Coast of bliss: Pearls of the Andaman Sea

Some of the clearest and bluest water in the world can be found in the Andaman Sea. It’s no surprise then, that the Andaman coast has some of the best beaches in the world. From Indonesia to Malaysia to Bangladesh to Thailand, each country has its own little pearl of a coastal city along the way. For those thinking about a holiday in the sun, here are some of the most beautiful spots you’ll find along the way.



Khao Lak, Thailand A Khao Lak holiday offers the best of all worlds. For the relaxation seekers, there are the long stretches of beaches and warm waves that let the stress fade away. For the adventure seekers, there is some of the best diving in the world, with a gentle sea and rainbow colored coral for explorers. There are also mountains to hike and exotic animals to see at the national parks, all with the north Andaman Sea as a backdrop. Plus, it’s a far cry from the bustle of nearby Phuket’s bigger resort towns.

Langkawi, Malaysia An archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations. While there are the requisite beaches and clear water, the big draw here is the Geopark. Given world Geopark status by UNESCO in 2007, there are three main parks that are unlike anything else in the world. In these parks are a sky bridge that winds over the rainforest canopy, hidden lagoons and caves, and all other kinds of natural wonders.



Ko Tarutao, Thailand An island off of southern Thailand, a holiday here is a bit different from other Andaman holidays. The water is murky compared to other nearby spots, but it makes up for it due to the vast wildlife on the island. Sea turtles, mouse deer, crab-eating macaques, monitor lizards, and more all call the island and the water surrounding it home.

The Similan Islands Considered the best diving site in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are covered in tropical jungle, but it’s the views under water that are the real draw. There are two different dive spots around the islands, both will world renowned sights. Dive sites on the west are filled with massive granite boulders, covered in coral. Dive sites to the east are defined by gently sloping coral reefs.

 

Georgetown, Malaysia A holiday to Georgetown is a different kind of Andaman sea holiday. While there are beaches and water you can take a dip in, the real draw is the city itself. In regards to the city’s architecture and cultural townscape, it has no parallels in Asia. It’s a place where the past is present, with cities and sights that haven’t changed in a decade. Trishaws carry visitors and locals alike through the winding streets while skyscrapers dot the landscape. For even the most discerning traveller, any spot along the Andaman coast is sure to be a fun filled holiday, so why not pack some flip flops and start exploring?

Images by Inchka, Davidlohr Bueso and Joonas used under creative commons license.