 |  |
World's Most Popular Scuba Diving - Similan 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 Diver magazine of USA rated them as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world, 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, corals, 32 bird species, both resident and migratory, along with reptiles, amphibians, mammals, crustaceans, and other forms of sea-life abound; water clarity and diving are excellent. You will see plenty of colorful fish such as lionfish and clownfish (nemo), and if you're lucky you may spot a bigger one like a manta or even a whale shark. Similan is corrupted from the Malay Sembilan and means nine. From north to south in order the islands are: Koh Huyong (Huyong Island)Koh Huyong or Koh 1 has the longest and widest beach in the park. However, the park prohibits any tourists from landing on the island as the beach on the island is the place where turtles come to lay their eggs and their tracks may be seen in the sand.
Koh Payang (Payang Island) Koh Payang or Koh 2, The area is full of rocky mountains with cliffs and rocks formation round the island Koh Payan (Payan Island) Koh Payan or Koh 3, The area is quite rocky with cliffs; there are no beaches on this island Koh Miang (Miang Island)Koh Miang or Koh 4 is second large island from Koh Similan which this place is the situation of the National Park Office. The Koh Miang has the most beautiful two bays located on the north of island near the National Park Office and northeast of island. The tourist group will come here for swimming and walking on the beach and sunbathe. If you would like to stay at Koh Miang; let contact the National Park Office or restaurant around the beach.
Koh Ha (Ha Island) Koh Ha or Koh 5, It's a small island but interesting location for diving. The main attractions and uniqueness for this island is Garden Eels (white and grey eels) can be seen stretching their necks from holes in the sandy floor. There are so many of the place called “Suan Pla Lai”. Moreover, the area is also full of soft coral and stony coral.
Koh Payu (Payu Island) Koh Payu or Koh 6 has a very stunning snorkelling and scuba diving site on the eastern shore. Many divers prefer this site to any other because there are both hard and soft corals, sea fan and many species of schoolling fish. A minore site is found to the west, and another to the north has rocks covered with sea fans. The island has no beach.
Koh Hin Pousar (Hin Pousar Island) Koh Hin Pousar or Koh 7 or Hin Huwagralok is the rock with the elephant head shaped-rock outcrop. Beneath this curious rock structure you will find caves, swim through and unique underwater formations to delight your eyes. This island is a rock of approximately 30 metres in width with piles of rock around it at a depth of 20-50 metres. Soft corals can be found along the cliffs and there are many types of fish around such as rabbit fish and wrasse. Further away from the piles of rock to the south, there are many sea fans scattering around at 30 metres. Manta rays and sea tortoises can also be found a little deeper.
Koh Similan (Similan Island)Koh Similan or Koh 8 is the largest island. It has the average depth of 60 feet. Underwater is full of rock formations and coral reefs in several shapes and forms such as deer, leaf, brain, and mushroom.Above the water are found many diverse species such as the Nicobar Pigeon, Mangrove Monitor Lizards and more.  Koh Ba Ngu (Ba Ngu Island)Koh Ba Ngu or Koh 9 also called Hua Gah Lok or Skull Island. The most popular place for scuba diving trip at Koh Similan which you will surprise with a field of grass and coral appear to be growing in a deep valley. At the northwestern trip between some rock outcrops known to local divers as Christmas point. Schools of fish are everywhere.
Koh Bon (Bon Island)Despite the reputation of the the Similans, some pros argue that for sheer excitement, you can't beat Koh Bon. Divers to this small island 20 kilometers north of the largest Similan should, as they negotiate the vertical walls, be prepared for close encounters with leopard sharks. Here the corals come in unique rich hues; blue, yellow and turquoise. Koh Bon is also renowned for its high number of manta rays, especially at the end of the season in April and May.
Koh Tachai (Tachai Island) A further 25 kilometers north of Koh Bon is Koh Tachai, with a stunning pristine beach straight out of fairytale imaginations. Koh Tachai is famous for its large sea creatures. Divers and snorkellers can expect to see whale sharks, leopard sharks and nurse sharks, as well as rays and hawksbill turtles. The waters around the island are teeming with all kinds of tropical fish and coral.
