Thailand consists of a mainland and more than 250 islands. Not all of them are inhabited: some are national parks. I will tell you what to do there and what time of year is best to go there.
Phuket
It is the largest of Thailand’s islands: its area is 543 km². For the seasoned traveler, this can be annoying, as can the abundance of massage parlors with beckoning visitors who don’t let you pass by quietly, the endless souvenir stores and the unremarkable box houses.
When to go. The best time to vacation in Phuket is from November to March, when the rainy season ends and the weather is dry and sunny. The air temperature is +25…32 °C. At this time, there are fewer storms and you can safely get to other islands.
In my experience, October is also good for a vacation in Phuket: many times less tourists, prices for accommodation and excursions are more affordable, the beaches are freer, and the rare rains refresh after the heat of the afternoon.
Summer is a non-tourist season. The weather becomes unpredictable. You need to be prepared for short showers, but don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun. But at this time, prices in resorts become lower
Beaches. The island has some of the best beaches I’ve seen while traveling in Asian countries. The most popular ones are Kata, Kata Noi, Karon, and Patong. Smaller picturesque ones – Yanui, Liberty Beach and Nai Harn – will appeal to those who prefer cozy lagoons.
My favorite was Kata: it has soft and white sand and clear turquoise water. From my point of view, the beach is quite well-maintained. There are trees where you can shelter from the sun. There are fruit stalls and stores nearby.
But there are some downsides. In winter there are many times more people here than in the off-season, and it is difficult to find a good place on the beach in the shade. I also didn’t like the yachts and other water transportation that are anchored here in large numbers. It spoils the scenery and I think about how much chemical pollution and traces of fuel end up in the water.
The length of Kata Beach is 1.5 km. Smooth entrance and absence of high waves make it one of the most favorite among tourists
Karon is great for walking: it’s wider and longer than Kata. But the waves are higher and more dangerous, so kitesurfers gather on the beach. Because of the waves I did not dare to swim on Karon several times. The sand here is squeaky, it doesn’t have the airy softness like on Kata.
The resort of Patong is known for the three-kilometer long beach of the same name. I avoid such places because of the crowdedness, I prefer quieter spaces. Those who like noisy hangouts, an abundance of snack bars and cafes will love it here. The water is not always clear, especially in the central part of the beach, so for swimming it is better to choose places away from it.
What to see and do. On Mount Nakaked in the southern part of the island stands a 45-meter high marble statue of Buddha. It is a pilgrimage site and an observation deck offering fantastic views. Not everyone can climb up the 6 km long mountain, especially under the scorching sun, so it is better to get there in the morning or evening hours. You can order a car or a bike cab to the top – the Grab apps offer or Bolt lower prices than drivers on the street.
Phuket is also home to one of Thailand’s most revered monasteries, Wat Chalong. It gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th century thanks to the abbot Luang Pho Chem. A replica of his house can be seen on the grounds.
The main temple houses a relic – a part of the Buddha’s collarbone. The Sri Lankan government gave it to one of the most respected kings in the history of Thailand – Rama the Ninth. There is also a crematorium on the territory of the monastery, where the bodies of not only humans but also elephants were burned.
For fans of nightlife, bars and cabaret shows, Patong has become a major hotspot. There is a small but popular Bangla Street with nightlife venues to suit all tastes. Patong is also home to many bars, restaurants and other venues such as Simon’s Cabaret.
Phuket Town is the capital of the province of the same name. The town was founded by Chinese natives and the Chinese diaspora still predominates here. There are many stores and restaurants with characteristic cuisine. There are also beautiful shrines here. The Temple of Serene Light and Jui Tui Shrine are colorful examples of Chinese religious buildings: bright colors, images of dragons, altars with offerings, incense.
Phuket Town’s Old Town retains its Portuguese-Chinese colonial architecture – I suggest exploring Dibuk, Thalang, Phangnga and other nearby streets.
In October, the main streets of Phuket Town celebrate the Vegetarian Festival, which ends with a festive procession. Participants in a trance-like state pierce different parts of their bodies with metal objects. Also in Phuket you can relax in the water park Splash Jungle. I recommend to go from here to one of the largest national parks of Thailand “Khao Sok”.
Food: My favorite cafe in Phuket is Pad Thai Shop. There is often no room for an apple to fall, but people are willing to wait for 30-40 minutes. The portions are impressive and the prices are low.
