Live Your Best Lives
The sea, another unknown universe
The sea is as deep as the universe. The universe has stars, and the sea has islands. Each island is a star, shining brightly and embellishing the sea.
Whenever you snorkel, imagine that you are traveling between the oldest atoms in the universe; whenever you sail and island-hop, imagine that you are traveling from planet to planet.
Wandering around every island, salvaging lost stars. This time, we started from southern Thailand, roaming around the most desirable islands in the best season and in the most interesting way.
After browsing numerous travelogues and guides, you'll find that both casual travelers and seasoned travelers alike make multiple trips to southern Thailand. This isn't without reason: while overdevelopment has led to a slight increase in local prices, it remains the most cost-effective option.
Convenient flights, mature infrastructure, and the freedom to spend as you wish, especially hotels. Even slightly upscale resort hotels can easily beat the weekend prices of B&Bs around Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.
On October 15, 2019, after a break of more than half a year, Similan Island finally opened. This indicates that the islands in southern Thailand will enter the most suitable tourist season of the year. The weather will be cool, the monsoon will be stable, and the heartless sunshine will drive away the mold in your body.
Similan Islandscheck the details
The Similan Islands are nine islands located northwest of Phuket, very close to the islands. These are some of the world's most beautiful, unspoiled islands, open only during the dry season. They boast a rich and diverse marine life and spectacular coral reefs, ranking among the world's top ten most beautiful islands. They are a snorkeling paradise, boasting crystal-clear waters, a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, and a rich diversity of marine life. The water's exceptional buoyancy means even non-swimmers can simply lie flat on the surface with their arms and legs extended, and drift! A perfect destination for landlubbers with aspirations of diving.
Recommended months: November to April
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The Andaman Sea, Thailand's turquoise coast, has become a postcard favorite , tempting you to quit your job and settle down there permanently. But the hype doesn't match the Andaman Sea's true beauty. Here, you'll find pristine white beaches, craggy limestone cliffs, and hundreds of jungle-covered islands. The gentle, moist sea breeze and the feeling of the world's softest sand between your toes are just a few of the many surprises the Andaman Sea has to offer.
Krabi, Phi Phi, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Honeymoon Island, Rock Island, Emperor Island, Coral Island, etc.
From May to early October, the sea is expected to be rough and many tourist attractions will be closed or have reduced prices.
Held in late September or early October, the Vegetarian Festival features parades of devout believers with pierced faces, endless fireworks displays, and delicious vegetarian food.
December to January is the peak tourist season, prices soar, and transportation and accommodation need to be booked in advance, but the heartless sunshine will definitely make you feel that the money is worth it.
Similan has a 360-degree view without any blind spots. No matter how you shoot it, every angle is a magazine cover. Even if you change all the filters, it is difficult to compare with the original picture.
To protect the island's natural environment, the number of tourists visiting Similan Island each day is capped at 3,500, and the number of people allowed to dive nearby is capped at 525 per day. This means you need to plan ahead, or you might not be able to secure a spot on the island.
Tips:
Special note: You can't wear shoes on the Similan Islands! But don't worry, the sand here is so fine that it's like setting powder. Come and give your feet a sea salt spa~
The Similan Islands are particularly friendly to landlubbers who are afraid of water but are eager to explore the underwater world. The buoyancy of the sea water here is very large. Even if you can't swim, you can float on the sea as long as you lie flat on the sea with your arms and legs stretched out.
Similan, one of the world's top ten diving destinations, is a must-see for scuba divers. You'll have the opportunity to encounter schools of fish, turtles, and other large marine life. Besides snorkeling, you can also relax, swim, and sunbathe on the pristine white beaches of Mieng Island. Make the most of your precious time and opportunity to experience the most enriching and fulfilling experiences!
Tips:
1/ Opening period: October 15, 2019 - May 15, 2020.
2/ The Similan Islands consist of 9 small islands, and only islands 4 and 8 are accessible.
3/ The Similan Islands have a daily limit of 3,500 visitors, and overnight stays and shoes are not allowed on the islands.
The Phi Phi Islands, located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Phuket, Thailand, consist of two main islands, Phi Phi Big and Phi Phi Little. Designated a Thai national park in 1983, the Phi Phi Islands are comprised of six islands, the largest of which are Phi Phi Big and Phi Phi Little. This sun-kissed island is home to an abundance of mantis shrimp.
