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Thailand: the Similan Islands, a paradise preserved from the crowds
Head to the Similan Islands, perhaps the most beautiful in Thailand. Its bright blue waters of rare purity are the result of a very ambitious protection policy. – (France 2)
Head to the Similan Islands, perhaps the most beautiful in Thailand. Its bright blue waters of rare purity are the result of a very ambitious protection policy.
70 km off the continent, around ten islands, as if lost in the splendors of the sea. The islands Similan (Thailand) are a well-protected natural treasure. It was 8:30 that morning when the first tourist boats arrived on the island known as “number 4”. In addition to its preserved beaches, the archipelago of Similan is also known for its exceptional seabed. Stéphane Vuillermoz, a former restaurateur from Lyon (Rhône), sold everything to become a diving instructor. He now works in coral reefs, among sharks and rays.
A strict preservation policy
The environment is preserved thanks to the authorities, who close the sector to tourists seven months a year. Since 2019, the number of visitors to the National Park Similan is also limited to 3,850 tourists per day. They could have been twice as many before. It is also impossible to stay on the islands. To monitor the area, the park deploys around a hundred rangers, who control all the boats. There are also oases of greenery and lush jungles on the islands, where preserved biodiversity finds refuge.
