Railay Beach in Thailand. Credit: Shutterstock Thailand's paradise islands are back on the tourism map. After months of seasonal closure due to monsoon conditions, some of the most famous natural sites and beaches in the Andaman Sea region in the west of the country have reopened to visitors, ahead of the 2026/2027 winter tourist season.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released an official overview of the opening of the new season, which includes the Similan Islands, Maya Bay and other natural sites in the Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and southern islands areas.
According to the authority, the Similan Islands reopened on October 15, after five months of being closed due to the monsoon season. More than 1,300 visitors arrived on the islands on their first day of opening
Shutterstock/ Maya Bay on Phi Phi IslandMaya Bay, one of the most famous beaches in Thailand, returned to welcoming visitors even earlier, on October 1.
The Similan Islands, located off the coast of Phang Nga Province, are considered one of the most impressive marine natural areas in Thailand.
The islands are known for their turquoise waters, white beaches, huge granite rocks, and rich diving sites. Every year they attract travelers and diving enthusiasts from around the world, especially during the dry season.
Similan Islands. Photo: ShutterstockThe seasonal closure is intended to deal with the harsh sea conditions during the monsoon period and allow the nature reserves to continue to preserve their sensitive ecosystems.
With the start of the new season, options for visiting the islands will resume, including day trips and diving trips, depending on sea conditions and the guidelines of the national park.
The Khao Lak area, north of Phuket, serves as one of the main departure points for tours in the area.
Alongside Similan, Maya Bay on the island of Ko Phi Phi Le also returned to receiving visitors in early October.
The bay became world famous for its surrounding limestone cliffs, light sand, and clear water, and became one of the most recognizable symbols of tourism in Thailand.
Its reopening allows travelers to revisit the area as part of cruise tours departing from Phuket and Krabi, among others.
However, it is important to emphasize that opening the bay to visitors does not necessarily permit swimming in all parts of it. One must act in accordance with local guidelines and restrictions applicable to visitors, which are intended to protect the marine environment.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand emphasizes that visitors to six national marine parks are required to prepare in advance for the electronic ticketing system.
The system, which has been in operation since October 2025, includes, among others, the Similan, Surin, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and Koh Lanta national parks.
Therefore, travelers planning to visit the reserves are advised to purchase entrance tickets in advance and bring a passport to verify visit details.
This is an especially important guideline for those planning to arrive as part of organized day trips or independently, as entry to natural sites is subject to local rules and space availability.
With the opening of the tourist season in the Andaman Sea, the Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends that visitors expand their trip beyond the familiar destinations.
Phang Nga Bay: One of the most famous areas in the country, offering sailing between huge limestone cliffs, sea caves and hidden lagoons. Some tours take place in kayaks, which allow passage through narrow natural channels into lagoons surrounded by vegetation.
Surin Islands: An archipelago near the Myanmar border, known for its diving sites and the Moken community, a community with a long maritime tradition. Visitors can learn about local life on community-led tours.
Krabi and Railay Beach: impressive limestone cliffs, beaches, long-tail boat rides, and opportunities for climbing and nature activities.
Koh Lipe: An island in southern Thailand, in the Satun Province area, known for its clear waters and spectacular beaches. The area also includes the Trotau Archipelago, which offers nature experiences and hiking.
Trang region: One of the relatively quiet areas on the west coast of Thailand, where you can visit small islands, sea caves, and seagrass areas that serve as habitat for the dugong, an endangered marine mammal.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, October and early November are considered a transition period between the monsoon season and the dry season.
Despite the reopening of the islands and reserves, rain and high waves may still affect boat operations and the possibility of going on sea trips. The dry season is expected to establish itself during December, with the months of December and January considered to be particularly popular periods in the area.
The authority recommends that travelers remain flexible in their schedules, especially when it comes to cruise trips, and to book accommodations and ferry tickets in advance during busy periods.
For travelers interested in combining several destinations into one vacation, the Tourism Authority offers a ten to 12-day itinerary along the coast of the Andaman Sea.
The route begins in Phuket, with a visit to the old town and Phi Phi Island, continues to Khao Lak and Phang Nga Bay, and from there to Krabi and Railay Beach.
Later, you can reach the Trang region, visit the islands of Koh Mok and Koh Kradan, and finish in the Satun and Koh Lipe regions in the south of the country.
The route allows you to combine beaches, nature reserves, diving sites, local cuisine, and traditional villages.
For Israeli travelers planning a winter vacation in Thailand, the reopening of the islands and bays is an opportunity to combine some of the country's famous natural sites with a vacation. However, it is important to check weather conditions, boat availability, and entry regulations before setting off.