The Andaman Sea welcomes tourists once again after a five-month closure during the monsoon season, with the Similan Islands continuing as a popular destination featuring pristine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
The Andaman coastline has brightened once more after the Similan Islands National Park in Ko Phrathong Subdistrict, Kuraburi District, Phang Nga Province, reopened its tourist season following a five-month monsoon closure starting 15 October. The islands in the Similan group have begun to bustle again, especially “Island 8” or Similan Island, home to the iconic landmark, Sail Rock, and Ao Kueak Bay.
Aerial views of Ao Kueak clearly show why this spot tops travelers' dream lists: a gently curved white sandy beach cradles the crystal-clear blue sea, with colors shading from light brown near shore to turquoise further out. This contrasts with unusual granite formations arranged at the bay’s edge, creating a place that everyone visiting feels compelled to check in at.
Activities on the island remain abundant. From the beach, visitors can hike the trail to the Sail Rock viewpoint along paths designated by the park, offering panoramic views of Ao Kueak. Along the way, quirky rock formations resembling a boot and Donald Duck’s head offer fun guessing games before reaching the summit, where the sail-shaped rock stands defiantly against the sea breeze.
Beneath the surface lies another world in Similan, with both hard and soft coral reefs and schools of colorful fish. This area is ideal for both snorkeling and diving on the same trip. On calm days, the water is so clear that the sandy seabed appears striped, enhancing chances of spotting clownfish or table corals with ease.
The Similan Islands’ tourist season runs annually from 15 October to 15 May. Visitors are advised to follow the staff’s guidelines, respect conservation boundaries, stay on designated trails, avoid littering, and refrain from disturbing marine life, ensuring that nature's beauty endures for years to come.