The Similan Islands are a small group of nine islands located approximately 70kms(42 miles)off the coast of Khao Lak in Phang Nga Province & 100kms(60 miles) from Phuket in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand.
They are all part of a National Marine Park that covers the area to ensure that conservation of the natural habitat is maintained & protected. The islands are made of granite with numerous small rock outcroppings, white beaches and tropical jungle above the water and spectacular dive sites in warm, clear waters below the surface.
The Islands are widely recognised as offering the very best snorkeling, scuba-diving & deep sea fishing available anywhere in Thailand.....some would even suggest the world!.
The Similan Islands national park is famous for its different kind's of diving,if you were to draw an imaginery line north to south through the islands you would have on the east side gently sloping coral reefs with sandy patches and the occasional boulder in between down to approximately 30 metres, it's easy & leisurely with lots of shoals of every coloured tropical fish you could imagine.
The west side is known for its much more exciting diving where currents "swirl" around the huge underwater granite boulders with numerous swim-through's & is generally far more demanding than the east side, but equally as rewarding in terms of what you will see.
There is a huge selection of both Scuba day trips and overnight trips that run from November-May to the Similan Islands,outside of these months surface swells can adversely affect conditions & you might be better to try either the Gulf of Thailand around Koh Samui ,or alternatively go for Phuket and Phi Phi Islands where year-round diving is possible.
There are many different tour & dive companies located in both Phuket & Khao Lak offering both day trips & overnight trips, our own recommendation would be Similan Liveaboard that has over 25 dive sites located around the islands,and if you want to experience the very best diving that Thailand has to offer, they are the best choice.
If you would like to Stay on the Similan Islands only two islands offer either tented or bungalow accommodation.
If you have been to the Similan Islands or spent time there before, and have really great memories of places to stay, visit, or just fun things that happened, please share your Similan Islands Memories here.
Welcome! I'm Kevin - This site is packed with really useful information not only about Chiang Mai but also about the other major tourist destinations in Thailand, we really hope you enjoy your visit, and please remember to bookmark our site for later reference!.
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I'm Kevin - This site is packed with really useful information not only about Chiang Mai but also about the other major tourist destinations in Thailand, we really hope you enjoy your visit, and please remember to bookmark our site for later reference!.