Phuket & Phi Phi Islands

Phuket is the largest island and the entry point to Thailand’s Andaman beaches — busy, developed, and a useful base for boat trips. The day-trip targets are the Phi Phi islands (the limestone-tower archipelago made famous by The Beach) and the cliffs at James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. The crowds are real; an early-morning longtail to Maya Bay before the tour boats arrive is the difference between the cliche and the actual place. Quieter alternatives: Koh Yao Noi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe.

Big Buddha of Phuket on Nakkerd Hill, the forty-five-meter white marble seated Buddha overlooking forested hills and the Andaman Sea in warm golden afternoon light — Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill.

Old Phuket Town's narrow Soi Romanee street lined with pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses and red lanterns, vintage motorbikes parked along the sidewalk in warm late-afternoon light — Soi Romanee, Old Phuket Town.

Promthep Cape at sunset, the rocky headland and lighthouse silhouetted against a fiery orange Andaman Sea, scattered windmills on the ridge — Promthep Cape at sunset.

Phang Nga Bay's James Bond Island, the iconic limestone needle of Ko Tapu rising from emerald waters, jungle-covered karsts on the horizon, traditional long-tail boat anchored nearby — James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay.

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, a crescent of fine white sand enclosed by sheer jungle-covered cliffs over brilliant aquamarine water with no boats in soft early morning light — Maya Bay before the boats arrive.

Phi Phi Islands viewpoint, panoramic view of the twin emerald bays and the narrow isthmus connecting Phi Phi Don, sailboats in the distance under dramatic afternoon clouds — Phi Phi Don viewpoint.

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