Thailand Reopens Popular Marine Parks and Islands with New Visitor Rules
Thailand has reopened its famous western marine parks and islands following seasonal monsoons, introducing strict environmental regulations, online ticketing, and new tourist fees for visitors.
Thailand has long been one of the favorite holiday destinations for Israeli travelers, offering a combination of stunning nature, diverse attractions, excellent cuisine, and affordable prices. As the dry season approaches, Thai authorities have reopened several famous nature sites and beaches in the western region following months of seasonal closures aimed at monsoon protection and ecosystem recovery.
The reopening highlights the Similan Islands, a premier global diving spot, which welcomed over 1,300 visitors on their first day alone in mid-October. Alongside the Similans, the famous Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Lee has reopened, together with popular reserves across Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. However, the resumption of tourism comes with strict environmental and bureaucratic guidelines that travelers must observe before embarking on their journeys.
New Regulations and Electronic Ticketing
Entry to six major marine national parks—including Similan, Surin, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, and Ko Lanta—now requires advance online ticket purchases and passport verification. Furthermore, official reopening does not guarantee swimming access at all coastal spots, such as specific sections of Maya Bay, in order to protect local wildlife and unique coral reefs.
To manage crowds and enhance visitor experience, the Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends exploring lesser-known spots along the western coastline. Recommended activities include kayaking through hidden lagoons in Phang Nga Bay, diving at the Surin Islands while visiting local Moken sea nomad villages, discovering pristine beaches in Ko Lipe and the Tarutao archipelago, and exploring the tranquil Trang province, home to the rare dugong marine mammal.
Travel Tips and New Fees
While November marks a transitional period with occasional sudden rains and high waves potentially disrupting boat tours, the stable dry season is expected to peak through December and January. Travelers are advised to maintain flexible itineraries and book accommodations and ferry tickets well in advance due to high seasonal demand.
At the same time, Thailand has recently introduced a series of stricter regulations and new tourist levies. Alongside the passenger service charge hike to 1,120 baht at airports, upcoming entry fees of 450 baht and departure flight taxes of 1,000 baht are being promoted. Additionally, the visa-free stay period for Israeli citizens and numerous other nationals has been shortened from 60 to 30 days, prompting backpackers to secure advance visas or plan border runs.