Dive Sites - Similan The Similan national park is famous for its dive sites. It has typically 2 different kind of diving. East side diving consists of gently sloping coral reefs with sandy patches and the occasional boulder in between. West side diving is known for its huge underwater granite boulders with numerous swimthroughs. Maybe the most famous east side dive site is East of Eden, off Island number 7. Elephant head rock is arguably the most famous west side dive site with a maze of swimthroughs and the reputation for spin-cycle like currents running in every direction. Elephant head rock was named by Horst Hinrichs from Germany in the mid 70s, founder of one of the oldest dive shops in Phuket, Santana Diving. Other popular dive sites include North Point, Deep Six, Boulder City and the awesome pinnacles off Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. The mother of all dive sites in the Similans, which is actually part of Surin national park, is Richelieu Rock. Famous for its incomparable variety and abundance of marine life. Whale shark sightings are not uncommon here. Wildlife Protection Islands 1, 2 and 3 are closed for public due to turtle hatching protection program and reef conservation efforts. Island number 3 belongs to HM the Thai Princess. Fishing is banned in Similan and Surin National Park, however fishing boats are constantly seen in and around the Park. When diving, one can often find nets stuck to reefs and illegal fishing traps. Park rangers are posted on several islands but seem to be little interested in anything beyond collecting the national park fees, which have to be paid in cash. Consequently corruption is ripe. Mid November 2007 the Rangers increased the Surin national park fee to 600bt per person from 400bt with no prior announcement and posted a patrol boat at Richelieu Rock to collect the fees. This season many illegal fishing traps have been found outside the most common dive sites, suggesting the fishermen are betting on divers not venturing off the known dive sites. They have contained among others Giant Trevallies, Batfish, Barracudas, Golden Pilot Jacks, Giant Triggerfish etc. We have cut open every trap we have found and released the fish. The fishing traps seem to be overly abundant around Koh Bon and Koh Ta Chai. Public awareness of this increasing problem will be the only way to change the situation so if you visit Similan and Surin National Parks and witness illegal fishing, please report your sightings. Public pressure and fear of lost revenue will eventually force the authorities to lean on the Rangers to actually do what they are supposed to do - protect the most beautiful and famous island group and dive sites in Thailand Climate High season in the Similans is from December until April, when the monsoon stays far away. The best period to visit is March, when the winds are calm and the water clear. The national park is closed from May 16 to November 15. Getting to the Similan Islands 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. * Note that there is a national park entry fee of 400 baht per traveller and a further daily usage fee of 200 baht per diver per day. Most boats do not include this in their quoted price. It is paid to your dive operator before the trip. From Phuket Most of these actually depart from Tap Lamu near Khao Lak but focus on the Phuket area, with offices on Phuket and pickups from major beaches: Diving liveaboards:
Diving liveaboards:
Diving liveaboards:
The travelers can booking the Bus Ticket from Bangkok to Ta Kuap Pa District then you need to hire the taxi minibus (Songtheaw) from the city of Ta Kua Pa District to Fishing Village Pier. Then you can negothiate the Travel Agency to Similan National Park the time for journey about 5 hours. From Bangkok to Ranong The traveler can booking the Bus ticket from Bangkok to Ranong then the travelers connect the Chansomthara Hotel at the City of Ranong for booking the boat trip to Koh Similan National Park the boat take time about 8 hours. From Thap Ramu Pier to Koh Surin National Park The traveler can hire the fishing boat from the Thai Muang District to Koh Similan National Park the boat take time about 6 hours. Accommodation on Mu Koh Similan The only Island accommodation available is on Koh Similan and Koh Miang which has both tent camping and Thai-style bungalows. You may stay in the Tents or bungalows provided by the Similan National Marine Park, on a diving liveaboard and on an overnight boat. |       |
