LATEST NEWS: Maya Bay Will Close Again in 2024.
Full Details Here MAYA BAY CLOSING 2024
When Is Maya Bay Closing?
Maya Bay Closed – Full Details In this video:
Maya Bay History
Maya Bay, a breathtakingly beautiful cove nestled on the idyllic island of Phi Phi Ley, has long been considered one of the most iconic sites in the Phi Phi archipelago. Its turquoise waters, powder-soft sands and towering limestone cliffs have captivated visitors from around the world, earning it a reputation as a true paradise on earth.
However, it was not until the year 2000 that Maya Bay truly rose to worldwide fame; when it was chosen as the primary filming location for the blockbuster movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film’s plot centred around a group of travellers who sought to establish their own utopian sanctuary, free from the constraints and chaos of the modern world; and Maya Bay served as the perfect backdrop for this quest.
Since then, people have flocked to Maya Bay, eager to witness first-hand the stunning beauty and natural wonder that so enchanted Hollywood filmmakers, and it has become a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Phi Phi Islands.
Why Does Maya Bay Close?
Tourists were originally allowed to return in January 2022 after Maya Bay was closed for almost three and a half years (by order of The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation). The stunning Bay has been closed for a few months at a time since this point in order to aid continued rehabilitation efforts.
The area closes in an effort to help the recovery of marine life, coral reefs and underwater gardens. These periods also allow for infrastructure repairs on the island. Park authorities have previously planted new coral reef areas and additional trees have been positioned by the beach in order to help prevent erosion; all of this was as part of efforts to recover the whole area. The closures serve as a good reminder of the huge efforts that continue to go into restoring this area.
When Will It Close In 2023?
It is predicted that Maya Bay will once again close in order to undergo a period of natural rehabilitation from August 2023 (updated 13 May 2023). This will allow the delicate ecosystem to recover and flourish, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this stunning location in its full glory.
However, fear not – This does not mean that you cannot still experience the beauty of Maya Bay on your Phi Phi Island private luxury speedboat Tour. While walking on the actual beach will not be permitted during this period of rehabilitation, you can still take in the incredible scenery from the comfort of our private speedboats. Marvel at the towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and white sands that have captured the hearts of travellers. In fact, this private boat tour offers a unique perspective on the bay, as you can enjoy the beauty of Maya Bay from the water; soaking in the serenity of nature in all its glory.
Responsible Tourism
After the rehabilitation closure period, when Maya Bay reopens once again, you will be able to see how the wildlife has returned and thrived; the bay is home to clownfish, lobsters and even blacktip sharks. The Marine Park continue to work tirelessly to get Maya Bay back to its previous paradise condition; so, at 5 Star Marine we ensure that our tours adhere to new rules and help demonstrate respectful tourism.
Please contact us to find out more about Phi Phi, Maya Bay closure dates or to book a bespoke private day trip itinerary.
Similan Islands Set to Close in May, 2023
LATEST NEWS: Similan Islands Will Close Again in 2024.
Full Details Here SIMILAN ISLANDS CLOSING 2024
The Similan Islands are located off the coast of Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea. These islands are one of the most recognised island groups in the area, and they are renowned for having some of the world’s best coral reefs which makes them an incredibly popular snorkelling and scuba diving destination. The Similan Islands feature large rock formations on the coasts of a number of the Islands, which form a particular and memorable characteristic for this location.
The Time To Visit
With only a few weeks left to visit the spectacular Similan Islands before their scheduled closure, now is the last time to book your private tour with 5 Star Marine.
Similan Islands Closing
Every year, from May 16th until the 15th October 2023 (updated 27.04.2023), the Similan Islands are closed to visitors in order to safeguard the marine habitat and stimulate its recovery. The date changes slightly from year to year, but you can find the most up-to-date information here.
The closing time allows coral reefs, marine life and the beaches all to recuperate from the consequences of tourism; such as the pollution and physical harm which comes with it. This contributes to the Islands’ continued existence as a magnificent and sustainable natural attraction for future generations to enjoy.
In addition, the Andaman Sea receives harsh monsoon weather conditions at this time, which can cause strong waves and winds making for unsafe conditions for both boats and people to get to the islands.
