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The Similan Islands Thailand Travel Guide
 Located on the coast of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea 70 km from Phang Nga, the Similan Islands are an archipelago consisting of the islands Ko Bangu, Ko Similan, Hin Huwagralok, Ko Payu, Ko Ha, Ko Hok, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong (although the islands are usually referred to by numbers). The area was declared Mu Ko Similan National Park in 1982 and later expanded to include the island of Ko Tachai just north of the Similan Islands for a total of 140 square kilometers. The islands are marked by tall granite formations, dense green vegetation, and white sandy beaches. Monkeys, langurs, bats, and birds can be spotted feasting on the riches of the islands while a world of marine species lingers beneath the clear blue waters. The corals and marine life have justifiably earned the Similan Islands the distinction of being one of the most highly rated dive spots in the world.
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 The best time to visit is between December and April when the water is clear. The park is closed during the monsoon season from mid May to mid November. The islands are uninhabited offering good trekking and rock climbing opportunities for the nature lover, but these activities are best not attempted without a guide. The largest island, Ko Similan, is the center of activity for the island chain and has some dive spots for those not wanting to go further a field.
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Transportation:
To reach the islands, there are daily bus services covering the nearly 800 kilometers from Bangkok to Phang Nga. From Phang Nga buses are available to travel the final 65 kilometres to Thap Lamu District. The islands can then be accessed from Thap Lamu pier. Alternatively, Thap Lamu pier can be reached from Phuket 84 miles south. Private tour boats can be hired from Thap Lamu Port to the National Park daily while the Park is open. The trip from the port to the islands is a 3 to 4 hour journey of roughly 70 kilometers. Boats operated by the National Park service drop tourist on Ko Similan requiring transit to a second boat in order to reach other islands in the archipelago. Boats can also be hired directly from Phuket to the National Park during the high season.
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Accommodation:
A camping site and basic bungalows are run by the National Park Office that include bathrooms and shared toilets. The Park also operates a basic restaurant.
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Diving:
The waters around the Similan Islands are some of the most biologically diverse in the world.  Although prior to the establishment of the National Park some of the coral was damaged by dynamite fishermen, efforts have since been taken to rehabilitate the corals. The islands also suffered some damage from the Indian Ocean Tsunami, but divers report that the past two seasons have been back to pre-tsunami excellence. The waters are a perfect 28șC giving rise to hundreds of species of coral, fish, and crustaceans. The islands can be reached for day trips or longer liveaboards can be arranged for up to two weeks. Snorkeling as well as diving can be arranged, usually on the calmer coral encrusted eastern side of the islands. The most popular dive spots include Elephant Head south of island No. 8, Christmas Point on the western side of No. 9, Bolder City/Shark Fin Reef near No. 3, Beacon Point off the southern tip of No. 8, and Breakfast Bend off the eastern side of No. 9. Expect to see nudibranchs, ribbon eels, white tip sharks, leopard sharks, turtles, and bumphead parrotfish.
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Sailing:
The islands are becoming increasingly popular with the sailing set. Yachts and sailboats can be seen bobbing throughout the best mooring spots during the high season while their captains enjoy the deserted beaches and calm swimming bays. Boats can be chartered from both Phuket and Phang Nga.
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About The Author
James Doswell writes for the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com - All of the materials on this site are the sole property and responsibility of Cheapthaitravel.com. This material may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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