Transportation. Phuket is traveled around Phuket by bus. The Airport Bus runs across the island from the airport, while the Phuket Smart Bus passes by the main beaches and ends at Phuket Town.
There is also a cab, the Songteo, which are open pickup trucks with seats. If you take a songteo or any other kind of cab on the street, they overcharge tourists. When I didn’t drive a scooter yet, I used the Grab app and called a bike cab: fast, convenient, great value for money.
Renting a scooter is appropriate if you are a good driver and confident. On average, you will have to pay 150-250 THB for a model that is not the newest, but not beaten up. In Thailand, not all places ask to see a driver’s license, but in Phuket I was asked for one.
Samui
Samui Island in the Gulf of Thailand’s Pacific Ocean is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. Its area is 228.7 km². It has mountains and jungles, beaches and urban infrastructure. The resort is loved by tourists who appreciate tranquility and measured rest in private hotels, four- and five-star hotels and villas. People come here for the white sand on the coast, lagoons surrounded by palm groves and good service.
I have heard the opinion that Samui is the most expensive island in the Gulf of Thailand to live on. But my experience shows that Pangan is many times more expensive: there are fewer offers there, so housing prices are higher.
When to go. The time from January to March is considered the dry season here. It can rain and the sea can get stormy, but this is more of a rarity. There is more freshness than in other months. In March it is warm, but also without exhausting heat.
From April to June the air temperature can rise to +33…35 °С, and feel like all +40 °С. It becomes humid, difficult to breathe, especially for those who are not used to living in such a climate. These months are the hottest and least comfortable.
In summer, Samui is a worthy alternative to rainy Phuket with its storms and monsoons. Here you can catch the sun. The sea is calm and humidity is low.
September through November is the rainiest period. There are not many sunny days. Sunbathing and swimming are possible, but you should be prepared for waves. The sea is warm at this time.
From October to December, surfers and kitesurfers will enjoy surfing and kitesurfing here: you’ll get less sunburn during long sessions. But the island is more for beginners, there are no really big waves here.
Beaches. Samui is one huge beach. There are tons of all kinds of bays and lagoons. I chose for vacation the western part of the island – the beach “Lipa Noi”. In January, the water was clear and warm, even at night. The entrance is smooth, shallow, the sand is nice and soft. Nearby there are a lot of restaurants and hotels. Such places are good for family vacations.
Other top beaches on Samui include Chaweng Noi and Chaweng. The latter is 6 kilometers long. Its main advantages are well-maintained coastline, pleasant sand, gentle entrance to the water and gradually increasing depth. There is a well-developed infrastructure: there is a parking lot, a lot of cafes for every taste. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella or choose one of the water activities – from banana rides to snorkeling.
Lamai, Ban Tai and Bang Po beaches are no-fuss places. They will appeal to those who like a quiet vacation or those who come with children. There are shallow, and palm trees create a cozy atmosphere. It feels like being in a Bounty commercial.
I would also mention Crystal Beach, or Tong Takian, Tongsai and Bo Phut. I’ve heard good things about Double Yew Beach, which belongs to one of the hotels.
What to see and do. One of Samui’s main attractions is the Plai Laem Temple. This is a large-scale and colorful construction in 2004, which intertwines Chinese, Japanese and Thai architectural traditions. The main building stands in a pond, on a lotus-shaped island, between giant sculptures of a laughing Buddha and the goddess Guanyin. I enjoyed feeding the large turtles and catfish there.
The Buddha Magic Garden is located on a mountain. It was founded by local farmer Nim Thong Suk when he was in his late 80s. He collected and placed sculptures of Buddha, dakinas and other deities here.
In the garden you can take cool photos and relax from the heat. It is nice to wander around and see how nature harmonizes with Thai houses and pavilions. A small waterfall and a river give coolness. Entrance in 2024 cost 80 THB.
From the garden, you can reach the temple complex of Pra Buddha Dipankara with the statue of Big Buddha. It too stands on a mountain. I do not advise you to drive the road from the garden to the temple on your own if you are an inexperienced driver: there are steep descents, ascents, turns and no asphalt.
The area around the complex is considered a holy place. There is a multi-level temple with a stupa and a viewing platform at an altitude of 645 meters. In its center stands a statue of Buddha with sculptures of animals from the Eastern horoscope on both sides. There are other structures, but everything looks abandoned and unattended. I didn’t see a single clergyman. I got the impression that monks haven’t lived here for a long time. But on the territory there are boxes for offerings, where you can put any amount of money.
