Setting Sail to the Similan Islands

The sun had barely risen when I found myself being whisked away from my hotel in Phuket, the anticipation of the day ahead buzzing in the air. The early morning drive to the Wow Andaman Pier in Khao Lak was a bit of a blur, partly because I dozed off during the ride, lulled by the gentle hum of the van. Upon arrival, the pier was a welcoming sight, with a light breakfast spread waiting for us. The Wow Andaman team greeted us with warm smiles and a sense of adventure that was infectious. After a quick briefing and gearing up, we were ready to set sail to the Similan Islands.

The speedboat ride was a thrilling 90-minute journey across the azure waters. Though the seating arrangement was a bit snug, the camaraderie among fellow adventurers made up for it. Our guide, Puu, was a beacon of enthusiasm, sharing stories and insights about the islands we were about to explore. As we approached the first island, Koh Miang, the sight of the white sandy beaches and the vibrant blue sea was nothing short of breathtaking.

Diving into the Underwater Wonderland

Our first snorkeling stop was at Koh Payu, and it was like diving into a living aquarium. The water was crystal clear, revealing a kaleidoscope of corals and colorful fish darting around. As someone who has spent countless hours riding waves and exploring the ocean, I was still awestruck by the sheer beauty of the marine life here. The time spent snorkeling felt both fleeting and eternal, as if the world above had paused just for us to enjoy this underwater paradise.

We continued our journey to Koh Ba-ngu, where the snorkeling was equally mesmerizing. The reef, known as Breakfast Bend, was teeming with life, from sea fans swaying gently in the current to schools of fish weaving through the coral outcrops. Each dive was a new adventure, a chance to connect with the ocean in a way that felt both familiar and exhilarating.

A Feast for the Senses

After a morning of snorkeling, we arrived at Koh Similan for a well-deserved picnic lunch. The island, with its lush greenery and towering rock formations, was the perfect backdrop for our meal. The prepacked Thai seafood lunch was a delightful mix of flavors, and as we ate, we shared stories and laughter, basking in the sun and the beauty of our surroundings.

Post-lunch, we had time to explore the island, and I couldn’t resist the call of the jungle trails leading to the famous Sailing Rock. The climb was invigorating, and the view from the top was a reward in itself—a panoramic vista of the ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon.

As the day wound down, we made our way back to the pier, where a buffet awaited us. It was a fitting end to a day filled with adventure and discovery. The Similan Islands had offered a glimpse into a world of wonder, and as I sat there, savoring the last bites of my meal, I knew this was an experience I’d carry with me long after the sun had set.