Phang Nga

Phang Nga Bay is the Andaman coast's geological masterpiece — hundreds of limestone karst islands jutting from flat emerald water, with James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) as the most photographed. Long-tail boat tours through the bay, past sea caves and mangrove tunnels, are essential. But the province has much more: Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, two islands in the bay, are the Andaman's mellow alternative — Muslim fishing communities, no party scene, and uninterrupted views of the karst towers.

On the mainland, Khao Lak is the prime beach destination — a string of long, golden beaches backed by jungle, now fully rebuilt from the 2004 tsunami. It serves as the launch point for Similan Islands liveaboard diving (some of the world's best dive sites, open November-April). The Surin Islands further north offer snorkeling with Moken sea nomad communities. Khao Sok National Park, partially in Phang Nga's territory, has ancient rainforest, a stunning lake (Cheow Lan), and floating bungalows surrounded by towering cliffs.