Food: There are many places to eat on the island, from simple places to trendy coffee shops and restaurants. I especially liked Lay Lagom Cafe’Bar: it has a wood interior with many details that you want to look at, and a view of the sea. It’s nice to have breakfast with that kind of scenery as a backdrop. I love bumble coffee, and it’s delicious here. I also recommend checking out the Maenam market – morning and evening. You can find anything there: fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, herbs at nice prices.
Transportation. Several ring roads have been laid here, one of them covers the entire coast. A traveler will not have difficulty getting to any part of the island.
Tuk-tuks and pick-up cabs are available on Samui. You can also rent a bike – there are many motorcycle rental shops. They often take your passport as a deposit. There are more police here than, for example, in Pangan, and they are tougher. The fine for not wearing a helmet is 500 THB.
Pangan
Pangan is located 8 kilometers from Samui. Its area is 125 km², about the size of the city of Vladimir. The place was favored by the hippies, the new age movement
yoga fans and those who prefer to live in harmony with nature, but without a break from civilization. Tourists like to come here to enjoy the Full Moon Party, a full moon party that takes place once a month.
Most tourists stay on the west coast of the island, where there are markets, large supermarkets, home appliance stores and other benefits of civilization.
Tong Sala, the administrative center of Pangan, is located here. It is home to the port. It is also the closest neighborhood to major supermarkets, markets, restaurants and bars.
Ban Tai is one of my favorite places: there’s a night market, stores, lots of cafes. You can rent a house in the jungle, away from the roads. It’s not as noisy as Tong Sal, while still being convenient to good beaches and hangout spots. Srithanu, another western neighborhood, has yoga classes, restaurants and cafes with vegetarian food, stores with boho clothing, and a nudist beach.
For youthful partying, head south to Haad Rin. The northern neighborhood of Chaloklam has the feel of a quiet seaside village. Couples and older people like to settle here. Chaloklam is as far away from the hustle and bustle as possible. Only stores and cafes remind of civilization.
How to get there. There is no airport here. There is a ferry to Pangan. The journey from Surat Thani province takes about two hours, from the neighboring island of Samui – 40 minutes.
When to go. The weather in Pangan is similar to Samui. Some people don’t like the brief downpours that often occur in December and January, but they made my stay here comfortable. The air was fresh and the greenery looked lush.
In April the sea gets shallow. This month was the most difficult for me because of the +35 °C heat and the stuffiness. In summer, the weather is changeable, with the monsoons bringing more and more rainfall. October and November are considered off-season due to rain and mostly cloudy weather. However, during this time you can count on affordable prices, including accommodation.
Beaches. In my personal ranking the first place is Haad Rin in the southern part of the island. In the dry season in the north and center of Pangan, the water near the shore is not enough for comfortable swimming. Here you can always count on the depth. I also note the gentle approach, soft sand, clean water and beach area, beautiful rocky landscape. There are cafes and restaurants.
Full Moon parties are held once a month on Haad Rin. For one night, stages are set up along the beach with music ranging from techno and ragga jangle to pop and radio hits like Baby Calm Down.
There’s a lot of people. People are rioting, dancing and getting drunk. I don’t think it’s a very pleasant sight, especially when you see dozens of immobilized bodies like beached whales. There’s jumping rope everywhere – like a big jump rope – which is doused with alcohol and set on fire. It’s not safe: I’ve seen people’s clothes catch fire and some people walk away with burns. My opinion is that this party is not for everyone. If you are not in a similar party mood, there is nothing to do there.
Another one of my favorite beach is located in the northwest part of Pangan is Salad. It is cozy, with a small lagoon, soft sand and beautiful palm groves around. Here too, the shore is shallow and there are practically no waves. Around chamber hotels and restaurants, mostly tourists from nearby hotels have a rest here.
In the eastern part of the island I recommend the beaches “Tong Nai Pan Yai” and “Tong Nai Pan Noi”. I liked the second one less: it is quiet but shallow. You have to go far, near the shore you can not get to swim with pleasure. But for travelers with children this is a great place. Tong Nai Pan Yai is wider and I was able to swim there to my heart’s content.
