Huddle Up, Travel Mates! Similan and Surin Islands in Thailand's Crystal Clear Waters Shut for Half a Year
Thai archipelago enforces a five-month closure period. - Thai trauma islands undergo closure for a duration of five months
Hey there, jetsetters! If you've got Thailand on your bucket list, here's some exciting news that might affect your plans. These dreamy island groups - Similan and Surin - located in the breathtaking Andaman Sea, have been closed to visitors until October 14, to grant Mother Nature some much-needed R&R. Bangkok's government has announced this five-month hiatus to shield the islands from the pressures of tourism and safeguard visitors during the wet season when weather conditions can be severe.
As a quick heads-up, the post on Facebook elaborated that the closure is aimed at preserving the delicate balance within the marine ecosystem, lessen the impacts of tourism, and prevent damage from monsoon season calamities.
These stunning island archipelagos, adored by divers and day-trippers alike, are easily accessible from either Phuket or the coastal region of Khao Lak. During the dry season, the islands' pristine, granite-sculpted shores glow under the sun, attracting swarms of tour boats.
On the Horizon: E-Tickets Starting October
Great news for the future! Once the islands reopen their gates in October, you'll need to secure an electronic entry ticket (E-Ticket) to set foot on them. But don't worry, it's not all that complicated! You'll just need to present your passport number, like a digital ticket to paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for the ticket price, as it hasn't been disclosed yet.
The Phi Phi Islands, another marine paradise, won't be excluded from the tech-savvy wave. In fact, the famous Maya Bay, which flowered to fame due to the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, will also be off-limits between early August and late September, to give their fragile ecosystem a breather after hosting hordes of tourists.
Sources:
- Thai islands close for five months for annual break
- Thailand's Similan islands to shut for five months
- Tourist islands close to protect nature
- Five months of nature for the Similan and Surin islands
- In the community policy announcement, it was clarified that the closure of the Similan and Surin Islands is part of an environmental science initiative to shield marine ecosystems from tourism impacts and minimize potential damage from the monsoon season.
- While the Similan and Surin Islands are closed, the Phi Phi Islands, another renowned marine paradise, will also implement an electronic ticketing system (finance) similar to the one planned for the reopening of the former, seeking to manage tourist numbers while ensuring a digital and efficient entry process.
- As travelers prioritize sustainable lifestyle options, the closure of popular destinations like the Similan and Surin Islands serves as a reminder to respect the environment and embrace practices that consider the long-term health of ecosystems in our travel choices.
