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The Andaman coast between Phuket and Krabi has some of Thailand's best beaches, and just inland lies the rainforest of Khao Sok. This loop from Phuket Airport combines both: the quiet beaches of Khao Lak, a night on a raft house on Cheow Lan Lake, the cliffs of Railay and the islands of Phang Nga Bay, with no more than a few hours of driving a day.
At a glance
- Start and finish
- Phuket Airport (or Krabi Airport)
- Distance
- About 700 km
- Days
- 8, or 6 at a faster pace
- Driving per day
- Mostly 1 to 2.5 hours
- Highlights
- Khao Lak, Khao Sok, Cheow Lan Lake, Railay, Phang Nga Bay
- Best time
- November to April
The route day by day
The loop below runs anticlockwise, north to Khao Lak first and back to Phuket over Phang Nga. Distances are by road; the times are driving time without stops. The map shows the route and the numbered stops.
Day 1: Phuket Airport to Khao Lak
About 75 km and 1 to 1.5 hours north over the Sarasin Bridge. Leave the island over the bridge to the mainland and follow Route 4 up the coast to Khao Lak (1). The beaches here are long and quiet, with resorts set back among the trees; spend the afternoon by the sea.
Day 2: Khao Lak and the Similan Islands
A day out by boat, or a quiet day on the coast. From mid-October to mid-May, speedboats leave Thap Lamu pier (2), 15 minutes south, for the Similan Islands, known for clear water and coral reefs; book a day trip in advance. Outside the season, or as an alternative, walk to the beach in Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park or swim at Ton Chong Fa waterfall.
Day 3: Khao Lak to Khao Sok via Takua Pa
About 70 km and 1.5 hours inland. Stop in Takua Pa old town (3) for coffee among the old shophouses; on Sunday evening the old street becomes a walking market. The road then climbs into the hills to the village at the entrance of Khao Sok National Park (4). In the afternoon, walk along the river from the park headquarters or float down it on a tube.
Day 4: Cheow Lan Lake
About 65 km and 1.25 hours to the dam, then by boat. Leave the car at the car park by the pier at the dam of Cheow Lan Lake (5) and take a longtail boat between the limestone peaks. Spend the night on one of the floating raft houses: in the evening and early morning, with mist on the water, the lake is at its best. Book the raft house ahead in high season.
Day 5: Cheow Lan Lake to Ao Nang
About 150 km and 2.5 hours south to Krabi. On the way, stop at the Tiger Cave Temple (6) near Krabi Town, where more than 1,200 steps lead to a Buddha statue and a view over the coast. Go in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler, and bring water. Then drive on to Ao Nang (7) for the evening.
Day 6: Railay or the Emerald Pool
Two options: a boat trip from Ao Nang, or a drive of about 1.25 hours each way. Railay can only be reached by boat: longtails leave from the beach at Ao Nang, and the cliffs and Phra Nang beach make it a highlight of the coast. Prefer the forest? Drive east to the Emerald Pool (8), a clear green pool in the forest, and the hot spring waterfall nearby. Go early, before the tour groups arrive.
Day 7: Ao Nang to Phang Nga
About 140 km and 2.5 hours north-west towards Phang Nga. Stop at Wat Suwan Kuha (9), a cave temple with a large reclining Buddha. From the piers near Phang Nga town, longtail boats go out among the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island. Spend the night near Samet Nangshe (10), where small resorts and homestays look out over the bay.
Day 8: Samet Nangshe to Phuket Airport
About 105 km and 2 hours back to Phuket. Get up before sunrise for the view from Samet Nangshe, when the mist hangs between the islands. Cross back to Phuket and finish in Phuket Old Town (11), with its colourful shophouses and cafés, before driving north to the airport.
Car hire for this road trip
Pick up the car at Phuket Airport when you land and return it there at the end of the loop. Flying into Krabi instead? The same loop works from Krabi Airport. Car hire in Phuket has the other pick-up points and more about driving there.
Car hire prices at Phuket Airport
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Airport | €234 | €318 | €385 |
Total for a 7-day rental, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 12 November 2026. About this price
Included in the price
- Collision damage and theft cover
- Damage to windows, tyres, roof and undercarriage
- Lost or damaged keys and towing after an accident or breakdown
- Third-party liability, topped up to €10 million
- Unlimited mileage
- Local taxes and airport fees
- Fair fuel policy: return the car with the fuel level you picked it up with
What to bring
- Driving licence
- Your own licence held for at least 1 year (3 years for selected cars), plus an International Driving Permit.
- Credit card
- In the main driver’s name. The desk holds the deposit on it.
- Deposit
- About €136 to €545, depending on the car.
- Driver age
- From 21 on selected cars, from 25 on the others. Upper age limit of 75 on selected cars. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Included with selected cars. Each car shows it before you book.
Driving on the Andaman coast
The rules for all of Thailand are under Driving in Thailand. On this route, these are the things to know.
Route 4 and the Sarasin Bridge
Route 4 links almost everything on this loop. It is a good, fast road with light traffic outside the towns. The Sarasin Bridge is the only road link between Phuket and the mainland; on the island itself, allow extra time around Phuket Town and the airport.
Parking for boats
Railay, the Similan Islands and the raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake are reached by boat. The piers at Ao Nang, Thap Lamu and the Cheow Lan dam have car parks; take only what you need for the night and keep valuables out of sight.
National park fees
Khao Sok, Cheow Lan Lake and the Similan Islands are national parks with an entrance fee. Bring cash; tours often include the fee, so check before you pay twice.
Best time for the Andaman coast
November to April is dry and sunny, with calm seas. The Similan Islands are open from mid-October to mid-May. From May to October the monsoon brings rain and high waves; Khao Sok is green and quiet, but boat trips are fewer and some beach resorts close.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire cost for the Andaman coast road trip?
Car hire at Phuket Airport starts at €234 a week for a small car, €318 for a mid-size car and €385 for a large car or SUV, fully insured with everything included. You pick up and return the car at Phuket Airport. Updated 12 November 2026.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, a credit card in the main driver’s name. The desk holds a deposit on it: about €136 to €545, depending on the car.
How many days do I need for the Andaman coast by car?
8 days is comfortable. In 6 days you can drive the loop by skipping the day in Khao Lak and the day at Railay.
Can I take the car to Railay?
No. Railay has no road connection. Park in Ao Nang and take a longtail boat from the beach; the crossing takes about 15 minutes.
Can I start the loop in Krabi?
Yes. Pick up the car at Krabi Airport and drive the same loop from Ao Nang. It is about 40 minutes from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang.
Do I need to book the raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake?
In the high season, from December to April, yes. Most raft houses sell packages with the boat transfer and meals included.