Zen Beach is located in the Sritanu neighborhood. Every evening it becomes one of the best places to watch the sunset in Pangan. It plays ethnic music, holds cocoa ceremonies, and has fire shows. There is a restaurant with a bar. But swimming is uncomfortable: shallow, lots of seaweed and other marine debris.
What to see and do. Full Moon Party is not the only way to dance on Pangan. There are some good places, in my opinion, such as Utopia club venues or Samsara that bring world famous DJs. OXA club can be disappointing with its overpriced entrance fee of 500 THB. The music is mediocre for my taste. You can also visit the Jungle Experience party with a light show. It takes place in the middle of the jungle.
The Chill Upbars , Sound Garden and Ban Sabai beachfront are open almost every day during high season.
Every Wednesday, a market is organized near the Seaboard Bungalow near Haad Yao Beach, where you can buy food, aroma oils, jewelry, clothes and more. DJs play there. You can come closer to sunset and stay until midnight.
There are many yoga schools, sound-hilling centers and saunas on the island. All these can be found, for example, in the Aum center. I also recommend the sauna at the temple Wat Pho Steam: I believe that here they do a quality massage. Take a towel and a swimsuit or your own sarong, then you won’t have to pay extra for it.
Food: Pantip Market near the harbor is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. In addition to Thai food, they offer Greek, Italian, Israeli, Mexican and other dishes. My favorite is the sticky rice with chicken. The papaya salad is another dish worth trying at this market. You can add a salted fermented egg to it for a complete experience. Another great salad is with tender avocado.
They also make sushi here. It’s better to come early for them: there may be nothing left by the evening. The fruit shakes made at Pantin Market have three or four different ingredients. There is no extra charge for each, as in most places in Thailand.
The second market takes place on Saturdays, for which the street near the Songserm promenade and pier is .closed It sells seasonal fruits, clothes, ceramics, art and decor. Try the Thai bubble tea with tapioca balls there
There are a few places in the Shritanu neighborhood that I like to check out. One of them is a simple cafe with a fruit stand. To find it, aim for Ahaara Veda Indian Restaurant – the cafe is on the right side of the neighborhood. I tried my first massaman soup – a type of curry – here. I liked it, but I could barely manage a portion. There are cakes and pastries on display. The slices are big enough for two people to eat. My favorites are blueberry cheesecake or banana cheesecake with nuts and salted caramel. These desserts would work for vegans as well.
Health Bowl Salad Bar is located nearby. The menu features Thai classics at low prices. My favorite thing about the place is the opportunity to assemble your own salad from eight to ten ingredients. You can come up with strange combinations with cold noodles, vegetables, legumes, tofu and other foods. On a separate counter are sauces, dressings, herbs, spices, which can be taken in unlimited quantities. The mango sauce here is excellent – I have never tasted better anywhere else.
For those who like European breakfasts, I recommend checking out Common Grounds Coffee. It has fresh pastries, good coffee and delicious poached eggs with salmon and avocado on toast. There’s also a cozy garden with a pool.
Shalimar is an aesthetic restaurant with an East Indian-style interior. Here they cook vegetarian food: hummus, vegetable rolls and other adapted dishes. I liked the spirulina ice cream – I had never seen it anywhere before.
Transportation. Cabs run around the island, many of them traveling along a specific route, such as to the north of the island via popular beaches or Full Moon Party venues. Drivers are usually oriented to the events on the island and adjust to them.
I rented a bike and traveled by bike. You can travel from the north to the south of the island in an hour. If you want to walk and have everything nearby, it is better to settle in areas with developed infrastructure, such as Sritanu or Tong Sala.
Phi Phi
Phi Phi Phi is a group of six islands. It is home to Maya Bay, which made this place famous: the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed there.
All Phi Phi Phi belong to the national park “Mu Ko Phi Phi Phi” islands and are specially protected by the state. Limestone karsts, white sand beaches, coral reefs and crystal clear waters attract lovers of unspoiled nature and snorkeling. A ticket to the park costs 200 THB. Of all the islands, the largest one, Phi Phi Don, is inhabited. There are hotels and restaurants there.
How to get here. The only way to get here is by water transportation. Ferries and speedboats leave from Rassada Pier in Phuket. The ferry takes about two hours. The speedboat is more expensive, but the trip takes no more than an hour. Look for tickets for both modes of transportation at phuketferry.com.
I went to Phi Phi Phi for a day trip. I went to Phuket Sea Love Travel – they have an office near Kata Beach. I was happy with the service, the guide and the rest of the team.
