The unpredictable weather, with its sudden shifts between hot and cold, made me hesitant to risk a disappointing trip to the mountains. Instead, I decided to embark on an adventure of sunbathing and diving, hoping to achieve a tan (although my skin is already naturally dark). With limited time, I could only take one day off work, leaving me with just three days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Would that be enough? Well, I figured, since I was already committed, I might as well make the most of it.

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My destination this time was a group of dream islands that I had previously only envied when I saw others post pictures of them online. I wondered how the water could possibly be so clear.
This time, I would see for myself. I was headed to...

The Similan Islands, Koh Tachai, and the Surin Islands.

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Time was of the essence on this trip, as I had to visit all three dream islands within a limited timeframe.
If you ask me if it would be tiring, I would have to ask you in return: do you want to see something beautiful?
Breathing in the fresh air and witnessing the breathtaking scenery of the sky and the underwater world would be worth the exhaustion.


[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden texthttps://www.facebook.com/some.mile/

All photos were taken with a CANON 50D camera and a CANON PowerShot D30 for underwater shots.

We departed on an early morning AirAsia flight at 5:50 am, arriving at Phuket Airport around 7:30 am. We did not check any luggage because a car would pick us up and take us to the pier. Time is of the essence!



The morning sun was so inviting that I closed my eyes for a moment and before I knew it, I was at Phuket Airport. As soon as I got off the plane, a driver from the tour company called to inform me of the pick-up point. We used the services of Seastar for our three-day island tour, which was sponsored by thailandlism.com, who invited us to try it out. I must admit that I was a bit embarrassed that I had never been to these three islands before. Haha! I've seen so many people go there and take pictures of the beautiful sea, clear water, bright sun, and blue sky. Oh, you are the dream. . .



What is this? I walked out of the airport and rubbed my eyes again. Is it raining? Will there ever be a time when I travel and the sky is clear for me?

Boarding the van, I fell into a deep sleep. The journey from Phuket Airport to Seastar Pier took approximately 1.5 hours. Waking up, I found myself at the pier, surrounded by playful tourists.

Our first day will be spent exploring the Similan Islands National Park.

Upon arrival, inform the staff of your name and you will receive a list of brands separated by color according to the island you will be visiting. You will also be provided with a diving mask and fins. After a short wait, you will board the boat. Restrooms and changing rooms are available at the pier, but if you are feeling lazy, you can change in the restrooms on the boat. Luggage and clothing that you will need for the next two days can be stored in the room under the boat to prevent them from getting wet.



The journey from the pier to the first dive site takes approximately one hour. Our main guide for the day, "พี่เบาหวิว," will introduce the crew members and provide various instructions. Water, candies, and bags will be provided for those who wish to avoid seasickness.

After an hour's journey, we arrived at the first diving spot of the day, which was Island 4 (I think). During the boat ride, we were constantly hoping for some sunshine, but alas, there was none. True to the "some.mile" experience, the sun was a no-show. But who cares? Even without sunshine, the water was crystal clear. So, we jumped in! The moment we hit the water, our drowsiness vanished. The water was incredibly clear. At this first spot, the coral wasn't that impressive, but it was still good enough for some cool underwater photos. I wonder if my friends will think I'm trying to trick them into believing I took these pictures in a swimming pool?



We spent 45 minutes on the island before heading ashore for lunch. The park's lunch was a buffet-style meal, and the food was decent, although the chicken was a bit tough. After lunch and some relaxation, we were free to explore the island at our leisure. We considered hiking to the top for the view, but the lighting wasn't ideal, so we opted to relax on the beach instead.





The Similan Islands that others see are so different from what we see. TT



Diving and swimming, even though the sun wasn't cooperating, the water was clear and the fish were big and beautiful.


And just like that, the good times flew by. It was time to board the boat back to shore, taking the same amount of time as the journey there.

Upon arrival at the pier, we returned the borrowed diving masks and fins. The staff then informed us of the vehicle number that would transport us back to our hotel.



Hoping for bright sunshine tomorrow so I can finally use the sunscreen I bought. The tour van conveniently dropped us off right in front of our room. After checking in, we're settling into our two-night stay at To Zleep Hotel in Khao Lak, Phang Nga.

Due to its distance from both ports (one to Similan and the other to Surin) and its proximity to food sources, ...

Near the accommodation, there are affordable restaurants that will make you smile from ear to ear (walk out of the hotel to the left, there will be a tent-style restaurant with a white awning).



The hotel room boasts a breathtaking mountain view. Waking up to open the curtains brings joy and provides another opportunity to share photos with friends.



Breakfast was included, and the owner, recognizing us as Thai, would constantly ask if we wanted rice porridge, fish maw soup, or yellow curry. Was there anything we wouldn't want? Haha! It was so delicious, I give in. I give in. Even if breakfast meant fish maw soup, I'd gladly endure a stomachache.

At precisely 7:30 AM, the tour bus we had booked arrived, right on time and putting a little pressure on us because we were running three minutes late. I apologize, but my kidney soup wasn't quite finished yet.



Don't worry if you haven't had breakfast before arriving at the pier. They have a wide variety of food and drinks available, including milk, tea, and coffee.


Rice porridge, bread, and fruit juice are all available. We must try everything.



Upon arrival, the usual steps were followed: check-in, brand list distribution, collection of diving masks, fins, and towels. The tour guide then provided an overview of the tour program.


Our guide today is Latte. One thing I like about the guides here is that they are friendly, fun, and humorous, and they don't discriminate against foreigners.



It's time to set sail! Embark on a one-hour journey to the breathtaking .......................... Koh Tachai.



Today, Brother Latte recommends a program that will only dive at two points, on the north and south sides of the island. Then, we will come in to sit, lie down, and rest, taking our time to relax on the island.