A day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket is one of the most popular tourist activities. The southern Phi Phi Leh is known as the Guilin of the Sea. The hundred-foot cliffs rise from the seabed. The snorkeling scenery here can also satisfy friends who are curious about the underwater world.
Movie lovers will likely remember the 2000 hit American film "The Beach," starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The dreamy blue sea and clear skies were filmed on location on Phi Phi Leh! The fact that it has garnered the attention of Hollywood directors speaks volumes about the island's allure.
Tips:
Due to environmental issues, Maya Bay, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Leh Island can only be visited by boat instead of landing on the island.
The Similan Islands' sister islands, the Surin Islands, also open from October 15th to April of the following year. However, Surin Island sees half the number of visitors per day compared to the Similan Islands! If you're sensitive to crowds and want a better snorkeling experience, then Surin Island is the place to go!
Over 90% of the water here is alive with coral, and the fish population is incredible. Look! Not only you, but also lizards, pigeons, and hermit crabs are lazing on the beach. Besides the stunning island scenery, this place also hides a village of sea gypsies, who drift year-round at sea and live a secluded existence.
Tips:
The opening hours of the Surin Islands and Similan Islands are the same, but there is no limit on the number of people, you can stay on the island and wear shoes on the island.
High-energy warning! A jungle roller coaster has debuted, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h. Do you swallow your anger in front of your boss? Today, you'll let your anger out!
Flying Hanuman is the largest jungle zipline project in Phuket. It has a total of 28 stations. The highest station overlooks the entire Kathu area. Even the timid ones want to relieve the pressure. There are many packages to choose from in the park, and there is always a scream that suits you.
With its ingenious rock formations and sea caves, numerous islands of varying sizes, and the inherent tranquility of the inland sea, Phang Nga Bay is a great place to visit with both the young and the old.
As an island landscape, Phang Nga Bay can be said to be very magical, because it has neither beaches nor snorkeling. The sea water is not blue but pine green. The karst islands, limestone caves, and mangrove cenotes are all full of adventure.
Don’t forget to take a photo with the cabbage in 007.
Every high-end trip has a single purpose: to experience the most authentic local customs and people. And on a highly developed tourist island like Phuket, I'm not saying you won't experience that. So, when you're out and about, don't be too rigid. Today, be a unique "Phuket person."
Sleep in naturally, visit the Big Buddha, a sacred place for prayer, stroll through the retro Nanyang town, take photos on the popular beach swings, watch the sunset at Promthep Peninsula, and find authentic local food at the container night market. If you're broke, shop at the duty-free shops. Finally, enjoy an immersive massage, and you've become a true "Phuket native."
No benefit, no harm. We refuse to ride elephants!
There are many ways to get close to everyone, such as: bathing the baby elephant, being the elephant's poop scooper, playing in the water with the baby elephant, making "wowotou" for the elephant by yourself, and finally hugging the elephant's long trunk and being a responsible elephant keeper.
This spectacular family of islands, with its powdery sands and turquoise waters, attracts millions of tourists each year. Koh Samui is like a big brother, boasting a mature tourism industry and a wealth of first-class resorts operating with Swiss-like efficiency. Uniformed butlers will diligently cater to your every need. Koh Phangan, the second-largest, is more of a slovenly playboy, known for its laid-back hammock days and all-night parties.
Koh Tao is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous types. It offers a variety of exciting activities, including world-class diving and snorkeling. The mainland coast, further from the island, is sparsely populated by foreign tourists. Whether spotting pink dolphins in secluded Kano Bay, kite-flying in Songkhla, a vibrant Thai Muslim village, or simply strolling along the beach, this region's unique natural scenery is sure to captivate everyone.
The lower bay is home to three of Thailand's most famous islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Koh Samui's climate is tropical and warm, with average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and nights ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius, ensuring optimal travel conditions for over half the year. From January to March, most Europeans find temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius most comfortable, as rain is minimal and breezes make the climate very pleasant. April and May are only suitable for enthusiastic enthusiasts, as the weather can be sweltering and windless. In April, the thermometer climbs to 34 degrees Celsius. During the "big" rainy season, from October to December, rainfall is limited to 18 days per month, usually with only brief showers. However, storms can also lash the island. June also has a "small" rainy season.
