Similan Islands
The Similan Islands or simply Similans are an archipelago located 70 kilometers west of the mainland of Phang Nga Province. Administratively, this national park belongs to this province.
The history of the national park began in 1982 with the opening of these islands for visiting. Mu Koh Similan National Park included only 9 islands. The name "Similan" comes from the Jawi language, where it is translated as "nine". In 1998, two new islands were added to the archipelago: Bon and Tachai. Despite the changes in the composition, the name was not changed. The popularity of these places among tourists from all over the world has been growing throughout its history.
The list of islands of the archipelago includes:
1. Koh Hu Yong Island - landing is prohibited.
2. Koh Payang Island - landing is prohibited.
3. Payan Island (Koh Payan) - landing on the shore is prohibited.
4. Koh Miang - landings are permitted and it is known as a great beach destination with Princess Beach and Honeymoon Beach.
5. Haa Island (Koh Haa) - landing on the shore is prohibited.
6. Koh Payu Island - landing is prohibited.
7. Koh Hin Pusar is a landlocked island and one of the best diving spots.
8. Similan Island (Koh Similan) - landings are permitted; the famous Sail Viewpoint and Rock are located here, as well as Donald Duck Beach.
9. Koh Ba Ngu Island - there is practically no shore and landing on it is not carried out. But snorkeling is carried out, here you can meet turtles.
10. Bon Island (Koh Bon) - closed to visitors since 2016 for an indefinite period.
11. Koh Tachai Island - closed to visitors since 2016 for an indefinite period.
These islands are of volcanic origin, which distinguishes them from the islands of the provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. The ecological uniqueness attracts both tourists and professional divers. Due to the conservation of nature, green sea turtles, dolphins, and rare species of fish and corals live here.
With the development of tourism on the Similan Islands, environmental problems have arisen. To restore a balanced environment, the national park has set a visitor limit (3,225 people per day) and a ban on overnight stays on islands 8 and 4 (bungalows and tents were dismantled in 2018).
How to visit the Similan Islands on your own and with a tour
The Similan Islands take about 3 hours to reach from Phuket, which can be inconvenient for those who have trouble traveling. The islands are closed to visitors from May 15 to October 15 due to high waves and ecosystem restoration. The tourist season may vary depending on the weather.
Access to the islands is regulated by the national park and independent visits are not possible. From October 15, the Similan Islands Fantastic with departure from Phuket hotels and the Similan Islands Fantastic with departure from Khao Lak hotels will be available. If you do not consider a group excursion, we can organize it individually.
At the moment, it is possible to book excursions with departure from hotels in Phuket and Khao Lak . The cost of all tours includes transfer to the pier and back, the work of English-speaking and Russian-speaking guides, national park fees, food and masks/tubes for snorkeling. For detailed information on departure dates and booking, click the button under this article and contact our manager.
