Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are the “postcard blue” side of the Andaman Sea: pale sand, warm-clear water, and giant granite boulders that look sculpted by hand. As a protected national park, the real magic is just offshore, where you can snorkel above coral gardens and schools of reef fish in water that often feels like glass. Many tours stop at Island No. 8 for a short climb to the famous Sail Rock viewpoint overlooking Donald Duck Bay, one of the most iconic panoramas in southern Thailand. From Phuket or Khao Lak, it’s usually a full-day adventure with an early start and a fast boat ride out to the park.