Thailand

With its nine paradisiacal islands, the Similan archipelago, located at 65 kilometers from mainland Thailand, delights divers and beachgoers alike. Let's review the highlights of this destination!

Stretching along the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, the rocky beach of Koh Similan, the largest of the Similan Islands, fulfills your desires for tropical escapism. The Nicobar pigeon frequently makes appearances there. Coral reefs abound, taking on the most peculiar shapes. From Koh Hu Yong to Koh Ba Ngu, the nine islands of the Similan have formed a vast marine reserve since 1982. Nearly 912,000 tourist arrivals were recorded in 2017. But what accounts for this immense tourist potential? Is it due to its temperature hovering around 28 °C? Is it for its endless stretches of white sandy beaches, where the clarity of the water beckons for a swim? Or is it because Skin Diver magazine mentions the archipelago in its list of the world's best diving spots? Book your trip to the Similan archipelago today and have an excellent seaside vacation in southern Thailand.

Visiting the Similan islands in Thailand

Private tour operators rent out the Similan archipelago for its dreamy setting, unanimously calling it a gem of the Indian Ocean. Its name is derived from the Yawi word "sembilan," which means "nine," corresponding to the number of islets that make it up. Globetrotters appreciate it for its deserted and wild beaches, teeming with sea turtles, and its magical sunsets. Divers make it a privileged meeting place to indulge in their passion. This natural treasure is to be discovered about a hundred kilometers north of Phuket Island, facing Khao Lak.

Tourism on the Similan Islands developed in the early 19th century, and today the place is currently suffering from its success. The desire to manage the impacts of mass tourism and protect marine biodiversity prompted forestry authorities to adopt a new management plan.

After its reopening in October 2018, the park now receives only 3,850 tourists per day. Despite the decline in tourist numbers, the Similan Islands remain an essential playground for diving enthusiasts. They have been assigned numbers to make their distinction easier. The marine park boasts more than twenty spots to explore.

Island No. 1: Koh Hu Yong kicks off the list

At the southernmost tip of the archipelago, Koh Hu Yong is famous for its deserted beaches, frequented by numerous sea turtles that come to lay their eggs there.

This is an excellent spot for snorkeling or scuba diving, as the surrounding waters conceal a variety of colorful corals. Moreover, visibility is good between 20 and 40 meters deep.

Island No. 2: Koh Pa Yang, haunt of rays and sharks

Like Island No. 1, this one proves to be a prime spot for observing magnificent underwater creatures. Here are the spots to discover:

Sharkfin Reef

Nestled southwest of Koh Pa Yan, this spot is home to a school of pelagic sharks, as its English name suggests, as well as large rays. The water depth ranges from 18 to 40 meters, showing that the place is not suitable for novice divers. Visibility varies from 10 to 30 meters.

Boulder City

A stone's throw from the previous spot, Boulder City is distinguished by its three rocky peaks that tourists do not hesitate to climb to enjoy a panoramic view of the sea. Visibility is excellent between 12 and 30 meters, but do not venture there unless you are a professional diver. Sometimes the currents rage.

Island No. 3: Koh Pa Yan

Koh Pa Yan is a small, preserved paradise.

Island No. 4: Koh Miang for sunbathers

The second-largest island in the archipelago

This island is, after Koh Similan, the second-largest island in the archipelago by size. Its two beautiful adjacent beaches will delight sunbathers. You will find bungalows for rent if you intend to stay for a while on the archipelago. To rent them, you will need to contact the national park office.

The island also offers hiking, camping, and boat excursion opportunities.

Diving at Bird Rock

Around Koh Miang, the magnificent landscape of Bird Rock is worth seeing. You must explore the network of tunnels, caves, and deep canyons that serve as a refuge for countless small fish and other marine animals. Visibility is good between 15 and 40 meters. The current is weak, but beware of the tide's whims! Novice divers are warned!

Island No. 5: Koh Ha and Koh Hok, the sister islands

These two sister islands are located east of Koh Miang. The underwater fauna is rich and varied. Both young and old will find something to enjoy, as the currents are rare and relatively weak. Visibility is excellent from 10 to 15 meters onward. Experienced divers can go down to 40 meters deep.

Island No. 6: Enjoy a cruise to Koh Payu

Tourists passing through Koh Miang usually make a detour to Koh Payu before returning to the mainland. Of medium size, this island has two significant advantages. Firstly, it supports a large population of soft corals (red gorgonians, vinegar, etc.), especially through its large coral reef named "The Garden Orchid." Secondly, the spot east of Eden, classified among the best diving sites in the country, is located there. Among the aquatic species frequenting the area are parrotfish, fusiliers, frogfish, leopard sharks, whitetip reef sharks, groupers, and manta rays.

With weak currents, divers of all levels can venture there safely. Night diving is an attractive option for the experienced, as marine life is more active in the darkness.

Island No. 7: Koh Pa Boo, a snorkeling paradise

Boats stop at this island because its turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling.

Island No. 8: Koh Similan, a plethora of activities

About 25 meters deep, the largest island in the archipelago, Koh Similan, lent its name to it. Nautical enthusiasts gather here every year because the site allows a whole range of activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and simple swimming. Crystal-clear waters, fine sand, beaches bordered by coral reefs… Isn't this decor consistent with the image of a tropical paradise? To see the seabed, there is a wide choice between Fantasea Reef, Beacon Point, and Elephant Head Rock, renowned spots where international divers come back time and again. Not recommended for non-athletes.

Island No. 9: Koh Ba Ngu, an excursion rich in sensations

At the extreme north of the Similan, Koh Ba Ngu Island, affectionately called "snake island" by the locals, will delight divers. Head to the Christmas Point spot, nestled in the northwest of the island. The walk through the depths allows you to cross underwater galleries and rocky formations where gorgonians and sea anemones cling. Expect to encounter schools of barracudas, napoleons, whitetip reef sharks, and frogfish, among other creatures.

How to get to the Similan islands?

Where to take the boat to the Similan Islands?

To access the Similan Islands in southern Thailand, take a boat from the Thap Lamu Pier pier, which is about fifteen kilometers south of Khao Lak. The price of an excursion to these islands costs around 3,000 baht per person, or 84 euros per day.

Reaching the Similan islands from Phuket

If you are a foreign national, the easiest way is to book a flight to Phuket. Thai Airways operates on the Paris-Phuket route. The Similan archipelago is located 100 km from Phuket Island and 65 km from the mainland.

When to go to the Similan islands?

The Similan Islands are open to visitors from November to mid-May. This regulation was adopted in the supreme interest of biodiversity, as tourism disrupts sea turtle nesting and reproduction. Recall that the site is protected. From May to October, it is the rainy season.

Divers are advised to plan their visit in March, when visibility is optimal.

Good to know

Access to the Similan Islands is chargeable; an entrance fee of 400 baht per person per day is charged to tourists.