And when we arrive at our diving spot today... when the evil spirit transforms, no one can stop her.


The boat nearly capsized when I resurfaced after having my face submerged in the water.





There are eels too.



After completing our dives at both locations, we ascended to Koh Tachai for lunch. Today's menu consisted of adorable boxed meals.


Today's food is the best I've ever had. I like it more than the food at the park. The best part is that I wasn't full, but the staff brought me another box because there was some leftover. I'm so full now!



After burying his head in his food, he looked up and saw a dazzling light from heaven.


Sun, we have been waiting for this moment for so long.



Wow, I never thought I would see Koh Tachai with its white sandy beaches, bright sunshine, and crystal-clear water, just like everyone else.

Today, I finally saw it! At least it makes me realize that I am still somewhat lucky.



The white sand, illuminated by the sun, forced me to quickly grab my sunglasses. The sand was incredibly fine and soft, making me want to lie down and roll around in it.


We originally planned to go on a nature walk to see the fiddler crabs, but we ended up seeing them while we were eating lunch, so we decided to skip the walk.

Take a walk, take some photos, and then find a place to rest for the day.



Finally, we got a place to sleep. The tour here provides mats for us to borrow. We distributed them and chose a corner to sleep. At that moment, it was incredibly comfortable.


Without a single thought in my head, the last image before I closed my eyes was the sight of crystal-clear seawater. As I drifted off, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind filled my ears.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore competed with the music blaring from a nearby phone. The cacophony created a sense of overwhelming joy and excitement.



The alarm clock's insistent chime roused me from slumber, signaling the start of another relocation.

Farewell, Koh Tachai. We were absolutely right to choose this place. Thank you for making today another great day.



Is there anything else I can help you with?

Goodbye.



Upon returning to shore, it seemed as though the organizers knew we were hungry. The dinner buffet was even more impressive than the breakfast spread, featuring papaya salad with fermented fish paste, fried chicken, sausages, barbecue with sticky rice, rice noodles, and ice cream. It was difficult to choose what to eat, but why choose when you can have it all?



On the way back to our accommodation, heavy rain poured down. The van had to make rounds to drop people off at different locations. It happened that our accommodation was almost the last stop, so we had time to sit and watch the scenery along the way.



The setting sun was breathtaking, casting a mesmerizing glow over the landscape. It was a moment of pure beauty, one that left me speechless. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it painted the sky with vibrant hues of orange, red, and purple. The clouds were illuminated, creating a stunning spectacle that seemed to defy reality. The air was filled with a sense of tranquility, as if nature itself was holding its breath in awe of the beauty before us. It was a moment that I will cherish forever, a reminder of the simple pleasures that life has to offer.



Today is the last day. The past two days, as soon as I landed, I took a boat to the Similan Islands. What I encountered was thick clouds and a dark sky.


The second day, we continued to Koh Tachai. Although the weather was cloudy at first, the sky cleared up in the afternoon.

Today, we will venture further to the Surin Islands National Park.



After a journey of over an hour, we arrived at the first dive site of the day, located near the Moken village before reaching the shore of Surin Island.


The weather is fantastic, with the sun shining brightly, as if making up for the first day.



The crystal-clear water speaks for itself. Dive in and experience the refreshing coolness!



The fish population is significantly higher compared to the previous two islands. However, most of the fish here are small and live in schools. In contrast, Koh Tachai has a larger population of larger fish.


The crystal-clear waters offered a mesmerizing glimpse into the vibrant coral reefs, akin to a meticulously arranged aquarium. After our first dive, we embarked on a leisurely stroll through the Moken village.

A photograph captures the daily life of the island's inhabitants, including souvenir vendors, primarily children selling their wares under the eaves of their homes.



Next, we move on to the highlight of this trip: lunch.


This tour (I don't know if other places are like this, I've never been) has a lot of food and drinks available at all times.

As a person who is addicted to carbonated drinks, I always have them on hand. I even thought about secretly bringing some back to my room to drink later.



We traveled to Surin Island for lunch.


Today's menu offers a wide variety of options, as usual, including pastries, dairy products, and beverages.

After lunch, the group dispersed to relax and play in the water on the island for about an hour and a half.



If you walk to the side of the island, you will find accommodation and camping areas for tourists who come to spend the night.


If I have the chance next time, I've already told myself that I'll try staying overnight. I feel like this island is just right for me. I don't know if it's because there are fewer people today.

A tranquil island with minimal crowds, offering a secluded and idyllic escape. I am utterly captivated by the allure of Koh Surin.



Tents and houses offer stunning ocean views, allowing you to wake up to breathtaking scenery.



Walking along the left side will lead you to a beach that separates the two islands.



It's time to say goodbye to this peaceful and beautiful island. I will definitely come back again when I have the chance.


We also have two more diving spots at Pineapple Bay and another bay, but I can't remember the name.



Let's continue!



The first time I went down, wow, it was too beautiful.


Abundant fish and stunning coral reefs.

No need for further explanation, let the pictures speak for themselves.



The final image is a self-portrait, taken and reviewed by the author, who expresses personal satisfaction.


The island is truly beautiful. Although we are most in love with Surin Island, both Tachai and Similan have their own unique charm.

"Since you've come this far, why not try them all and decide for yourself which one you like best?"



It's worth it to spend a little time here, you'll get a lot out of it.

This trip was made possible by Sea Star Tours, who took excellent care of us and ensured we were well-fed throughout the journey.

Thank you, P'Tum, from thailandlism.com [Spoil] Click to view hidden messagehttps://www.facebook.com/travelthailandlism. We think the tour price is special and P'Tum is very kind too. Hehe.

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