Mu Koh Similan National Park, in the southern province of Phang-nga, has reopened to tourists under its “new normal” measures, with no more than 3,850 visitors allowed per day.

The head of the national park, Tassanate Petchkong, said that they are fully prepared to welcome tourists again. The Similan Islands will be open for seven months, from October 15th to May 15th.

Under its “new normal” measures, no more than 3,850 tourists will be allowed on the islands per day, 3,325 of whom are allowed for one-day trips and 525 are allowed for diving.

As Phang-nga is part of the “Phuket Sandbox 7+7” extension, all businesses must have SHA PLUS certification. Businesses who have passed the certification are allowed to purchase entry tickets to Similan Islands, while those who do not have the certification must provide proof that they’re fully vaccinated and have tested negative before purchasing entry tickets.

Those who wish to travel to the Similan Islands can purchase entry tickets from the Similan national park officials or book the tickets through tour operators. Tourists must be fully vaccinated and must test negative for COVID-19 before traveling to the islands.

Sea patrol boats are also deployed at all 21 diving spots in the Similan Islands. All national park officials have all been fully vaccinated with three doses.

The Similan Islands are among the most popular destinations in Thailand, widely recognized for having the best diving spots and pristine beaches. The islands are usually open to tourism from October-May and are closed for the remaining months due to the monsoon season and to allow its nature to rehabilitate.