Jaunted

Flights:
AirAsia is the way to go. At about $60 for an hour-long, one-way from Bangkok to either Phuket or Krabi, the carrier is by far the cheapest. It also serves a surprisingly tasty meal, sushi the last time we flew. Alternatively, tack on another $50 or so and fly Thai Airways. AirAsia also has flights for about the same price from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket and Krabi and, for about $80, from Singapore to Phuket.

Buses:
Twelve-hour overnight bus trips depart for Phuket and Krabi at about 8 pm from Bangkok near the Khaosan Road. The buses are surprisingly spacious and adorned with soft lighting and curtains. Some even play films, but don't expect much: I saw "Stardust" and "Transformers." If you pay more than 800 Baht (about $23), you’re getting ripped off.

Boats:
The best part of traveling the Andaman Sea is that once you arrive, the rest of the journey takes place on the water. Daily ferries take travelers to and from the region’s many islands. Most boats cost about 400 to 500 Baht (up to $15), and the majority of the islands are reachable within several hours. The best advice I have for ferry rides is to avoid the cramped, over-air-conditioned enclosed quarters and stake out a sunny, breezy seat on the bow.

Related Stories:
· Andaman Sea Field Trip [Jaunted]
· Thailand Travel coverage [Jaunted]