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FireFlyz | 19
is Koh Him Ngam. Surprisingly, this tiny
island has no white sandy beach like all
the others, but is instead formed of pebbles
– mostly dark but some light, striped,
swirling or plain, smoothed and polished
by the force of the waves. Legend says that
each stone is cursed and collecting one
brings bad luck. Conversely, build a stack
of twelve, make a wish and it will come
true. The incongruous sight of “Thailand’s
Stonehenge” left me in no doubt about
what my fellow travellers did.
soft, sandy beaches gave way to clear,
aquamarine waters teeming with tropical
fish and the sunsets were worthy of an
artist’s canvas.
The island is shaped like a shoe, with
three beaches, one on each of the sole, the
heel and the top. Pattaya Beach, which sits
on the sole, is where the ferries arrive and
depart and is undoubtedly the liveliest.
A short tuk-tuk ride to the east is Sunrise
Beach and to the northwest is Sunset
Beach – photo opportunists may choose
depending on their penchant for early
morning or early evening photography.
ON THE WATER
Being a water lover, I found plenty of
snorkeling and kayaking activities straight
off the beach. Here at Koh Lipe, the sea is
as transparent as drinking water in a glass.
Fromour clear-bottomed kayakwe spotted
shoals of colourful fish, sea urchins with
long black spikes and an array of bright
corals. “Look, there’s Nemo!” my young
daughter exclaimed with delight upon
spotting a clown fish darting in and out of
a purple sea anemone.
Sitting on the edge of Tarutao National
Marine Park, Koh Lipe affords easy access
by the Chao Lay’s long tail boats to many
pristine snorkeling locations and even a
shipwreck for experienced divers. Yong
Hua is a 50m-long, intact Thai fishing
boat that sank in 1996 and is now home
to a multitude of fish, barrel sponges and
gorgonian fans. If you prefer to be on the
water rather than in it, there are sailing op-
tions for both the novice and experienced.
The recommended island stop whilst
out enjoying the freedomof the openwater
The pebbled beach at Koh HimNgam
Kayaking fun for all ages
Healthy marine life found in the crystal clear
waters of Koh Lipe