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The Similan Islands

All journeys have secret destinations
of which the traveler is unaware.

Martin Buber

The Similan Islands is an archipelago consisting of nine islands situated about 64 kilometers or 38 miles from the mainland in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand. These islands as well as two others located further north between the Similan chain and the islands shaping the Ko Surin National Park also form part of a National Park that was established in 1982.

The two northerly islands are called Ko Bon and Ko Tachai and are the preferred turf of choice for whale sharks and mantra rays. To name the nine main islands in a descending order, they are Ko Ba Ngu, Ko Similan, (the largest) Koh Payu, Ko Payoo, Ko Ha, Ko Miang, Ko Pahyan, Ko Pahyang and Ko Huyong.

A word of note here and that is these islands may not offer the best beach destination in Thailand but they have been voted one of the top ten diving and snorkeling sites in the world. You can hardly argue with the sheer underwater beauty of the the island's magnificent coral reefs and brilliant crystal clear turquoise waters. Visibility for up to thirty metres are not uncommon here. It's certainly the ideal destination for exploring marine life in all it's natural glory.

Elephant Head Rock on Ko Similan Island

Similan Islands

Dive Sites

The Gigantic Grey Boulders that one can see surrounding the numerous islands here, certainly sets the pace for it's unique and distinctive character as does the superb dive sites that draws thousands of divers to it's shores every year.

The east side of Ko Surin National Park famous for it's dive sites, consists of coral reefs in a relatively lenient form of gradient interspersed with some sandy spaces and intermittent with occasional boulders. The best east side dive site is the one at East of Eden located on the southeast coast off the island of Koh Payu.

The west side of the park however consists of many underwater breakthroughs where one can dive between enormous granite boulders. The best west side dive site is the one at Elephant Head Rock located one and a half kilometers to the south of Koh Similan Island. The dive site is a maze of swim-throughs with a reputation for spin-cycle like currents running in all directions.

Gigantic Grey Boulders

Marine Life

The underwater marine life and scenery around these islands is nothing short of spectacular if not surprisingly overwhelming. The reefs teem with a abundant of life from the long-nosed and red-tail butterfly fish, checkered snapper fish, Indian trigger fish, black, yellow and white striped angelfish, yellow box fish, frog fish, purple and turquoise parrot fish, and yellow goat fish. The list goes on and on.

Further afield there are turtles, manta rays, octopus, moray eels, leopard sharks, white and black tip sharks, sea snakes, barracuda, enormous tuna, giant lobster, mauve and burgundy crown-of-thorn starfish and red grouper fish.

Ko Pahyan, Ko Pahyang and Ko Huyong islands are closed to the public due to the turtle hatching protection program and reef conservation. Although Fishing is forbidden around the national park, fishing boats are constantly seen in the area.

Ko Ba Ngu Island

Getting to the Islands

Getting to the islands can be quite simple enough should you wish to go diving or snorkeling around some of Thailand's magnificent coral reefs. A variety of boats including luxury cruisers depart daily between the months of November and May each year from Thap Lamu Pier conveniently situated 8 kilometers from Khao Lak. There is limited transport during the monsoon season between June and October.

Most trips include up to four island stop-overs with the first being at Ko Ba Ngu. Public departure from the pier is at 8:30 am and arrival at the first island is just under two hours. Boats depart the islands around 3:00 pm for the return trip.

As an independent traveller, you can also make use of long-tail boats to explore some of the other islands and different coral reefs.

Should you wish to stay overnight in one of only a few bungalows on Ko Miang island for a day or two, you can always make use of the same boats for your return transfer. Advance booking is essential for this accommodation and can be arranged at the national parks office near Thap Luma Pier.

Another excellent alternative which will allow you to view the best reefs away from the crowds before and after their package tour ends, is that some sleeping arrangements can be accommodated with live-aboard diving and snorkeling trips.

Purchase one day and overnight snorkeling packages from various travel agents in Khao Lak, Phuket and Phang Nga. Prices range from 2,500 Baht to 4,500 Baht.

Luxury Boat Cruises