Ecosystem Regeneration
The Similan Islands, despite their popularity, are a vulnerable ecology. Therefore, whilst they are open to visitors, from October each year, the National Park asks that all guests follow the set regulations in order to preserve these Island’s natural beauty. This includes taking care not to harm or disturb coral reefs, avoiding littering or polluting and only trekking on approved routes and walkways so as not to disrupt the delicate ecosystem.
Marine Life
Mu Ko Similan National Park encompasses an area of around 140 square kilometres and includes the Similan Islands. The park is home to a diverse range of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles and reef sharks in addition to various bird and mammal species.
Beautiful coral reefs and other rare marine life such as whales, dolphins and Moray eels may be found beneath the amazingly transparent turquoise seas. The coral and marine life in the Similan Islands is so diverse that it is estimated that there are over 500 types of hard and soft coral here.
With the Similan Islands plus so many other inspired day trips to select from, please contact us to discuss your requirements, or to book a bespoke private day trip itinerary.
The Beautiful Racha Island – Phuket, Thailand, Private Boat Tour
The two tropical Racha Islands; Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, are sometimes called Raya Island or even King Island. BUT the name doesn’t matter as these stunning Phuket tropical islands provide the ideal destination to enjoy nature with some of the best snorkeling reefs in Thailand and quiet, tropical white powdery beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The Racha Islands are comprised of two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. (Yai means “big” in Thai and, noi means “little”). The islands possess crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. They are very popular with divers and snorkellers, with challenging dive sites for advanced divers as well as plenty for beginners and snorkellers.
Racha Yai
Racha Yai is the closer of the two islands to Phuket. It is also the only Racha island that is inhabited, mostly by Muslim farmers and fishermen and those working at the few resorts and restaurants that are on the island.
Ao Tawan Tok is the main beach, on the island’s northwest coast, and has some of the softest sand that you will ever encounter anywhere in the world. It is almost a snow white colour and has a consistency like talcum powder. There are a few bungalow resorts and restaurants located here, including the 5-star The Racha.
Racha Yai is not as popular with day-trippers from Phuket as some of the other Phuket islands like Khai Islands and of course Maya Bay in Phi Phi, but it can get a little busy in the afternoons but nothing to crazy.
Racha Noi
Heading south from Racha Yai is the uninhabited, Racha Noi. The beaches on this island are rockier rather than sandy. There is some really good fishing to be done around Racha Noi, but if you are looking for, a perfect Phuket Island location for your private boat tour then best head to Racha Noi’s big sister Island Racha Yai.
Scuba Diving and Free Diving
Both scuba diving and free diving are hugely popular around Racha. For those wishing to learn either sport, the waters close to the island are perfect, as they are crystal clear and warm and the diving is easy.
As you improve, or want to go deeper, just a short trip further out from the Racha Islands, you get to some very deep water, some very deep clear waters, which are perfect for free diving.
It is so good that Deep Week Thailand takes place here. Deep Week is the world’s premier Freediving education event and the world’s largest freediving festival.
The scuba diving is also ideal around Racha Island as the waters are clear and there are also some great manmade wreaks to dive around and though like a sunken motorbike, so you can take that perfect underwater selfie.
Getting to Racha
A private boat trip to Racha will take around 30 to 40 minutes from the 5 Star Marine Phuket pier at Boat Lagoon Marina. You can also add in a few stops either on the way or on the way back.
Stop on the way at Maiton Island to do some snorkeling and maybe spot a dolphin or 2.
Stop on the way back from Racha at Koh Rang Noi for a sunset BBQ or at the floating restaurants at Laem Hin to enjoy a sunset seafood meal.
Racha Island is a stunning destination for relaxation, fantastic beaches and plenty of snorkelling, and 5 Star Marine Phuket team know exactly where to go for the best bays, quiet beaches and coral reefs in this area, and can also suggest some idyllic restaurants to stop at.
If you want to learn more about the awesome Racha Islands, Raya Islands or King Islands then click here to see the full tour
The Beautiful Coral Island – Phuket, Thailand, Private Boat Tour
Coral Island, also known locally as Koh He, is an easy and family-friendly day-trip destination from Phuket. Going on a private VIP speedboat tour of Coral Island with 5 Star Marine you will get to see more than you would be able to with other tour operators. The experienced team will take you to the best snorkeling spots, and can help you pick the beach / restaurant depending on your requirements as they know everything the island has to offer.
Coral Island or Koh He?
