There are few things in the world that are more impressive than discovering bioluminescence in Thailand. To my great surprise, Rayong Thailand offers some of the most amazing fluorescent plankton I have yet to see. If you get a chance to go, make sure not to miss this opportunity.

Where to Find Bioluminescence in Thailand

To experience bioluminescence in Thailand, first head to Rayong. About 20 kilometres from Rayong, there are amazing beaches that have next to no tourism, offering sights that will amaze you both during the day and at night. You can expect a drastic change in tides between high tide (during the day) and low tide (at night), which also adds magic to the experience.

The beach is so flat that during low tide there is almost half of kilometre of bare sand!

Finding the Right Beach

Make sure to go to the right beach around 11PM.

See the map below for an exact location of where to find the bioluminescence in Rayong Thailand.

Tips to Better See Fluorescent Plankton

There’s a reason most people have never seen bioluminescence in Thailand, or anywhere in the world for that matter! Here are a few tips for increasing your chances of finding the beauty of fluorescent plankton in the sea waters.

Find the beach area with the least amount of light pollution

The less light there is around you, the better. Find a part of the beach that has less light, and walk out until you are about waist-deep in water. Then slowly move your hands from left to right and you will begin to thousands of white sparkles appear and disappear in the water.

The less moonlight the better

The stronger the moonlight, the more difficult it is to see the fluorescent plankton. The best way to increase your chances of seeing bioluminescence is by making sure you go during the new moon.

Go with a friend

Going to swim alone in the middle of the night is never safe. Bringing a friend will be safer, and greatly increase your chances of finding areas where the bioluminescence is strongest.

Go during dry season

Rain season brings about strong currents that can displace the organisms that create the bioluminescence. Furthermore the waters are more dangerous, making it more dangerous to swim in the night. I went around February and the visibility was perfect.

Go sober

When on vacation often times we can end up getting too drunk to perceive anything. Swimming in the ocean drunk is also one of the best ways to get yourself killed. So please refrain from getting drunk if you plan on going for a night swim with the fluorescent plankton.

Going to Vietnam? Make sure not to miss the bioluminescence in Vietnam

Other Places to see Bioluminescence in Thailand

Although I haven’t personally seen bioluminescence anywhere else in Thailand, I’ve met a few travelers that had seen it in the following places around Thailand. Here are some of the best places:

Ton Sai, Krabi

Koh Phi Phi

Ao Nang

Railay Beach

Maya Bay

Live Your Magical Experience

Experiencing bioluminescence for the first time is truly an amazing feeling. I wish you luck in going out and experiencing this yourself! Please come back and comment on your experience to inspire others to do the same. If you know of other places where one can experience bioluminescence in Thailand please let me know!

Until Next Time,

The Alternative Ways