Khanom is inextricably linked to its pink dolphins. A boat trip to see these animals is an absolute must during any visit. The best time to go is in the morning, ideally between 7:30 and 9:00 am. This is when the chances of seeing dolphins are highest. Of course, there's no guarantee (I, for example, was unlucky and didn't see a single dolphin except for a fleetingly visible fin at the end of my boat trip). The area where you can observe them is quite large. It stretches from Cape Laem Prathap to Donsak Pier. When your ferry departs for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao, take a look out to sea – you might spot some pink dolphins. There are many longtail boats in Laem Prathap that will take you to see the dolphins. However, I personally recommend booking one of the more comprehensive excursions offered by tour operators (ask at your hotel reception). They combine the boat tour in the bay to see the Loma Si Chompoo (pink dolphins in Thai) with a visit to the small island of Koh Nui, the Khao Wang Thong cave, and a dip in a river for a natural fish spa. This way, you'll still have a great day even if you're unlucky and don't see the dolphins! The dolphins are apparently present year-round, but the chances of seeing them are best when the sea is calm. Therefore, the monsoon months (November-December) are less favorable. According to the authorities, 60 pink dolphins live in the area.

You're probably wondering why the dolphins off Khanom are pink and not gray? I've heard various explanations, depending on my contacts on the ground or my research. The explanations are diverse: some believe they eat a lot of shrimp (which I consider the least likely explanation), others that they have many capillaries for temperature regulation, and still others think that only older dolphins are pink and feed on the small fish that fishermen throw into the sea near the coast. Young dolphins, on the other hand, are gray. Choose the explanation that convinces you most.

If you go to a pier in or around Laem Prathap and hire a longtail boat, a 1.5-hour tour costs around 1500 THB per boat. Some operators guarantee a free return trip the next day if you don't see any dolphins. A complete tour including dolphin watching, a boat trip to Koh Nui, a visit to Khao Wang Thong Cave, and relaxation in a natural fish spa costs 1200 THB per person, including pick-up and a deposit from your hotel. The same tour with a private guide costs around 3000 THB. This is especially worthwhile for groups of three or more, as you'll enjoy an exclusive private tour. Inquire at your hotel if you're interested.

How to get there

How do you get to see the pink dolphins? If you go to a pier in or around Laem Prathap and hire a longtail boat, a 1.5-hour tour costs around 1500 THB per boat. Some operators guarantee a free return trip the next day if you don't see any dolphins. A complete tour including pink dolphin watching, a boat trip to Koh Nui, a visit to Khao Wang Thong Cave, and relaxation in a natural fish spa costs 1200 THB per person, including pick-up and a deposit from your hotel. The same tour with a private guide costs around 3000 THB. This option is worthwhile for groups of three or more, as you can enjoy an exclusive private tour. Ask at your hotel if you're interested.