Coral island is known locally as Coral Island is a great place to visit especially if you like to explore the region’s diverse marine environment and visit different islands., but most people will call it Coral Island. Although being a small island, it has a lot to offer whether you’re looking for a place to relax or go on an adventure.
The beautiful island getaway is only about 3 km southeast of Phuket. Coral Island has 2 main beaches: Long Beach and Banana Beach and the snorkeling off Banana Beach is awesome but more of that later. The island is about 2.5 Km long with a dense tropical jungle in the center of the island. There is one other secluded beach on the South of the island called Freedom Beach.
Coral Island – Great for families
Coral Island is one of the best family-friendly tours that 5 Star Marine Phuket runs. The island is safe for children to play, with white soft sand perfect for sand castles, as well as rock pools during low tide for children to explore, and they can learn to snorkel right from the beach, which makes it a fantastic destination for the little ones, and for those that may be a little worried about snorkeling from the back of the boat or in deeper water. The marine life just off the beach is stunning.
There are also plenty of deckchairs that you can sit on, as well as a fabulous restaurant and all the facilities and amenities that children and adults and the older adults (Grandparents) would need.
What to do on Coral Island?
There is so much to do on Coral Island, snorkeling from the beach or going around the backside of the island to do some deeper snorkeling, exploring the island trails and looking for the beautiful hornbills that are iconic on the island. Or just sitting back and enjoying some freshly made Thai food from the awesome restaurant.
Some of the main things you can do:
- Snorkeling – The island is surrounded by shallow coastal waters with beautiful coral reefs and colourful fishes. There are multiple snorkeling spots around the island. Our 5 Star Marine Phuket Team can show you the best spots to go and teach you how to snorkel.
- Chilling on the beach – One of the best things to do on a beach is to just relax and soak up the sun. There are deckchairs on the sand or just lay down your towel and watch the world go by.
- Diving – The island is a great place to learn to dive as well as is suitable for those intermediate divers as there is so much to see. Diverse coral reefs, turtles, lionfish, and various other marine animals all can be seen at Coral Island
- Other Watersports – There are other watersports available on the island including parasailing and kayaking.
- Viewpoints and selfie spots – If you are looking for that next Instagram picture then Coral Island has a host of dedicated selfie spots.
Coral Island is a great place to visit especially if you are a family looking for an ideal tropical island private day tour getaway.
For more details on this tour click here
Thailand’s Glow-in-the-Dark Ocean is Pure Magic
The awesome Chris Parker from the YouTube channel Retired Working For You was down in Phuket a few weeks ago to head out on our brand new tour, Phang Nga Bay Private Bioluminescence and Sea Canoeing Tour.
The Phang Nga Bay Private Bioluminescence and Sea Canoeing Tour is part of 5 Star Marine Phuket’s new collection of luxury and inspired afternoon sea tours tailored to your personal expectations and sea condition on the day of your tour. The Phang Nga Bay Private Bioluminescence and Sea Canoeing tour will take you on a magical journey through the waters around Phang Nga Bay, where you can witness the incredible natural wonder of bioluminescence.
What is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Some creatures are able to emit light and can be found in many forms in the Phang Nga Bay area.
The main organism that creates this natural light show is the bioluminescent plankton, which is present in Phang Nga Bay’s waters. These tiny organisms emit a bright blue-green light when disturbed, producing a captivating appearance in the water. The phenomenon is caused by chemical reactions within the plankton, which produce light as a by-product.
What happens on the Phang Nga Bay Private Bioluminescence and Sea Canoeing tour?
The 5 Star Marine Phuket, private tour will start at lunchtime from our pier at Boat Lagoon Marina. You will set out and the first stop is an awesome lunch at a traditional floating restaurant.
Once you have fueled up on some tasty Thai food, you will be ready to head out on a canoe and discover some hidden caves, coves and lagoons in the Phang Nga Bay area. Ok if you don’t want to paddle don’t worry as one of our team will do it for you, so you can lie back and enjoy the limestone formations and hidden lagoons close up.
And then as the sun sets and the evening slowly comes in over the bay you are at the best time to see one of nature’s true wonders, the bioluminescence. You will be able to see a mesmerizing display of shimmering lights that will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Being surrounded by bioluminescent water is truly enchanting, and this combined with sea canoeing and cave exploring makes the brand new Phang Nga Bay Private Bioluminescence and Sea Canoeing tour a must to do when you are in Phuket.
