Introduction of Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are located in Lam Kaen, in the Thai province of Mueang, Phang-nga. The Similan Islands consist of 11 islands, including Koh Bangu, Koh Bon, Koh Ha, Koh Hin Pousar, Koh Huyong, Koh Meang, Koh Payan, Koh Payang, Koh Payu, Koh Similan and Koh Tachai. All the islands are in the Mu Koh Similan National Park, which covers more than 140 square kilometers.
These islands are the best places for tourists who like to snorkel and discover remote and deserted places full of wild animal. The largest island is Koh Similan and is probably the best place to start your trip. All the Similan Islands are surrounded by crystal clear waters that are home to interesting rock formations and spectacular coral reefs. The marine life around the islands is unparalleled in Thailand and the region.
What to see in the Similan Islands
Similan Island not as beautiful as the limestone islands of Krabi or Phang Nga Bay, which many associate with the Andaman Sea. Instead, you see a low structure covered in forest. Iron and gum trees are among the tallest trees, while jackfruit, rattan, and bamboo are among the youngest.
The islands are home to crabeater monkeys, dusky langurs, squirrels, bats, lizards and a variety of birds (although the shy monkeys are rarely seen by the casual observer). The most striking feature of these islands, at first glance, are the large rock outcroppings on the western and southern sides of most of the islands.
Another highlight is the beautiful beach and often deserted white coral. However, the most interesting sites are under the waves. Some of the most spectacular coral growth in the world can be found here – the same rocks scattered along the shore have made the waters around the Similans a playground for divers.
How to get to the Similan Islands from Bangkok
By Air: The fastest way to get to the Similan Islands from Bangkok is by air, as flights to Phuket are available at Bangkok DMK and BKK (HKT) airports. Then, from Phuket Airport, regular taxis, public buses and minibus services to the Similan Islands are available. Flights from DMK to BKK are cheaper than flights between DMK and BKK, although both airports require an hour and 15 minutes for the flight.
By road: The cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Similan Island is by car, which takes about 12 hours. For more than THB 11.00, a 24-seater VIP bus with amenities and food is available. Some taxi services cost between 500 and 700 THB, depending on the level of service provided.
The best things to do in the Similan Islands
Similan Islands cruise
With endless diving options and so much marine life to see, it can be hard to decide which sites you want to explore! If you want to spend all your time in the Similan Islands, driving will be a great option for you.
We highly recommend scuba diving if you want to get the most out of your diving experience. These tours take you to all the main dive sites and offer a mix of different intensity dives and night dives!
If you’re looking for the best boat for you and your budget, check out our article that outlines the many options. Click the button below for information on Similan Islands cruises, which you can sort by price range and tour type.
Traveling to the Similan Islands
Although the islands are not large, you can spend time by water walking in the jungle and discovering hidden places that few people have created.
Whether you like to follow the off-road trails, you can take your time and explore the beautiful sights along the way. Just be sure to transfer the bugs to the water bottle before you start
Snorkeling and scuba diving in the Similan Islands
Obviously, we will first talk about snorkeling and diving after we boldly say that this is one of the best diving spots in Asia.
Offering warm, clear water that is weak and transient with a visibility of 20-30m, the Similan Islands offer more than ideal conditions for an incredible diving experience. During the wet season (from late October to May), you can explore the vast underground water and take in the awe-inspiring sight.
Admire wild animals
If you love animals, the Similan Islands are home to amazing wildlife while you party. Surrounded by many iron and gum trees on the islands and rattan and bamboo forming part of the grassy area below, you will see many crabeater monkeys, squirrels, bats, lizards and rare birds.
If you love bird watching or just seeing animals living their full lives in their natural habitat, a trip here can be worthwhile.
The beauty of the Similan Islands
Today, piles of curious stones, some as big as houses, lie as if they were picked up by ancient sailing heroes and left in careless piles. away. Even the Sailing Ship Rock, a unique model that hovers over the surface of Koh Similan (Island No. 8), was designed this way.
And these rocks are piled up under the sea up to 35 meters and beyond, where there are underwater mountains, canyons, abaitiat and places that provide some diversity in the water underwater vistas the best ocean in the world. On the western side of the islands, the rains keep the system free of sand; On the sandy, coral-covered east side, the rocks are deeply buried.
