Exploring Phuket, Thailand

Photos of places in the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand is famous for beautiful beaches, great scuba diving, and scenically beautiful islands. I spent a day scuba diving near the Similan Islands in the brilliantly clear blue water to the west of the Thai peninsula. On the long boat ride to the islands, we saw dozens, if not hundreds of flying fish that seemed to escort us as we went.

I also spent a day on a canoe tour of Ao Phang Nga, the beautiful islands east of the Thai peninsula. These islands are strange and beautiful, seemingly jutting straight up from the sea, with limestone cliffs and caves. Many of the islands have caves that we canoed through into the interior of the islands, where the caves opened to interesting lagoons. One of these islands, Ko Phing Kan, is sometimes called James Bond Island, because the Bond movie "Man With the Golden Gun" was filmed here. You know this is a tribute to the beauty of the area. But be forewarned. James Bond Island is very touristy. The rest of Ao Phang Nga is definitely worth a look.

This is a quiet little cove on Similan Island number 8. If I ever return, this might be one of my multi-day stops. Although not visible from the beach, apparently there are bungalows available here. If you want a quiet getaway, I think this might be the place. While waiting here to meet up with my dive partner, I snorkeled these crystal clear waters seeing beautifully colored corals and thousands of fish. Later, I dove a different area near this island, then also Island number 9.
Some of the islands of Ao Phang Nga, northeast of Phuket, Thailand.
Our last stop was this pleasant white sand beach on one of the islands.
James Bond Island - one of the more touristy spots in Phang Nga. As I wandered this island, I saw a lizard (monitor?) about two feet long. That was cool.

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