During this year’s Songkran Festival, which took place between April 11-14, 2023, the Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga Province saw an influx of both Thai and foreign tourists who came to marvel at the beauty of the Andaman Sea. The marine tourism atmosphere in the Ko Phra Thong Sub-district of Khura Buri District was bustling with activity, as visitors flocked to the white sand beaches and clear sea water, making the most of their long holiday.
The trip of every tour company typically included a stop at Koh Miang or Koh Si, which houses the park’s office and food shop. Princess Beach, a stunning 400-meter stretch of fine white sand, was a popular destination for swimming and snorkeling, with coral formations scattered near the rocks. Visitors could also take a natural walking path to Lan Khor Luang viewpoint and enjoy a small beach near the security unit of the Phang Nga Naval Base.
Reports on the collection of fees for the Similan Islands National Park during the Songkran festival indicated that a total of 2,653 tourists visited on April 11, with a fee collection of 1,005,050 baht. On April 12, 2,600 tourists paid a total of 809,600 baht, while on April 13, 2,533 tourists generated a fee collection of 542,450 baht. Finally, on April 14, a total of 2,869 tourists paid 775,900 baht in fees.
Those who wish to see the beauty of the Similan Islands should plan their visit soon, as the park is set to temporarily close on May 16, 2023, and will reopen for tourism on October 15, 2023.
