The Similan Islands archipelago is located at about 100 kilometres North West of Phuket Island and 50 km from continental coasts, in practice opposite to Khao Lak, which became unfortunately famous when the tsunami took place in December 2004. The archipelago is composed of 5 granitic islets covered with tropical luxuriant tropical .vegetation; they loom out of the turquoise water of Indian Ocean, called here Andaman Sea. The sightseeing is fabulous and unforgettable.. Small beaches of coralline sand, quite immaculate white colour, border some of those islets.

Coralline sand is mainly produced by the nibbling marine fauna. For example the parrot fish you can admire very easily with a simple mask and tuba, throws up an average of 16 kgs of sand per year. Conditions for coral growth are ideal here with exceptionally transparent water at about 28° C temperature. More than 200 types of hard corals have been indexed in this part of Thailand.

The archipelago profits since September 1982 from the protective status of National Park, forbidding anarchic and unsightly constructions, as it is too often the case on the continent and Phuket Island.

The archipelago is famous among divers all over the world for being one of the best “spot” of the Globe, with highly transparent water. It is among the 10 most beautiful world sites according to the American magazine « Skin Diving ».

Similan name comes from Malay « Sembilan » meaning nine, number of islets composing the archipelago.

The islands are identified by a Thai name or a number. The numbering goes from south (islet number 1) to North (islet number 9).

• Islet number 1 : Koh Hu Yong. It is the island located at the extreme south of the archipelago.
• Islet number 2 : Koh Pa Yang.
• Islet number 3 : Koh Pa Yan.
• Islet number 4 : Koh Miang - Second islet of the archipelago surface wise, after Koh Similan. On this island is located the National Park tourism office and it is also the only island which has bungalows. Those bungalows (approximately 20) are built out of wood, in Thai style. They unfortunately suffered from the tsunami and the  renovation process is on the way. It is also possible to rent tents for camping. Contact the National Park Office to know when it reopens.
• Islet number 5 : Koh Ha.
• Islet number 6 : Koh Pa Yoo.
• Islet number 7 : Koh Pa Boo.
• Islet number 8 : Koh Similan – It is the biggest islet of the archipelago. You will find there a wonderful coralline beach, bordering the main bay at the North of the island. Ideal for snorkelling, water is there particularly clear and full of marine fauna. A strange rock which seems to be in equilibrium on a granite heap, offers a splendid point of view at the east of the bay. It is on this island that most cruising boats stop to allow visitors to have lunch.
• Islet number 9 : Koh Ba Ngu (snakes island) is the one located in the extreme  northern direction. It has on its south part a marvellous small coralline beach which is approximately 50 meters long. The deeps are here also extremely rich.

In fact there is a 10th islet, located approximately 30 kms  north of Koh Ba Ngu, called  Koh Bon and which is also part of the Similan National Park. But this island is quite far away and most visitors don’t get there.

How to reach Similan Islands ?

Either go to Thap lamu Pier (about 90 Km from Phuket City) in Thai Muang district. This small harbour is opposite side of Similan islands. You will be able to negotiate a boat right on the harbour. Or, much easier, take a tour in one of the numerous Phuket travel agencies. Be ready to spend about 2500 B per head for a day tour. We recommend particularly Pure Car Rent, in Phuket centre (75 Rasada Rd, opposite Tavorn Hotel). Specialised in car rental, they offer also some very interesting boat tours.

A day tour to Similan islands normally includes: departure around 6 a.m. with transfer from your hotel to Thap lamu Pier embarking place, about 90 km away from Phuket City in northern direction, breakfast, speed boat trip to archipelago (1h30), lunch (thai food) and trip to 4 diving spots (islets 8,9 and 4) Arrival at your hotel at approximately 7 p.m. Snorkelling equipment is provided for free. It is really a tour you should do being in Phuket. If you have to choose between Phang Nga Bay, Pee Pee islands and Similan islands, don’t hesitate, Similan islands will for sure offer you your best holiday memories.

Bungalows booking : Similan Islands National Park Office, Moo 1 Tambon Lamkaen Thai-muang District, Phang-nga. Phone : 07659 5045 - 07642 1365

When to go there ?

Touristic season goes from November till May, but it is possible to dive all year long at Similan Islands.

Diving

It is the main reason to decide to go to Similan islands. Should it be scuba diving or snorkelling), diving experience in Similan Islands will stay in your memory. In fact, even if water bordering the islets is 30 to 45 m deep, reaching sometimes 80 meters deep between the islets, it is possible to explore coral gardens as soon as water is a few meters deep and even at small distance from the shore. A pair of palms, a mask and a tuba can therefore be enough.

Crystal clear water allows a visibility of 18 to 25 meters, and sometimes of even more than 40 meters. In this zone, more than 20 diving sites have been indexed. Here are developing the most scenic corals all over the world and the rocks setting the shores transform the water surrounding Similan Islands into a wonderful playground for both inexperienced and confirmed divers.