If you, like Chris Parker from Retired Working For You YouTube channel, would like the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Phang Nga Bay’s bioluminescence then you can book this tour here
Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island Private Boat Tour
Phang Nga Bay in Phuket, Thailand is possibly one of the most famous Bays in the world.
Most people will only know Phang Nga Bay for one thing, and that is James Bond Island. James Bond Island, or to give it, its real name, Ko Khao Ping Gan, is the beach that was used in the 1970 James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. It was the movie hideout of Scaramanga (played by Christopher Lee) who at one point in the movie had a duel with James Bond (played by Roger Moore) and in the back ground jutting out from is the needle-shaped limestone kast of Khao Tapu, which translates as Nail Mountain. This has become one of the most photographed places in the whole of Thailand, with most people pulling out the fake gun pose for their Instagram selfies.
But there is so much more to Phang Nga Bay than just James Bond Island.
With lofty limestone karsts and a myriad of islands (over 40), the scenery in Phang Nga Bay is stunning. It’s not just the stunning islands that all shoot up from the emerald waters, it’s the caves, the caverns, and the hidden lagoons that all help make Panag Nga Bay something truly special.
- Ice Cream Cave
- Bat Cave
- Oyster Cave
- Mangrove Lagoon
Or how about a game of football on a floating pitch at the floating village of Ko Panyee, and after you have built up an appetite you can enjoy some fresh seafood at the floating village.
How about a different view of Phang Nga Bay
For a fabulous view of Phang Nga Bay, you can head to Samet Nangshe viewpoint on the mainland in Phang Nga province. 5 Star Marine Phuket can even take you here so you can get a stunning picture of the whole of Phang Nga Bay.
Watch the Phuket Sunset
Before making your way back to base. Perhaps you might make a final sunset stop at Koh Pear, a small strip of an island that looks and feels like you are walking on water – a perfect end to the day.
Phang Nga Bay Private Bioluminescence and Sea Canoeing Tour
If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, then a private bioluminescence and sea canoeing tour should be at the very top of your list. This tour offers a spectacular afternoon and early evening out on the water, combining the opportunity to experience this stunning natural phenomenon as well as exhilarating sea canoeing activities.
This is part of our new collection of luxury and inspired afternoon sea tours tailored to your personal expectations and sea condition on the day. This tour will take you on a magical journey through the waters around Phang Nga Bay, where you can witness the incredible natural wonder of bioluminescence.
For more details on this tour click here.
For full details of our James Bond, Phang Nga tour click here.
Our 5 Star Marine Phuket Private Boats
Check out our Private VIP Speedboats
Here at 5 Star Marine Phuket we have a fleet of 15 private VIP Speedboats and Luxury Cruisers (and our fleet is still growing). All our fully customised boats are TAT SHA Plus approved, and adhere to the highest levels of comfort for your ultimate tailor-made experience.
We get lots of questions all the time about the 5 Star Marine Phuket boats. So let’s talk about our boats. Our boats are all the same. So we have Lucas 1 to 15. Same style, same fit out, same layout, same inclusions. Everything’s the same.
So as you step onto the boat from the pier, at Phuket Boat Lagoon, you’ll see that there’s a back deck. This back deck that’s there is to enable easy access on and off the boat. A lot of guests ask us, can the boat come all the way up to the, beach? And the answer is yes, we can back all the way up to the beach. And then you can just step straight off onto the beach. And another great thing is while you’re snorkelling, there are two long ladders there. One that you can go down and one that you can go up.
All our boats have two engines which are better for safety and a nice deck that you can get up and down on nice and easy. And it also protects you from the engines. So when you go snorkelling, you are nowhere near the propeller, which is good.
So as you go inside the boat you’re going to see that actually we just upgraded the cushions inside our boat. Nice big fat cushions. To make it comfortable for you, there is a shaded back area where you can sit and an open front area as well. Both of these are available for you throughout the tour. And inside we also have a cooler full of ice, soft drinks, and water. And if you like, you can bring anything else onto the boat and put it inside the cooler. Also every boat has a toilet.
Now, some of the other questions that we also get asked is there a smaller boat available? The answer to that question is these boats that we’ve just talked about are specifically built here in Phuket for Phuket sea conditions. Now we don’t run smaller boats because we think that it’s unsafe. So all of our boats are two engine boats. They’re all 39 foot long and they’re designed for Phuket specific sea conditions that allows you to have a nice safe trip.
