What did we do our last day in Phuket? Another day trip of course! We stopped by a tourist booth near our hotel and the nice woman talked to us about the Similan Islands – a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand. The pictures looked gorgeous with crystal clear waters and white sand. We took a another day to think about it before booking it at another booth after dinner one night.
First Stop
We were picked up from our hotel early the next morning and made our way to Sarasin Pier outside of Phuket. So it turns out that this particular company specialized in tours for Chinese tourists. My sister and I were the only non-Chinese people there! We had to laugh, it was pretty funny. Apparently these islands are extremely popular among the Chinese tourists. We didn’t mind much because we were looking forward to some beautiful beaches! We all squeezed into the high-speed boats and headed to the first island. It took about an hour and a half to reach Koh 4, also known as Miang Island.
Island 4
It actually looked like the pictures! It was gorgeous. We were excited to take a swim in the clear blue waters and relax on the white sand beach.
Miang Island
Clear Blue Sea
Beach Selfie
After Koh 4 and a mediocre buffet lunch, it was time for our next stop. We went to Koh 7, or Payu, to snorkel. The boats didn’t actually dock and they just hung out in the area. Everybody was given snorkeling gear and you were free to leave the boat and explore on your own.
Next Stop – Snorkeling
There was nothing spectacular to see, but a few coral and small fish. My sister had better luck with spotting some bigger fish.
Island 7
Payu
Snorkel Selfie
After snorkeling for a bit, it was time to head to our last stop. We were given the option to snorkel in another spot or go to the beach. We were interested in more beach time!
Our last stop was Koh 8 – Similan Island. This is the largest of all the islands and home to Sail Rock.
Last Stop
Island 8
Koh Similan
Ah, soooo nice. We set up a small spot on the beach and enjoyed relaxation and cooling off in the lovely water for a while.
White Sand
Small Waves
My Happy Place
Sail Rock
Perfect Weather
I’m glad we decided to do this day trip to the Similan Islands. Despite squeezing into a speed boat with all the Chinese tourists and the dull food, it was fun! The islands had the nicest beaches we saw the entire trip.
A Nice Day Trip
Similan Islands
Koh 4 (Miang Island)
Koh 7 (Payu)
Koh 8 (Similan Island)
Website
your article really makes me put Similan Islands in my top 3 destinations for next year! I have a friend who recently went diving there, she absolutely loved Richelieu Rock (https://dive.site/explore/site/richelieu-rock-39Zp) and generally the whole area. I so want to get there myself, explore everything and at the same time become a better diver (I just got my PADI Open Water certification).
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Very cool! It was so nice! Highly recommend it. Congrats on the certification!
thank you! it was a great challenge to finish the course, but it was so worth it. just as a little funny side note, the preview of your instagram feed made me super hungry!