The untouched turtle sanctuary at the edge of the Similans.

Koh 1 — also called Koh Huyong and known locally as Koh Nùeng (nùeng = 1 in Thai) — is the southernmost island of the Similan chain. It’s the island most people never step on, the one that stays quiet, protected, and beautifully untouched. No beach visits, no snorkeling stops, no crowds — just a long stretch of golden sand and a calm, ancient presence watching over the rest of the archipelago.

To say it like a local:
Koh Huyong = koh hoo‑yong (soft “hoo”, gentle “yong”).
Koh Nùeng = koh nùeng (nùeng means 1 in Thai).

“Koh 1 is the island you admire from afar — and somehow love even more because of it.”

Arrival at Koh 1

As the boat passes the southern edge of the Similans, Koh 1 appears like a long, golden ribbon — a beach so wide and untouched it feels unreal. The sand stretches for what seems like forever, backed by dense green forest and framed by calm, shallow water.

You don’t land here. You don’t snorkel here. You simply glide past and feel the quiet.

Pam always points at the shoreline and says softly, “This is the beach the turtles love more than we ever could.”

The mood of Koh 1

Koh 1 feels peaceful, protective, and deeply natural. It’s the island that stays quiet so the others can shine.

Expect:

• a long, untouched golden beach
• calm, shallow water
• dense forest behind the sand
• a feeling of pure, untouched nature

“Koh 1 is the Similan that whispers, ‘Some beauty is meant to stay wild.’”

Why Koh 1 is protected

Koh Huyong is one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the entire Andaman Sea. Leatherback turtles, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles come here to lay their eggs on the wide, quiet beach.

Because of this, the island is strictly protected:

• no landing
• no snorkeling
• no walking on the beach
• no tours stopping here

The island belongs to the turtles — and the Similan National Park keeps it that way.

What you see from the boat

Even from a distance, Koh 1 is beautiful. The beach is long and golden, the water is soft and shallow, and the forest behind it feels ancient and untouched.

From the boat, you might spot:

• gentle waves rolling onto the sand
• birds flying low over the water
• the quiet curve of the island stretching into the horizon

“Koh 1 is the calm breath before the Similan story begins.”

The role of Koh 1 in your Similan day

Koh 1 is the southern gateway — the first island in the chain, the quiet guardian of the rest. You don’t stop here, but you feel its presence as you head toward the brighter blues of Koh 4, Koh 7, Koh 8, and Koh 9.

It’s the beginning of the story, the soft opening chapter.

Why people remember Koh 1

• its long, untouched beach
• its peaceful, protective mood
• its importance for sea turtles
• its quiet beauty
• the way it sets the tone for the day

Koh 1 is the island that stays wild so the others can welcome you. It’s the gentle start of the Similan journey — the quiet giant at the edge of paradise.