This week we have been exploring the warm clear waters of Southern Thailand. Our first stop was Ko Tah Chai – dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand” for its azure surrounding waters and the satin-like white sand beaches – which are so silky underfoot.
Activities include:
A Nature Hike – where you can spot a green pointy snail that lives and eats in certain trees and the pretty “chicken crab” which tends to hide during the heat of the day.
The waters are warm and aquamarine – and great for swimming interspersed with long periods of resting on the beach and drinking. This has been our favorite activity. And there is no mobile access or wifi here either. This island has no accommodation so people visit only as a day trip.
For equally stunning islands – look slightly further south to the Surin Islands. Unlike Ko Ta Chai you can stay here – renting small wooden homes or tenting. The tents are situated right next to each other overlooking a beautiful bay – the homes give you more privacy as they are located further apart from each other on the hillsides. To reserve visit: www.surinislands.com/accommodation.html
A two km nature trail located close to the park headquarters on Ko surin Nuea leads one along the edge of this island with many spots down to secluded coves and crystal clear waters. One can spend all day slowly making one’s way along this trail and stopping often for photos and to swim.
There are many snorkeling spots off of the islands – and on a clear day you can see variety of marine life. During our visit a number of the corral unfortunately was damaged or dead – perhaps as a result of the Tsunami in 2004.
The Moken people live on the islands – they were scattered among these islands pre Tsunami – and after all moved to one main village – where they make a living fishing and selling a number of trinkets to tourists who pop in.
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- The whitest of sand at Koh Ta Chai Island
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- Author on Koh Tah Chai
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- Moken Village, Ko Surin
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- Chicken Crab
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- One of many little bays on Koh Surin
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- Sea Fern – plenty of snorkeling off of Surin Islands
That sand and water is just ridiculous … and people wonder why Thailand is so popular! 🙂
Yes, and it is a country that is easy to get to and cheaper airfare than say some of the South Pacific or Micronesian Island destinations, that also boasts incredible waters and coral atolls.
Very good article, Dave.
Too bad we ran out of time for a trip Southern Thailand. We are roasting here in Bangkok with temperatures 90-98 degrees everyday – hot, sunny and very humid. Enjoy the warm clean waters of the Andaman Sea.
Cheers, M and G
Yes, its been damn hot in Bangkok lately! Hope you find cooler temps in Japan next month 🙂
Hey, great share…..
I have told by my several friends that Thailand is an amazing vacation destination. The dollar goes a long way in Thailand. There are hundreds of hotels and guesthouses for under $20 a night. It sounds really amazing. Isn’t it? I have also heard that Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world.
I am also planning to visit Thailand next month with my friends. I am really looking forward to it.
Cheers!!
Jean – yes the Thai beaches are superb – although at certain times of the year some of the more popular beaches can be extremely crowded which detracts from the overall experience of visiting them. But you can find very cheap guesthouses as you mentioned. Enjoy your time there 🙂