pam

my day to similan by once starts in the kind of morning that feels like a reset button. the air is cool, the sky is still waking up, and everything feels soft. similan by once is a premium escape into the bluest water, a full day on a luxury catamaran for 3,500 baht, all inclusive, and it’s the kind of luxury that feels effortless. no pressure, no rush, just comfort and blue everywhere.

1:00
the pickup from phuket arrives quietly. i step outside and the world feels calm. the roads are empty, the city is quiet, and the sky has that early morning softness that makes everything feel gentle. i get into the car and it feels like the day is already taking care of me. the ride is smooth, the air is cool, and i’m just watching the soft blue light slowly spread across the buildings.

2:00
as we pass through patong, the whole place looks different. the shops are closed, the streets are calm, and the city feels like it’s still dreaming. it’s peaceful in a way that makes you slow down without even trying. i’m not thinking about anything. i’m just letting the morning carry me.

3:00
we arrive at thap lamu pier. it’s private, organized, and surprisingly calm. there’s no chaos, no loud crowds, just a smooth check in process. i hand over my details, they remind me that similan requires a photocopy of my passport or thai id, and everything is done in a minute. it feels easy, like the day is designed to be stress free.

once gives me a beach bag, 1 towel, and 1 pair of fins. the bag is mine to keep and it’s actually really nice. eco friendly, strong, and perfect for the day. breakfast is waiting too. warm food, light snacks, and a gentle sea breeze. i take a motion pill because once thinks about everything, even the tiny details that make the day feel softer.

4:00
i sit for a bit, watching the pier slowly brighten as the sun rises. people are chatting quietly, the staff is preparing the boat, and the whole place feels calm. it’s the kind of morning where you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. i take a moment to breathe, to stretch, to let the day settle in. it feels good.

9:30
we board the luxury catamaran. it has 4 engines and 66 seats, and the moment i sit down i can feel how stable it is. the sea opens in front of us like a long blue road. as we move forward, the coastline fades behind us and the horizon stretches wider and wider. the water shifts from light turquoise to deep sapphire, and then into this dreamlike blue that doesn’t even look real.

10:00
the boat ride is smooth. the wind is soft, the waves gentle, and the whole journey feels like floating. people are relaxing, taking photos, or just staring at the endless blue. i walk around a little, look over the railing, and the water looks like a giant sheet of glass. it’s peaceful in a way that makes you forget about everything else. it’s the kind of moment where you just breathe deeper without thinking about it.

11:10
similan appears in front of us. koh 8, ao kuerk, with water so clear it looks unreal. the deep part is sapphire blue, the middle turns aquamarine, and the shallow part near the shore is bright turquoise crystal. when i look straight down, the water is so clear it feels like i’m floating above glass.

i step onto the beach and i instantly understand why people say this is the best island in thailand. the sand is soft and white, the water glows, and the whole place feels untouched. the viewpoint is incredible too. giant granite boulders stacked like nature’s artwork, with layers of blue stretching out forever. i take my time walking up, stopping to look at the water from different angles. every angle looks like a postcard.

then i go snorkeling and it feels like entering another world. the water is warm and gentle, and the visibility is unbelievable. fish shimmer like tiny sapphires, silver coins, neon emeralds, and golden flecks of light. i can see every coral branch, every ripple of sand, every tiny fish shadow, and every sparkle of sunlight dancing underwater. it’s peaceful, bright, and full of life. i stay in the water longer than i planned because it’s just too beautiful to leave.

12:00
we move to koh 4, ao lek, for boat snorkeling. the water here feels like floating in a giant bowl of light. the corals glow in soft pinks, deep purples, bright greens, and golden anemones that sway like silk. the fish move slowly, peacefully, and the whole place feels dreamy and quiet. i drift with the current, letting the water carry me, and it feels like the world has slowed down just for me.

12:40
we arrive at haad nah. the sand is soft, the waves are gentle, and the water looks like liquid glass. i sit down, breathe, and let the moment hold me. it’s peaceful in a way that feels rare. no noise, no rush, just the sound of the ocean and the warmth of the sun. i take a few photos, walk along the shoreline, and just enjoy the simplicity of the moment.

13:00
lunch is served under tall casuarina trees. there’s shade above me, waves beside me, and warm food in front of me. steamed rice, spaghetti with chicken tomato sauce, fried chicken, stir fried vegetables, chicken massaman curry, seafood, omelet, fruits. everything tastes better when the ocean is right there. i sit with my plate, listening to the waves, and it feels like the perfect break in the middle of a perfect day.

14:00
we walk to haad lek. the trail is gentle and quiet, surrounded by trees and soft light. haad lek is funny because the name means small, but the beach greets me with this giant rock plate like it wants to show off. i’m standing on this huge stone slab that feels like nature built a stage just for me. the water is super clear, glowing turquoise, intimate, and dreamy. i take my time here, walking around, exploring the rocks, and just enjoying the quiet.

after soaking in haad lek, the route loops back to haad nah through a soft forest walk. it’s peaceful, a little adventurous, and just enough movement to feel alive without feeling tired. the trees sway gently, the light filters through the leaves, and the whole walk feels like a calm reset.

14:30
we head to koh 7, ao huuchang, one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in similan. the water is bright and clear, the corals look like gemstone gardens, and the fish glow and shimmer in every direction. i look down and think this is the most peaceful underwater world i’ve ever seen. it’s magical and quiet and full of blue glow. i stay in the water for a long time because it feels like the kind of place you don’t want to leave.

15:30
we start the journey home. the boat is warm and quiet, and i can feel this soft joy settling into my chest. my hair is salty, my skin warm, and my heart full of blue. i sit by the window, watching the water change colors again as we move closer to the mainland. it feels like the perfect ending to a perfect day.

17:00
we arrive back at the pier. i scan the qr code and get full size, high resolution photos taken all day with a full frame camera. they’re free and honestly really beautiful. if i miss the code, i can just ask pam. i take a refreshing shower and unwind with buffet dinner. snacks, cookies, cupcakes, sandwiches. everything soft, sweet, and easy.

17:30
the transfer takes me back to my hotel. the evening light is gentle, the vibes are sleepy and sweet, and the whole ride feels like i’m carrying blue memories with me. i look out the window and the sky is turning gold, then pink, then soft blue again. it feels like the day is wrapping itself around me.

arrival is around 20:00 depending on where i’m staying. if i need it, there’s a 19:00 phuket airport drop off too.

when i step out, i still feel soft. i still feel calm. i still feel like similan is sitting in my chest. and i think this is luxury. this ease. this blue. this feeling.

similan by once
a premium escape into the bluest paradise
3,500 baht
all inclusive
zero billionaires needed

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step into a day of pure island magic