We’re often asked our boats suitable for young kids. The answer to that is yes, of course. And that’s why the boat is so big. That’s why it’s got two engines. We feel very comfortable about it. In fact, all of our boats are named Lucas after my son, who’s been going on board with us since he was 6 months old.
Our crew are well trained and experienced in making sure that you have a safe journey. So who’s going to be on the boat with you? Well look, if you’d like Jay our YouTube host, Jay will be there with you. But typically on our boat, we’re going to have 3 crew on board with you. We’re going to have a captain, an engineer, and an English speaking guide.
Now the captain, his job’s to take care of the boat and make sure that you get from A to B, nice and safely. The guide is there to customize the tour prepare you for each of the stops, help you with your snorkelling, maybe organize where you’re going to go and have lunch and your engineer will be there on the boat helping with your experience as well.
If you’re considering a private boat tour in Phuket we would love to have you on board with us. Whether you’re one passenger or you’re a family group we can customize the program and the tour to suit you. Any questions at all, feel free to drop a comment below. And we’d love to see you on board.
James Bond Island Tour
James Bond Island Tour Explained:
One of our most popular private speedboat day excursions is our James Bond Island Tour, heading out to Phang Nga Bay. This is a sumptuous day trip that includes classic sights as well as more sporty activities such as caving and paddling. On 5 Star Marine’s James Bond Island Tour you will go to a place unlike any other, with stunning karst limestone formations rising steeply from the turquoise waters creating an unbelievable seascape for your special photos.
The Popularity of James Bond Island:
When selecting the James Bond Island Tour by private luxury speedboat, the experienced captain and guides will take you and your select group of friends or family off to the well-known Koh Tapu (James Bond Island) in Phang Nga Bay. Here you can take in the sights of Phang Nga Bay’s fames location. This James Bond Island Tour is one of the most popular day trips run from Phuket, and once you arrive it is easy to understand why.
This area is actually a marine protected site; therefore, boats are not allowed to get too close to the Island. However, right beside is the island of Koh Ping Ghan, which features a large rock that leans to one side and several caves which are perfect to explore. From here, you will have a fantastic area from which to take photographs of the famed landmark during your James Bond Island Tour.
James Bond Island has been a popular destination for vacationers since the 1970s, when it was featured in the film ‘The Man With the Golden Gun’ as the location of Scaramanga’s hideout. The James Bond Island Tour that 5 Star Marine provides remains a highly enjoyed trip as a result of the popularity of the film.
Indeed, this attraction helped to support the inhabitants, stores, restaurants, and the floating Muslim village of Koh Panyee, where huts, eateries, and even a floating football pitch have been erected above the water. This can all be experienced and supported as part of your James Bond Island Tour.
Spotlight on The James Bond Island Tour
No matter what it is that you require, 5 Star Marine will do all they can to provide for your perfect day out. Our experienced team will do their best to steer you away from the crowds so that you may have a day that stands out in your memory. During your James Bond Island Tour some of the possible highlights along the way are as follows:
• Stop by Panak Island to enjoy floating peacefully inside one of the hidden caves surrounded by mangroves, before basking in the golden bay.
• At Ko Kudu Yai, take in the exquisite beauty of the clear waters and indulge in this stunning lagoon.
• For a spot of lunch, we suggest taking you to the small island community of Koh Panyee where you can have some traditional food as well as support the local community.
• Once you arrive at James Bond Island, get snap happy from Koh Ping Ghan for the best shots
• During your James Bond Island Tour we can help you participate in some cave canoeing or exploring if you desire.
• Perhaps get lucky and make a sunset stop at Koh Pear, a very thin strip of sand which appears as if you are walking on water.
