Andaman coast offers a compelling combination of world-class dive sites, idyllic tropical islands, and excellent value for money. See Diveplanit for more information.

Keep an eye out for dugongs in Trang.

South of Krabi, the quieter islands of Trang province offer a different side of Thailand's Andaman coast. Around Ko Libong, extensive seagrass meadows provide vital feeding grounds for one of the ocean's most endearing yet endangered marine mammals – the dugong. While sightings are never guaranteed, visitors can join guided boat trips to learn about the region's marine conservation efforts and, with a bit of luck, witness a dugong surfacing to breathe.

The nearby islands, such as Ko Muk and Ko Kradan, are also known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. A highlight of the region is the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) on Ko Muk, where visitors swim through a sea cave to reach a hidden beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Discover the wild beauty of Saturn

At the southern end of Thailand's Andaman coast lies the province of Satun, which is one of the country's less explored travel destinations.

The region where the UNESCO Global Geopark Satun is located boasts extraordinary geological formations, ancient fossils, limestone caves, and a spectacular coastal landscape. The geopark encompasses landscapes hundreds of millions of years old, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Thailand's natural history.

Off the coast, the Tarutao archipelago offers rugged islands, pristine beaches, and opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Ko Lipe is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and laid-back island atmosphere – the perfect place to relax after exploring the Andaman coast.

The ultimate island-hopping adventure in the Andaman Islands

For Australian travelers who want to discover more than just one holiday destination, the Andaman coast is ideal for a road trip. Plan on about 10 to 12 days to explore some of the region's highlights.

  • Begin your adventure in Phuket and explore the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, cafes, and galleries of the Old Town. Take a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands or simply relax on one of Phuket's beautiful beaches.
  • Days 3–5: Khao Lak and Phang Nga
  • Travel north to Khao Lak, the gateway to the Similan Islands. Spend a day snorkeling or diving on spectacular coral reefs, then explore the hidden lagoons of Phang Nga Bay by sea kayak. Allow extra time if you plan to visit the Surin Islands.
  • The journey continues south to Krabi, where imposing limestone cliffs line some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches. Explore Railay Beach, take a traditional longtail boat trip to the nearby islands, or try rock climbing on the region's famous limestone formations.
  • Discover the quieter islands of Trang, including Ko Muk and Ko Kradan. Swim through the Emerald Cave, explore pristine beaches, and learn about the conservation of dugongs around Ko Libong.
  • Days 10–12: Satun and Ko Lipe
  • Conclude your adventure in the far south of Thailand by exploring the UNESCO Global Geopark Satun and the beautiful islands of Tarutao National Park. Spend your last days snorkeling, kayaking, or relaxing on the turquoise waters of Ko Lipe.

    • Are you planning your Andaman holiday?

    Thailand's Andaman coast is an excellent destination for Australians who want to spend a tropical holiday during the summer break.

    Travelers should also be aware that six marine national parks, including the Similan, Surin, and Phi Phi island groups, now use electronic ticketing systems. Booking park entry in advance and having passport information ready will help ensure a smoother process.

    Phuket is a convenient starting point for Australian travelers, as both direct and connecting flights are available, while Krabi is also accessible via Thailand's domestic flight network.

    Whether you're planning a luxurious beach holiday, a diving trip, or an adventurous island-hopping tour, Thailand's Andaman coast has something for every traveler. And with its stunning marine national parks now open for the season, there's no better time to discover this extraordinary corner of Thailand.

    Adapted from the original article by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, “The Andaman Sea reopens its doors”, published on October 20, 2026.