Epic 12-14 Day Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Thailand's Andaman Coast

Getting to Koh Lipe

From Hat Yai Airport: Upon arrival at Hat Yai Airport, travelers can take a taxi or minivan to Pak Bara Pier, the main departure point for ferries to Koh Lipe. The journey from Hat Yai Airport to Pak Bara Pier typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.

Ferry from Pak Bara Pier: Ferries operate daily from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe, with multiple departures throughout the day. The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions. Visitors can choose from standard ferries or speedboats, with speedboats offering a faster but pricier option.

From Phuket or Krabi: Travelers can also reach Koh Lipe by taking a ferry from Phuket or Krabi. Although this route involves multiple boat transfers and longer travel times compared to Pak Bara Pier, it offers an alternative option for those already exploring the Andaman coast. (Looking at anywhere from 3–5 hours when you include all the transfers)

Via Langkawi, Malaysia: Another option is to travel to Koh Lipe via Langkawi, Malaysia. Visitors can take a ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This route is popular among travelers combining visits to both Langkawi and Koh Lipe.

Arriving in Koh Lipe

More than likely, it will be the later part of the afternoon or early evening before you hit the shores of Koh Lipe. Once you arrive, you'll want to get settled into your accommodations. Depending on where you stay, that may include a welcome drink or brief orientation.

Explore the Walking Street: Spend the evening exploring the Walking Street, which is the main hub of shops, restaurants and bars, plus it serves as the main route to get across the island. It's a mix of super local restaurants and bars, including a variety of western food options. You'll want to try the famous Satun-style Roti served with savory or sweet fillings from one of the street vendors along

Sunsets: After dinner or taking snacks with you, go and relax on Pattaya Beach or Sunrise Beach and enjoy the stunning sunset views. This alone is worth the trip!

Music/Open Mic Nights: If you still have some energy left, stroll back to the Walking Street and listen to one of the bands that the Elephant Cafe & Bar will be booking as part of their live music program. Some nights you can put your own music to the test with an open mic night.

Have breakfast at your hotel or head over to The Cove Bistro in order to fill up for the day ahead. Head out on a snorkeling excursion to Koh Hin Ngam and Koh Adang for vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

If you're looking for something a little more hands on and still gives you some time in the water, catching your own lunch and cooking it up on the beach, give my friends a call over at Pirate Tours Koh Lipe. A couple that made Koh Lipe their home and an english speaking team.

Visit Koh Lipe's iconic viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the island and surrounding turquoise waters.

Time to enjoy your last evening on Koh Lipe. Why not consider having drinks and dinner on the beach. Two options at different ends of the island would be:

Castaway Restaurant Koh Lipe — Comfortable and always great service.

Zodiac Beach Bar — They also often have djs spinning right from the DJ booth on the beach.

Travel to Koh Lanta by ferry or speed boat and check into your accommodation.

For this trip, you’ll stay in and around Klong Dao Beach. Take a walk along the beach and dip your toes into the water.

Early afternoon & Evening

Make your way over to Koala Bar to enjoy a sunset cocktail and dinner at one of the beach bars along the west coast.

Take a boat trip to Koh Rok for superb snorkeling and pristine beaches. Discover the lush interior of Koh Lanta with a visit to Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Back in time to for round 2 of sunset cocktails at one of the beach bars along the west coast.

Dinner

Ask about the logistics of getting over to Kantiang Bay to dine at Shanti Shanti.

Morning

Take it easy and enjoy the beach.

Afternoon

Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare Center to meet rescued animals and support a good cause.

Early Dinner

Participate in a cooking class at Time for Lime, one of Koh Lanta’s longest running cooking schools.

Evening

If you had any spare time that evening, take a tuk tuk or taxi and make your way over to Saladan Pier. If you didn’t eat enough at your Thai cooking class, go ahead and sample some of the local street food.

Day 6

Travel to Krabi and check into your hotel. For this trip, you’ll be staying somewhere in and around Railay Beach.

Afternoon: Since you are staying in Railay, you have time to be able to walk over and enjoy the spectacular Phra Nang Cave Beach. This is a 15-30 minute walk depending on where you are staying.

Evening: Explore Railay Beach and its chilled out beachfront promenade lined with shops and restaurants.

