Are they big? Up to two meters. Are they dangerous? No, not under normal circumstances. Will my heart beat faster when I see one? Why else would one want to snorkel with sharks? These are Black tip, and White tip reef sharks. They look just like the real thing, but are essentially harmless. Don't chase them though!

Thian Og is a beautiful bay; soft squeeky between the toes sand, fringed with coconut palms, and a huge grass area dotted with flowering plants. A small restaurant at one end, a rustic beach bar at the other. kayaks and snorkeling equipment and life vests are available for rent.

Massage in a sala on the beach is a recent addition. Fresh coconuts for sale; the bar will even chop them into pieces once you have drunk the milk. Make you think of a Bounty advert? This is the beach! Entry to the deeper water can be awkward at times of low tide. Please take care crossing the coral. Even at very low water it is home to thousands of small fish, and is easily damaged. It can be sharp too. Apart from shark, one might see Green Turtles, Titan Triggerfish, Barracuda, Skunk Anenome fish, as well as the usual reef dwellers such as Gobies, Rabbit fish, Parrot fish and Wrasse.

Much of the coral here was severely damaged a few years back, and is in the early stages of recovery. That does make it an ideal opportunity to spot cruising sharks especially in the deeper water in the middle of the bay. The rocks at either side of the bay also give some excellent snorkeling. Popular with longer term farang residents as well as the Thais themselves, Thian Og can sometimes be busy, but rarely crowded.  

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