Thailand recently reopened three of its marine national parks after a six-month closure due to environmental concerns. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has welcomed back visitors to Similan National Park, Surin Islands National Park, and Laem Son National Park, all situated in the Andaman Sea within Phang Nga Province. These parks will be open from October 15, 2024, to May 15, 2025, before closing again for conservation efforts. The closures aimed to protect marine life from challenges posed by rising sea temperatures and increased footfall.
What to expect at these Thai marine national parks
With a total of 156 national parks, Thailand is one of the most biodiverse countries in Asia. The country annually closes several national parks for specific periods based on region, weather conditions, and environmental conservation needs. While most parks shut down during the heavy monsoon season due to unsafe conditions for visitors, some areas are closed to allow for ecological recovery.”
The national parks in Thailand offer visitors a chance to embrace nature and spend a few days surrounded by adventurous activities. For instance, the recently reopened Thai marine national parks provide visitors with a diverse range of activities, including snorkelling, diving, and cultural events within the parks.
Laem Son National Park is part of Ranong and Phang Nga provinces and is famous for its sugary beaches and vibrant coral reefs. It is a popular place for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Similarly, Similan National Park is considered one of the best places in Thailand for diving and snorkelling, thanks to its crystal-clear water and thriving corals. Surin Islands National Park offers corals and water sports opportunities and gives visitors a chance to spot the elusive whale sharks among other marine species. The villages within the boundaries of the national park are also a big attraction for tourists.
(Featured image credit: Armiblue, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
This story first appeared here.
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Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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