Koh Tachai, or as tourists affectionately called it, “Thailand’s Maldives,” was once one of the most stunning destinations in the Andaman Sea. Located within the Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga Province, it sits strategically between the Similan and Surin archipelagos . The island’s defining feature is its powdery white sand beach, stretching over 700 meters, juxtaposed against the clear, turquoise-blue waters. This natural splendor earned Koh Tachai the title of the true “Pearl of the Andaman.”
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The Beauty That Made Koh Tachai Beloved
Before its closure, Koh Tachai was a paradise for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts. The beach was not only beautiful but also home to rare species like the “Hairy Leg Mountain Crab” (Pu Kai), a large freshwater crab known for its chicken-like sound. It was also a world-renowned spot for snorkeling, where visitors could occasionally spot various marine life, including blacktip reef sharks and manta rays .
The island’s name, Koh Tachai, is derived from the legend that a man named “Ta Chai” was the first to discover the island. However, locals historically referred to it as “Koh Bua” (Lotus Island) because of the lotus flowers found in the island’s freshwater sources .
The Reason for Restoration: When Beauty Was Threatened
The overwhelming popularity of Koh Tachai in a short period led to a severe problem known as “Over-tourism.” This heavily impacted the island’s fragile ecosystem, particularly the coral reefs, which suffered significant damage from tourist activities, leading to a rapid deterioration of the island’s natural resources.
Consequently, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced the indefinite closure of Koh Tachai, effective from October 15, 2016, to allow nature a full opportunity to recover. This restoration period has lasted for nearly nine years.
The Good News of its Return: Sustainable Tourism
After a long period of closure, exciting news emerged in late 2025, thrilling the tourism industry. The DNP has reviewed the situation and is planning to reopen Koh Tachai for visitors in 2026 .
However, this return will be accompanied by strict measures to prevent a recurrence of past problems. The plan includes limiting the number of tourists to no more than 100 people per day and restricting visits to six hours. Activities will be focused on those with minimal environmental impact, such as relaxing and sunbathing on the beach . This limitation is a crucial step, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable tourism management, ensuring that the “Pearl of the Andaman” remains beautiful for future generations to appreciate.