James Bond Island Tour Inclusions:
• Experienced Captain and Crew
• Private luxury speedboat
• Fresh fruits
• Soft drinks
• Water
• Snorkelling equipment
• Life jackets
• Insurance
• Beach mats
• On tour photos
• Tour video
• Cool towel
• Fins (adults)
• Hand sanitiser
Bookings and Enquiries:
We’re excited to have you join us on the memorable James Bond Island Tour aboard one of 5 Star Marine luxury private speedboats. Please get in touch to book in advance to avoid disappointment
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
www.5starmarinephuket.com
[email protected]
James Bond Island and Phang Nag Bay Private Boat Tour
Phang Nga bay is a popular Private Phuket Boat Tour including the iconic James Bond Island. The 5 Star Marine Phuket boat tour into Phang Nga Bay from Phuket takes you into some awesome limestone caves and stunning hidden lagoons as well as kayaking up close to the limestone Kasts and visiting the amazing floating football pitch in Koh Panyi at Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, and of course going to James Bond Island, the island used in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”
Before you get to see the amazing James Bond Island, whose name in Thailand as Ko Ta Pu, (Also known Khao Ping Kan, BUT that is a different island, don’t worry I will explain all later), take your time to enjoy the spectacle that is Phang Nga Bay. This stunning bay offers you so much to see and do. The hundreds of caves alone could take you months to explore and that’s not to mention the stunning hidden lagoons and beaches or the stunning limestone Karsts that rise up from the emerald waters which you can explore up close by kayak. Phang Nga Bay is part of what was once a huge coral reef that covered much of what is now Southeast Asia.
One of the other amazing sights to visit when you head out for a Private Phang Nga Bay boat tour is the world’s only floating football pitch. This amazing floating football pitch is at Koh Panyi, which is a fishing village in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, notable for being built on stilts by Malay fishermen. The football pitch was built by children who rather than spend the day fishing, wanted to play football. So, they found some old buoys and slowly made their very own floating football pitch.
James Bond Island is one of the must do’s when you are on holiday in Phuket, as I mentioned earlier it has many names. So, the island that most people take their selfies in front of is what is called Ko Ta Pu, translated into English, which means Nail Island. This was the island that in the James Bond Movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was the backdrop when James Bond and Scaramanga had their duel. The island that your private boat will drop you off is called Khao Ping Kan, but both are more commonly known as James Bond Island.
If you are looking for a real epic day trip, checking out the awesome spectacular scenery that only Phang Nga Bay can offer then book up a Private Phang Nga Bay Boat Tour. You will not be disappointed.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that Ko Ta Pu, was also used in another James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies, BUT it was said to be in Vietnam.
YouTube host Jay Leshark and camera man, and awesome 5 Star Marine Phuket tour Guide Alex head out to spend a day exploring Phang Nga Bay. They float into caves, and find hidden lagoons, before kayaking and getting up close with the stunning limestone rock formations, and then they finally get that perfect Instagram picture at James Bond Island. Oh yes and Jay gets to check out the amazing floating football pitch at Koh Panyi. Must remember to take a football next time.
What Phuket Islands are opening in October 2022 and Phi Phi and Phang Nga Too
The Phuket high season is coming and many of the islands surrounding Phuket are reopening after being closed for the Thailand low season. One of the most anticipated openings is that of Maya Bay in Phi Phi which will be reopening on the 1st of October 2022.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand IF not the world. The beach was featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio which was filmed over 20 years ago. It was closed on the 1st of August to give the Thailand National Park Authorities time to check and assess the last few month’s effects of tourists being allowed back on the beach.
Many of the other islands around Phuket and Krabi are opening on the 15th of October 2022. These include the stunning Similan Islands.
The Similan archipelago consists of eleven beautiful islands, and The Andaman Sea around the islands is one of the best-kept secrets of Thailand. The crystal-clear blue water is filled with marine life, which makes spotting, sharks, barracudas, triggerfish, and various tropical fish not a problem at all. It has some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world.
Also opening up on the 15th of October are the Surin islands. The Surin Islands are an archipelago of five islands and are very popular for their awesome coral gardens and fine white sandy beaches. The Surin Islands are one of the most famous diving and marine life viewing sites in the world, and arguably the best in Thailand.
5 Star Marine Phuket is also opening up some of its tours which it has put on hold during the Phuket low Season, so back open from the 15th of October are the tours to Koh Ha and Koh Rock. These two islands combine stunning water clarity with a diverse range of colorful marine life and corals and therefore offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities you can find. (And they are number one on my list of Phuket Islands to visit)
Also opening up are the Private Phuket Tours to Koh Lip, famous for its white powdery sand beaches and coral-rich turquoise waters, and the Koh Mook 3 day 2-night tour which also includes Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and the stunning Emerald cave.
With many Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phang Nga islands opening up and some amazing private Phuket boat tours from 5 Star Marine Phuket coming back, it is looking like after 2 years of Covid-19 this coming high season is going to be fantastic.