Day 7

Start your morning off with a coffee at cafe le inguz , one of the only specialty coffee shops in Railay.

Morning: Embark on a kayaking adventure through the mangrove forests of Ao Thalane.
Visit the emerald pool and hot springs in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve.

Late Afternoon & Evening: Make your way over to Ao Nang and walk along this really nice stretch of beach. It’s going to be a great spot to catch the sunset and find a spot near the Swordfish monument. There are lots of places for snacks and to buy drinks or cross the street to do any shopping you might need for your next adventure.

Dinner: You are going to find a mix of both western, thai and other international cuisines in Ao Nang. If you like Indian food, call ahead and get a 2nd floor balcony at ​​The Royal Indian Restaurant. You can take in the sunset and be right across the street from the beach.

Day 8

Discover the natural beauty of the Phi Phi Islands on a day trip. This is usually part of a 3 or 4 island adventure. Most tours include lunch, lifejackets and snorkeling equipment.

Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Maya Bay, made famous by the movie "The Beach". (Its open again after being closed to help rejuvenate the environment on the island)

Take the 20 to 30 minute hike to the viewpoint on Phi Phi Don for breathtaking panoramic views.

Dinner: This is your last evening in Railay, treat yourself to a beachfront dinner at The Grotto, nestled in a limestone cave at Rayavadee Resort, for an unforgettable dining experience.

Day 9

Typically this is going to be anywhere from 2-4 hours from Krabi to Phuket. Depending on your transportation arrangement.
Travel to Phuket and check into your accommodation. This trip would have you staying on Bangtao beach.
Enjoy the afternoon on Bangtao beach!

Dinner: Make reservations at Benny’s on Bangtao Beach

Day 10

You have spent a lot of time on beaches this trip, take a day to explore some of the arts and culture that Phuket has to offer. You will make arrangements with your hotel or travel advisor to head from Bang Tao beach to visit the Big Budda. This is anywhere from 1-2hrs away from this beach.

Afternoon: After the Big Budda, you will go to explore Phuket Old Town and its Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant markets, and charming cafes.

Evening: Since you are on this side of Phuket, go and meet Nooror Somany Steppe, the renowned chef at the Blue Elephant Phuket. Indulge in a gastronomic journey at Blue Elephant Phuket. A Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Thai cuisine based in an old governor's house which is a fine example of Sino-Portuguese architecture known as Phra Pitak Chinpracha.
For a less formal option - Head to the Phuket Weekend Market for a culinary adventure, sampling a wide array of local delicacies, including grilled seafood, Thai desserts, and exotic fruits.
Mid to Late evening
Plan on 45- 1 hour to get back to your accommodations on Bang Tao Beach.

Day 11

After enjoying a beachside breakfast, you’ll take a taxi over Kata Beach (there is also a bus going on a regular basis along this route).

Afternoon and evening: Get ready for some adventure. After spending the morning on the beach, you can head to Flying Hanuman Phuket for a zipline experience above the Thai jungle. On the way there, you may pop in to get photos in and around Kathu WaterFall. This is quite a well known spot for both locals and travelers from away.

Dinner: Wrapping up your time on Bang Tao beach, pop in to Suay Restaurant Cherngtalay for a modern take on Thai cuisine. Chef Noi Tammasak and his team have won a Michelin Plate, which ensures a very high quality of freshness and experience.

Day 12

Typically it will take 1.5 to 2 hrs to travel from bang tao beach to Khao Lak. Once there, you will check into your resort. For this trip you would be staying at the Pullman Khao Lak Resort.

Relax as you swim the various canal pools the resort has to offer or walk out on the pristine beaches of Bang Muang Beach within the Khao Sok National Park. Its right off the edge of the resort.

Day 13

This one is for the non scuba divers and for serious scuba divers. A day trip to the Similan Islands. Its top notch when it comes to snorkeling and diving.

Visit the Tsunami Memorial Park to pay respects to the victims of the 2004 tsunami. The Pullman Khao Lak is 20-30 mins from the park.

Enjoy a sunset cocktail at one of the beachfront bars along Khao Lak Beach.

Day 14

Treat yourself to a thai massage at the Rosalyn Spa by Pullman

Spend your final evening relaxing on the beach and reminiscing about your unforgettable journey through Thailand.