When to go. In general, you can be guided by the weather in Phuket. The difference is that these are small islands in the open sea and the impact of the monsoon is much stronger here.
The best time to visit the islands is from November to May, when rains are rare and the sea is calm. From personal experience, I can still recommend October: the trip will be more profitable and you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the islands with a minimal influx of tourists.
From May to September it rains, it gets very humid and even stuffy. The thermometer rises to +30…35 °C. Sea traffic and excursions may be canceled due to high waves and storms. From June 1 to July 31 the entrance to the National Park is closed.
Beaches. Phi Phi Phi Don has two main beaches, which are separated by an isthmus. The central one, Lo Dalam, is considered the center of nightlife with bars, restaurants and other entertainment. There are no high waves and it is shallow even at high tide.
Tonsai Beach serves as the main pier, so there is an abundance of boats. It is pleasant to walk on it, and if you swim, it is best to do so at high tide.
On the southern part of the island there is Long Beach – despite the name, it is only 800 meters long. It has become a favorite place for couples and parents with children, as it is not noisy at night. Many travelers consider it the best on the island, also because of the azure sea.
What to see and do. Those who want to see the surroundings of Phi Phi Phi Don Island should go up to the Phi Phi Phi Lookout. The stairs to it are located near the Phi Phi Phi Arboreal Resort Hotel. The observation deck has several levels. The ascent is steep, but it is better not to stop at the first mark, and climb even higher, where you can get a breathtaking view of the isthmus and the whole island. It is best to go there at sunset or sunrise.
Phi Phi Phi Lei island has Peele Lagoon, Viking Cave and Maya Bay from the movie “The Beach”. In my opinion, if there is a perfect beach in the world, it’s here. The main asset of these places is the rocky landscape, which resembles the scenery of the movie “Avatar”.
Since 2022 it is forbidden to swim here, and boats are not allowed to anchor here. You can’t stay here for long either: the bay is limited to 30 minutes. There are also other rules that must be observed: for example, a day here can be no more than 400 people. In the last few years, the authorities have closed Maya Bay for vacations to allow the ecosystem to recover in time for the new season. In 2024, they lasted from August 1 to September 30.
Pile Lagoon was the most memorable part of my Phi Phi Phi trip. Here I was able to swim in the emerald green water and admire the huge limestone cliffs covered with trees. When the sun is bright, the water seems to be illuminated from the seabed.
Many excursion routes pass by the Viking Cave, so named because of the ancient drawings found inside. They resemble the ships once used by Scandinavian sailors. But you can’t get into the cave – tourists admire the limestone rock from afar.
Bambu Island is the place to go for mangrove walks, coral reef life, swimming and sunbathing. Bida Nai, Buda Nok and Mosquito attract divers, where bamboo sharks, moray eels, winged sharks and clownfish can be seen at depth.
Food. All restaurants are located on Phi Phi Don. There you can count on the freshest seafood: sample lobster or crab, succulent prawns, grilled dorado, sashimi and rolls. For the latter, go to P.P. Wang Ta Fu. Don’t be fooled by the restaurant’s humble appearance – it’s delicious.
Transportation. The islands try to preserve authenticity and natural natural landscapes, so there are no roads. Even on Phi Phi Don there is no public transportation. If you do not want to move around on foot, you can rent a bike or bicycle.
The neighboring islands from Phi Phi Don are reached by kayak or water cab. Kayaks are suitable for a short walk nearby and to see the coral reefs. For longer distances, there are boaters available – prices must be negotiated locally.
Khao Ping Kang
Briefly: the island from the James Bond movie, where there is a floating fishing village and tourists go canoeing and kayaking
Are there beaches: for a full vacation with sunbathing and swimming – no
Khao Ping Kang became famous after the release of the next Bond movie, “The Man with the Golden Gun”. That is why it is also called James Bond Island. It is part of the national park “Ao Phang Nga”, as well as neighboring islands that are visited by tourists. The entrance ticket costs 300 THB.
How to get there. The best option would be a day trip from Phuket. There is an abundance of offers and tour operators. I advise you to choose based on what activities and islands are included in the program except visiting Khao Ping Kahn.
You can get here on your own by longtail, a traditional long boat, or by boat from Rassada Pier in Phuket. Nopparat Thara Pier Pier in Krabi Province on the Thai mainland and Klong Khian .in Phang-nga Province are the starting points The latter is the closest to James Bond Island.
