The Similan Islands, located about 50 Kilometers West of Khao Lak, are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world?s finest beaches.

Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group of nine islands. In 1982, this 128 square kilometres area was declared a marine national park, and in recent years this group of nine small islands has become one of the leading attractions for visitors to Southern Thailand.

With the establishment of stations by the Royal Forestry Department on Koh Miang and Koh Similan, fishing within the national park boundaries was banned and the unwanted visitors were substituted by tourists, especially after 1987, when leisure boats and dive operators started coming out on a regular basis.

Today Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park and all its reefs have recovered from earlier disturbances. Boats entering the Similan Islands National Park have to follow strict rules imposed and controlled by the national park officials, have to use the moorings prepared by the national park and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.
Activities include Diving, Snorkelling, birding, camping and lazing on the beaches. Many tour operators make visits to these islands. Please see our links page for more information on agents we recommend.

Similan Island Information

The nine Similan Islands are named from South to North.

The Southernmost island – Ko Huyong is also known as Similan Island #1
Ko Payang also known as Similan Island #2
Ko Payan also known as Similan Island #3
Ko Miang also known as Similan Island #4
Ko Ha also known as Similan Island #5
Ko Payu also known as Similan Island #6
Ko Hin Pousar also known as Similan Island #7
Ko Similan also known as Similan Island #8
Ko Bangu also known as Similan Island #9 is the Northernmost of the islands.

Part of the park, but geologically and physically quite separate are Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.

Ko Bon (Bon Island) – with no beach and no accommodation this is still an island to visit. A portion of the islands coral was destroyed by dynamite fishing before it became part of the National Park. It still holds some stunning scenery. This is also the most common site for sightings of Manta Rays.

Ko Tachai (Tachai Island) Tachai Island is located at the northern most tip of the park. There is a beautiful white powdered beach on the island. There are several sites suitable for SCUBA diving. In addition there are several reefs suitable for snorkeling. Whale sharks and Manta rays are often found here during their seasons. Facilities incloud a freshwater source, campsites, a restaurant and small boats for snorkeling.

“Similan” comes from the Sea Gypsies. They speak a language similar to Malay. They named them ?The Nine Islands? (Sembilan is ?nine? in Malay). They designate the islands by names in Thai-and a number. The islands achieved national park status in 1981 and thus are fully protected under Thai law.

The National Park Authority maintains a residential center for Park Rangers and support staff on two of the islands: Ko Similan (Island #8) which is the largest Island and Ko Miang (Island #4), which lies mid-way through the chain. These are the only residents allowed on the islands, excepting the overnight guests.

Recently, the islands have come to the special attention of the Thai Royal Family which further assures protection of this national treasure. The Princess has had a “cabin” built on Island #4 and visits almost every year.

The Similan Islands are famous for hosting some of the most beautiful beaches, snorkeling and dive sites in Thailand and are one of the better areas for diving in the entire world. One of the most fantastic characteristics of the islands is that we have two entirely different types of environments in one destination.

the rocky slopes of the Western Islands are barren and feature massive boulders and wind swept trees. The Eastern Side features the famous white sand beaches and coral reefs.

Getting to Similans (Mu Koh Similan)

Thap Lamu Port is the main gateway to the Similans, as it is the closest point of land AND a deep water pier – home of the Thai Navy’s 3rd fleet. Island #4 is almost directly west of the port. It is approx 50km away. If you travel by speedboat, the journey is between 60 and 80 minutes. Larger boats and liveaboards take 3-5 hours to get there, so most of them depart at night.

The cost varies wildly from 1000 baht for a space on the deck of a fishing boat to 5500 baht for guided diving trips. A simple ride on speedboat is about 2000 baht. There are several options for this. There is also a boat owned and operated by the national park that takes 4 hours and costs 1500 baht. It leaves each day at 09.00.

These services are not available after May 16th of each year, as the park shuts down for Monsoons. Diving boats are the only way to get here from then until November 15th when the park reopens.

Taplamu is about 5km from the main North/South Route in Thailand, so getting there via bus is quite easy. The easiest way is to make your way to Khao Lak and get a taxi. If you have arranged a tour through a local company, they will offer transfer free of charge.

Daytrips to the Similan Islands:
The Similan Islands are famous throughout the world for the clear tropical waters, white sandy beaches and incredible marine life. That’s why you are even reading this page? Most people choose to Visit the Similan Islands for a single day trip. This is typically done via speedboat. While tours can be arranged from Phuket – very few people are told that this involves a 90 minute ride in a minibus to AND from the pier.

In Khao Lak you can chooe from many companies that operate to the Similan Islands. Again – please choose only those companies that are indured, certified with the TAT and carry safety equipment. You can choose Snorkeling only boats, diving boats or ones that cater to both.
Getting To Similan Islands via Bus:
Impossible! However you can reach either Khao Lak or try to reach Tablamu and then get a boat to the Similan Islands

There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Khao Lak (approximately 750 total kilometres), air-conditioned bus fee is 460 Baht, and VIP air-conditioned bus fee is 896 Baht. These leave from Bangkok at approx. 06.00 and 18.00 each day. The VIP takes 12 hours, and the Regular bus takes 14-15 hours. DO NOT purchase a ticket from the travel agents in the tourist areas. They sell tickets to Surat Thani and then put you on a local bus which adds several hours to the journey and lots of inconvenience. Please Purchase your tickets from the Government Bus Station – Southern Terminal.

From Phuket:

Almost all buses heading North (Bangkok, Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumphon, Takuapa) will pass through Khao Lak. The 1st class buses will take 90 minutes, the 2nd class can take three hours. They will depart about every hour. Just make your way to the Bus station at Phuket Town.
Getting to Similan Islands by Air
The nearest airport to the Similan Islands is Phuket International Airport. It is about 70km south of the pier. There are buses, and a confusing system of Taxis. We recommend using Khao Lak Taxi Service. Reliable, safe and secure. They are also quite affordable.

It is possible to get to Khao Lak/Tap Lamu via bus from the the airport. It is time consuming. Make your way to the main road (about 5km East). This can be done by taxi or a new public bus. The bus stop is on the opposite side of the road, heading North. It is about 600 Meters South of the crossroads. Every bus will stop there. Please ask the driver if they are heading to Khao Lak/Tap Lamu. The total trip should take about 3 1/2 hours.

Phuket Airport is serviced by several international airlines and a great many regional airlines.
Thank : similans.net