Koh Samui, often called the "home of luxury hotels in Thailand," boasts the largest number of top-tier hotels in Thailand, boasting nearly 1,700! It's no exaggeration to say that while visiting Koh Samui, the real deal is to stay in a hotel. Many of these hotels have even attracted celebrities like Jay Chou and Jimmy Lin.
Accompanied by the sunset, drinking cocktails, enjoying a variety of five-star cuisine, choose a resort that meets all your needs and stay for three days and three nights. Due to limited space, I will slowly introduce it to you in the next article.
Koh Tan is just fifteen minutes from Koh Samui, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a quieter environment. Even on official Koh Samui tourist maps, you'll hardly notice the island. Enjoy snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, and exploring this small island by mountain bike, electric buggy, canoe, or simply on foot.
On this island, you can experience something you won't find anywhere else in Southeast Asia: spotting wild pink dolphins. Pink dolphins typically live in the Amazon basin and are often seen in South America, so seeing them in Thailand is truly exciting!
Tips:
Searching time: February to September is the best time to search for pink dolphins
The Full Moon Party is held on Thailand's Koh Phangan, one of the world's three "wild party" destinations. During the "full moon" period when the moon is full, backpackers (independent travelers) and electronic music fans (electronic music fans) from all over the world come here in groups to make a pilgrimage.
Along the road to the party, every shop front is filled with barrels of alcohol and drinks. Backpackers and techno enthusiasts choose their own flavors, add ice, and carefully mix them. Then, they fill their barrels and head to the beach. Inspired by the music and fueled by the barrels, they revel unrestrained and uninhibited until dawn.
Tips:
Before heading to Full Moon Party, be especially careful not to bring too much money with you, and be mindful of your belongings. It's not that you're afraid of being robbed or scammed, but rather that everyone might get too high and get dizzy after dark, and with so many people there, you might lose something and not be able to find it. On the way back, when you board the boat at the beach, it's high tide in the early morning, so be sure to waterproof and protect your belongings and clothing, especially your camera and phone. It's recommended to double-pack them in moisture-proof ziplock bags just in case.
Ang Thong Marine National Park is located 20 kilometers west of Koh Samui. It consists of more than forty jagged jungle islands, steep limestone cliffs, hidden emerald sea and perfect peach-colored beaches. Each jungle island standing on the sea is like a pure kingdom.
For those who can't swim but want to travel freely between islands, kayaking is the best means of transportation.
In addition to kayaking, the island also offers activities such as admiring the jungle scenery of the nearby islands, observing the lives of wild animals such as gibbons, and experiencing caves. The pure and isolated nature makes the climb to the top absolutely worthwhile.
Tips:
Best time to visit: February, March and April are the best months to visit this wonderland of blue and green. During the rainy season, fierce waves mean that the park is almost completely closed in November and December.
If you want to experience the charm of Samui in all aspects, off-road jungle adventure is your inevitable choice. The skilled and wild-minded driver will take you over mountains and hills, which is extremely exciting.
Nangyuan Island, known as "the most beautiful mini island in the world", is also the first choice for many friends who go on vacation to Koh Samui. It is a 20-minute boat ride from Koh Tao. The herringbone-shaped beach connects the three small islands together.
The entire island feels like a purpose-built theme park, offering diving, hiking, swimming, sunbathing, fine wine and coffee... Nangyuan Island boasts a unique "human"-shaped beach, and the best vantage point for photography is right on the island's viewpoint. This is a must-see on any visit to Nangyuan Island.
Koh Tao is a small island in southern Thailand. It is also called "Turtle Island" because it was once a habitat for turtles in history and its appearance resembles a turtle when viewed from a distance on Koh Phangan. It is a small island with an area of only 21 square kilometers.
The coral reefs and abundant marine life here provide an excellent diving environment, making it a popular destination for diving enthusiasts worldwide. Those with no diving experience or a fear of the deep sea need not worry; snorkeling will delight you.
Pick your favorite boat and head out to sea for a leisurely cruise. Take a look at this vintage "Duke," the same model worn by pop diva Faye Wong. The red sailboat drifts on the azure sea, birds peeking through the blue sky, the sun shimmering on your shoulders, and you can relax on the red sofa inside the sailboat and enjoy the beautiful seascape. It's a scene straight out of a movie, but you can have it by skipping a meal.
The beauty of southern Thailand is no secret, and backpackers, group travelers, and everyone in between flock to these beaches.
But what does it matter? As long as you yearn for it, the beautiful scenery described in the postcard will still exist for you.