When to go. You could vacation on the island all year round: in Phangnga Bay, the sea remains calm in any season. But the park is closed from May 16 to October 14.
Beaches. The rocky terrain does not allow the formation of a gentle and wide coastline, so there are no public beaches on Khao Ping Kan for a full vacation. Swimming and snorkeling go to the nearby island of Lava Yai, where there is a sandy beach with tropical vegetation.
What to see and do. Khao Ping Kan has a viewpoint located on the coast. From there, you can see the main attraction of the area – the rocky island of Ko Tapu, which was also featured in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
Its name means “nail” in Thai: it is a 20-meter-high limestone formation that widens at the top. Its base is 4 meters in diameter and its top is 8 meters. Climbing it is forbidden, as is getting too close to it by boat.
Another interesting natural attraction of Khao Ping Kahn is a rock in which there is a rift with a perfectly smooth cut. People walk through it and make wishes.
In Thailand, Ko Tapu is protected as a natural monument. Water continues to wash out the rock at the thin base, so the authorities are concerned about preserving the island.
After visiting Khao Ping Kahn, many travelers head to the islands of Phangnga Bay. The main entertainment there is kayaking. The best places for kayaking are Hong, Ko Panyi and Ko Panak islands. The emerald green water adds magic to these places and makes the experience very vivid.
At low tide you can swim into the grottoes, some of which you can swim through. The most popular with travelers are the Diamond and Oyster Caves and the Ice Cream Cave, which ends in a lagoon. Some trails run along mangroves and jungle. Often canoe rentals are already included in the tour program if you took a tour from Phuket. When traveling independently, prices should be checked locally.
Koh Panyi Island is inhabited by the ancestors of Malay fishermen who came to this place back in the 18th century. Due to the laws of the time, they could not own land and had to build a settlement on the water, so all the houses here stand on stilts. There is a mosque and even a floating soccer field on the island.
Food. There are cafes only on the island of Ko Panyi. Tourist companies often take food on board. I recommend buying a snack in Phuket in advance, for example in 7-Eleven stores. My favorites are hot sandwiches with spinach, ham and cheese, instant noodles in tom yam style, triangular rice envelopes with nori seaweed and caviar. And for sweet – balls with vanilla cream reminiscent of profiteroles.
Transportation. Khao Ping Kan can be walked around on foot, there is no public transportation. Kayaks and boats used to reach the nearby islands are rented at rental stations.
Similans
The archipelago has the status of a national marine park. You will have to pay 500 THB to enter its territory. The name Similans translates as “nine islands”. This was the case until 2014, when two more islands were added to the archipelago: Ko Bon and Ko Tachai.
The region’s main attraction is its ecosystem: an abundance of rare animals, birds and deep-sea creatures. In the book about the 100 best diving spots in the world, published by the National Geographic Society, Similans are among the top 10. In my opinion, it is well deserved. Here you can observe turtles, mantas, whale and leopard sharks, sting rays, spotted eels and other animals.
How to get there. There are guided tours from Phuket or from Thap Lamy jetty on the mainland. These trips most often start early in the morning and end late in the evening.
To get from Phuket to the Similan Islands on your own, you need to take a bus to Khao Lak resort on the Thai mainland. The trip will take about two hours. In Khao Lak there are offices of firms that take to the Similans. There you can rent a private boat or yacht or use a speedboat.
When to go. In high season, from November to April, the waves do not interfere with the contemplation of the underwater world. From May 16 to October 14, the territory becomes inaccessible to tourists. But it can be closed even earlier due to bad weather. If this happens, it is reported on the website of the National Park.
Beaches. The largest island in the Ko Similan archipelago is home to the popular Ao Guerk or Donald Duck beach. There is a chance of encountering sea turtles on it. It is a picture-perfect beach: clear water, white sand, gentle entrance and mind-blowing views.
It is also the most recognizable landmark of the Similan Islands – the rock of Sale Rock, which with its unusual shape resembles a sail. In the eastern part of the island on the beach “Ao Nguang Chang” less tourists, but their presence still can not be avoided. You’ll have to work hard to capture a shot with as few people as possible.
Koh Miang Island is famous for Honeymoon Beach and Princess Beach: the daughter of the King of Thailand spent her honeymoon there. Princess Beach is small, but attracts with its pearly white sand and lush tropical vegetation.
