Travel to the Similans

Travel to the Similans is easy from either Phang-Nga or Phuket. Chartered boats leave from Lap Lamu Pier in Tai Meuang District of Phang-Nga and take about 3 hours to reach the islands. Here is also the office of National Park located. Alternatively, trips to the Similans can be arranged in Phuket. A boat trip from Patong Beach takes 4 hours. Divers, however, go to the islands on boats that leave from Patong Beach and also take 4 hours by diving companies. Moreover, visitors can leave from Chalong Bay on scuba diving excursions. These leave in the evenings and take about 7 hours. A typical dive trip lasts 4 nights and 3 days, and includes 10 dives. Prices range from 9,000 to 25,000 baht, depending on the level of luxury, and include food, and accommodations. The Similans are regarded as mainly "deep water" diving.

For those wishing to stay a shorttime on the Similans: basic accommodations are available at the National Park Office on Koh Miang and can be reserved by contacting: the Similan Islands National Park Office, Moo 1, Tambon Lam Kaen, Tai Meuang District, Phang-Nga. Tel. (076)411913-4.

The best time to visit the Similan islands is from December through April, March being the best month, when the winds are lowest and the water clearest.

Similan Islands (More info)

A group of 9 small islands 50 kms. off the west coast of Phang-Nga in the Andaman Sea. The National Park covers an area of 80,000 rai. Skin Diving Magazine rated them among the ten loveliest places on Earth, because of the great natural beauty found on the islands themselves and also because of the extensive surrounding coral gardens beneath the waves. The islands are undeveloped and unspoiled; numerous species of fish, crustaceans, and other forms of sea-life abound; water clarity and diving are excellent. Similan is corrupted from the Malay Sembilan and means nine. From north to south in order the islands are: Koh Bon, Koh Ba Ngu, Koh Similan, Koh Pahyoo, Koh Miang (two islands), Koh Pahyan, Koh Payahng andKoh Hu Yong.

Koh Ba Ngu is also called Hua Gah Lok or Skull Island. Beneath the waters, a field of grass and coral appear to be growing in a deep valley. Schools of fish are everywhere.

Koh Similan is the largest island. It has a long curving bay, and beneath the waters coral reefs remain pristine. The beach is composed of fine grain sand. Diving to look at the fishes and corals is strongly recommended. At the island's northend are bizarrely shaped big boulders; one looks like a soldier's boot, another is shaped like a sailboat. Here also is an excellent view.

Koh Miang is actually two islands connected and forms the second largest land mass in the group after Koh Similan. The National Park Office is here, and there is a fine beach where visitors can stay.

KohHu Yong has the Similans longest white sandy beach. From November till February sea turtles come up to lay eggs and their tracks may be seen in the sand.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands, located approximately 100 km northwest of Phuket in the Andaman sea, form an area of great natural beauty and were declared a Marine National Park in 1982. Consisting of nine, densely wooded islands fringed with rocky outcrops and gorgeous beaches with fine talcum powder-like sand, the islands still remain the province of the locals and divers.

Diving is the main attraction of these islands. Huge granite boulders, caverns and swim-throughs produce a fascinating underwater landscape which attracts a huge variety of marine life, from tiny creatures to great Manta Rays. Water clarity is excellent and the scenery varies with each island. Ranked as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, every trip to the Similans provides a new diving experience.

How does it look today in Khao Lak?

Every tourist who comes now to Khao Lak is totally surprised!

The region of Khao Lak, which was struck by the Tsunami so violently, has recovered incredibly fast. Not only international hotels are up and running, even the relatively small resorts of Bang Niang Beach and Nang Thong are back in business, and they look nicer than ever.

Along the main streets of Bang Niang and Nang Thong, shops catering for all needs can be found, banks (with ATM), restaurants, small bars, grocery stores, laundries, photo shops (with film developing service), all giving their customers a friendly welcome.

Here now in Khao Lak everybody finds that along with the beauty, peace and tranquillity of the area, there is the incredible hospitality, low prices and delightfully clean, deserted beaches. The Tsunami-warning system is now fully installed, tested and working.

The new situation regarding Khao Lak is still known only to regular visitors and residents. However, the word will soon get about!!

Khao Lak

Khao Lak, located just north of Phuket Island on the gorgeous Andaman seaboard, is one of Thailand's most peaceful resort destinations. No less than three national parks are embraced by the surrounding hills that sweep down to this lovely stretch of coastline with beaches that go on for miles.

Khao Lak offers a rare oasis for relaxation, with a superb combination of cool tropical forest, lovely beachfront accommodation and expansive white sand beaches. And those beaches are more beautiful than ever. Following the tsunami, Khao Lak has made a remarkable recovery with newly refurbished hotels providing a quantity and quality of accommodation never before seen in this area. Revitalised resorts have upgraded their facilities, created more stylish rooms and added ambient features like soothing lotus ponds, serene gardens and infinity pools.

Inland, the forested slopes beckon with nature tours including activities like rafting, elephant trekking and hiking to temple caves. Giant tropical trees and sparkling waterfalls provide a home to many species of wildlife and exotic birds in this surprising and beautiful place.

Khao Lak is more than just a holiday destination – it’s an inspiration. Travel here and see.