Destinations

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Established as a national park in 1982, Similan Islands are an archipelago of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea, 70 km off the coast in Phang Nga Province. The park covers an area of 140 km² of which 26 km² is land.

With a rich marine life consisting of hard and soft coral reefs, crystal clear waters and white beaches, Similan Islands are considered to be one of the best diving sites in the world. The main characteristics of the islands are the rock formations which consist of huge boulders, shallow waters and dense tropical forests.

Unfortunately, the islands are suffering from too many tourists. One of the worst effected islands, Ko Tachai has been permanently closed since 2016, as of 2020, still closed. Back in 2018 the problem with overcrowded visitors became so big that the park authorities limited the number of tourists to Similan Islands to 3,850 people a day, later further down to 3,325 people a day. Before the limitation, the islands were getting up to 7,000 visitors a day.

During these corona times a very few boats operating to the islands. It is perhaps once a lifetime opportunity for the local tourists and expats to enjoy the empty islands.

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The nearest popular town on the mainland are Khao Lak and Phuket, the nearest pier is Thap Lamu Pier south of Khao Lak.

The rainy season is from May to October with the most rainfall in June to September. The rest of the year is quite dry, very little rain December to March.

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Islands

"Similan" is a Yawi (a Malayan dialect) word, means nine. The park

had originally nine islands numbered 1 to 9 but expanded to include

two more  remote  islands  back  in  1998 ;   Ko Tachai  and  Ko Bon.

Although  each  island  has  a  name  they  can be  referred  with

numbers. The islands are;

• #1, Ko Hu Yong

• #2, Ko Payang

• #3, Ko Payan

• #4, Ko Miang

• #5, Ko Ha

• #6, Ko Payu

• #7, Ko Hin Pousar

• #8, Ko Similan

• #9, Ko Bangu

• #10, Ko Bon, also known as Ko Talu

• #11, Ko Tachai

The two main islands are Ko Miang and Ko Similan