What to see and do. Diving and snorkeling are the main activities that attract visitors from all over the world. The best time to see the underwater world is from December to April, when the wind is low and the water temperature reaches +29 °C. But sometimes the National Park management may close an island for some time.
The programs of excursion tours include snorkeling at several points, where you are instructed and explained where you can swim and where not to go in order not to harm animals. The Attractions section of the National Parks website lists the most interesting snorkeling and diving sites.
The diving safari format is also popular in the Similans. Tourist companies organize multi-day excursions to the best dive sites that are inaccessible to mass travelers. For example, to Richelieu Rock, which Jacques-Yves Cousteau named after the famous cardinal.
Tour companies offering dive trips are looking in Khao Lak. One example is Similan Dive Center.
Food. There is a cafe on Ko Miang Island, but due to the influx of tourists there may not be enough space or you may have to wait a long time to order. There is also a store selling soft drinks and snacks. Those who go as part of the tour, are fed by the organizers – I recommend to clarify the details when choosing a tour.
For a long trip, I suggest stocking up on water and fruit. My favorites are the mangosteen, which looks like a purple box with a tender sweet and sour core, and the equally exotic rambutan. It’s covered in hairs resembling thorns and has a jelly-like texture inside. On a hot day, dragonfruit is cool and refreshing. I also like mango shake with passion fruit and banana.
Transportation. As part of the tour, the route between the islands is already built, you do not need to spend extra money on water transportation. For independent tourists there are boat-taxis – the cost is agreed on the spot.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is another island in the Gulf of Thailand, a neighbor of Pangan and Samui. It has an area of only 21 km². “Koh Tao translates as “island of turtles”: they inhabit the waters here.
How to get here. You can get here by ferry from Pangan, Samui or Surat Thani province. From Bangkok you can get to the city of Chumphon and take a ferry there. It is better to buy tickets at the ticket offices on the piers: the price is lower there than on the websites.
When to go. Here you can be guided by the recommendations I gave in the sections about Pangan and Samui. The best time to visit is from December to March, April and May are too hot. From June to September you won’t suffer from the scorching sun rays. October and November are the rainiest months.
Beaches. Among the most popular are Mai Haad, Sai Nuan, Sairi, but the latter can be crowded. There are coconut groves on Sai Nuan. I do not recommend Chalok because of the abundance of boats. The water there is murky, no fish and reefs nearby. I would also mention Ao Ton Bay – it is good for snorkeling with a mask.
Koh Tao has a completely different landscape than Pangan or Samui: the beaches are dominated by rocky terrain, the bottom is rocky, and there may be fragments of coral. Not everywhere is crystal white sand: it can be coarse, with dark stripes. There is marine debris. The island is known for its shallow waters, so it is better to swim during the tides. I advise you to download the “Tides Near Me” app to help you navigate – it is available on Google Play and App Store.
What to see and do. Travelers come here primarily for snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs here are stunning. There are dive centers on the island, where they will help you choose the right equipment and explain all the subtleties of diving.
If you want to try snorkeling, you will be taken by boat, shown the best spots and taken around different parts of the island. Tours usually include the spots of Ao Hin Wong, Mango Bay, Ao Leuk, Shark Bay. The Japanese Garden : deserves a special mentionthere you can meet sea turtles, groupers, and sergeant fish. Dozens of coral species are amazingly diverse and resemble a magical underwater park.
On Koh Tao, it’s nice to just admire nature, huge boulders and water in all different shades of blue and green. There are hiking trails through the jungle and lookout points such as Two, Grape, John-Suwan. The latter offers a beautiful view of Chalok Baan Khao Bay and Shark Bay.
The most popular viewing platform is located on the neighboring small island of Koh Nang Yuan, which is reached by water cab or rented boats. You can stay here from 08:00 to 17:00, entrance fee is charged.
Food: For a memorable sunset dinner on Koh Tao, choose The Gallery Restaurant. Fans of duck dishes should visit 995 Roasted Duck. For traditional home-cooked Thai food, the Tree House Café offers vegan and vegetarian options, and a great view of the sea and island is a bonus.
Transportation. Of public transportation, only pickup cabs are available. You can rent a bike or a four-wheeled ATV. An alternative is a bicycle: choose a mountain format with shock absorbers and shifting speeds.
