Thailand is an interesting and shielded country that has many “koh” or islands; each of which is unique in its own way. Apart from the famous resorts like Phuket or Koh Samui, there are many beautiful places that are still waiting for somebody who will have curiosity enough to find them.
In this article some of the less prominent but just as interesting Thai islands will be described. Prepare yourself to dive into this geographical exploration of these Thai kohs, gemstones located in the huge Andaman Sea.
Koh Bon
Koh Bon is one of the islands situated in the Similan National Park in the Andaman Sea and it is a true divers’ heaven. Famous for the manta rays, the island has marine features such as the coral reefs, exceptional rock formation and peaks.
Underwater Wonders
- Endeavors of scuba divers would enable them to has direct contact with marine environmental Featuring- Barracuda, Tuna, Groupers & Leopard sharks.
- Koh Bon has two main dive sites:
- Koh Bon Pinnacle: This site has depths and cliffs of rocks as well as blend of beautiful colors brought by corals.
- Koh Bon West Ridge: A famous site for manta rays which allows divers to come face to face with the rays in the water.
Getting There
- Departure Point: Khao Lak
- Transportation: High-speed boats
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn, winter {Specifically May, June, July, August, September, October} & Spring {Specifically November, December, January, February, March, April}.
Koh Hong
Koh Hong is one of the islands or group of islands located in Than Bok Khorani National Park in Krabi. Hence it is a wonderful place for kayaking, snorkeling, and its water is as clear as crystal with all the white sand beach.
Island Attractions
- The main island of Koh Hong can be reached on foot through a path near the beaches of the island. Some of the optional activities for visitors include, mangrove kayaking as well as snorkeling in the sea coral gardens.
- Kayaking: Swim in the sea through caves and unknown lagoons.
- Snorkeling: Learn habitat and species variety in shallow water zones.
- Beach Trails: Strolling on nice sandy shores which have not been tainted by human footprints.
Getting There
- You can visit Koh Hong through a taxi-boat from Ao Nang beach, and Railay beach or directly from Phuket. These trips have the transportation, food and probably complimentary activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
- Excursion Points: Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Ao Nang, Railay, Phuket
- Entrance Fee: 5. 08 EUR
- Excursion Cost: They range depending on the activity they are participating in.
Koh Mat Sum
Koh Mat Sum which is located near Koh Samui is a famed island that is home to wild pigs and magnificent lagoon. There is an opportunity to sunbathe without much company around, eat and drink at a bar-restaurant, and stay at a four-star hotel.
Unique Features
- It is a wonderful place for entire day sailing and mangrove exploring without meeting many people. On the beach, one can sunbathe or take a nap, in the clear waters of the lagoon one can go for a swim, and a meal can be taken at the bar-restaurant.
- Wild Pigs: Cute pigs that wander around the territory of the coast.
- Lagoon: It is perfect for swimming and snorkeling …
- Facilities: Bar-restaurant facility by the send and hospitality services.
Getting There
- To get to Koh Mat Sum there is an option to take a long-tail boat along Thong Krut Beach in Koh Samui. The cost is approximately 45 lack. 68 EUR per boat, plus 2. 54 EUR to hire snorkeling accessories. Other popular tours provided by tour agencies include those to Koh Tan and Koh Mat Sum although the price varies with the tour .
- Departure Point: Thong Krut beach, Koh Samui
- Boat Cost: 45. 68 EUR per boat
- Snorkel Equipment: 2. 54 EUR rental
- Tour Packages: : that can be obtained from the local agencies
Koh Pling
When it comes to Koh Pling in relation to Koh Phra Thong, the latter is famous for local sites to dive. Housing lies in a dormant basin that makes it surrounded by a calm sea good for diving and other water sports.
Diving and Snorkeling
- There is a lot that can be explored from Koh Pling and the experience is rather enjoyable and quiet. The sea is shallow and has lots of sea life, thus ideal for those starting diving as well as the experienced divers.
- Dive Sites: Many places to go that are teeming with a various sort of sea creatures.
- Snorkeling: Turbid waters with very good penetration.
- Marine Life: Boils down to any fishes, corals and sometimes can extend up to the medium sized marine creatures.
Getting There
- Resorts to stay at when visiting are those on Koh Phra Thong and there are stunning islands to explore around Koh Pling. Some of the activities that one can undertake in the available hotels range from island tours to the nearby islands like the Koh Pling.
- Stay: Resorts at Koh Phra Thong
- Activities: Swimming, water lecturing trips, islands visiting
- Best Time to Visit: It is evident that the business prevails from November to April.
Koh Tachai
The island of Koh Tachai was closed to tourists to allow nature to recover especially if it was a famous destination that many used to visit Mu Ko Similan National Park. It was also particularly famous for possessing unbelievably beautiful shores and diverse sea life.
Environmental Protection
- This case of the closure of Koh Tachai serves to remind people of the significance of conservation. Measures are made to preserve its fragile environment so that generations that are yet unborn may one day enjoy the attractions that nature has to offer.
- Marine Life: Rich in marine life and many colored ecosystems, previously widely used in the creation of various films.
- Beaches: Pure and as far as people have not interfered with them.
- Conservation Efforts: Continuous to safeguard and to rehabilitate the environment in the island.
Past Access
- Till the time the lock down was not imposed, one could go to Koh Tachai through tours from Khao Lak having activities like snorkeling and sun bathing on the beach. Still, the island of Koh Tachai is barely accessible at the present time due to the measures taken for the preservation of the incredible nature.
- Previous Access: This is a continuation of the previous tours where excursions from Khao Lak are described.
- Activities: Snorkeling, beach visits
- Current Status: Currently, it is closed to tourism.
Conclusion
The second group of Thai islands is not as famous as the first but it is just as rich in various activities and calming atmosphere. From the diving paradise of Koh Bon to the deserted like island of Koh Mat Sum, these destinations offer the best in terms of this beautiful country’s offer in nature. For any divers, beach lovers or nature lovers these hidden treasures are waiting to be explored. Prepare your vacation, admire the rules of saving the natural environment, and discover the beautiful gems among the not very famous kohs of Thailand.