Similan Islands, Thailand

The Similan Islands is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. It is a national park which was established in 1982. The park is an archipelago consisting of nine islands named Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. Recently, the park was expanded to included two remote islands named Ko Bon and Ko Tachai. The Similans are situated 70 kilometres from Phang Nga town.

The Similan Islands are popular with snorkelers and divers. They offer underwater views of huge fan corals, endless reefs and rock formations and an exciting variety of marine life.

Things to See & Do

* Snorkeling & diving
* Bird watching
* The Viewpoint on Koh Similan
* Similan National Marine Park

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Baht (THB)
Language – Thai
Population –
Land Area – 14 km²
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code – +66


Travel Links – Access to the Similan Islands is easiest from Khao Lak, Phang Nga province. The mainland office is in Thap Lamu. Boats depart daily from November-May. The trip takes three hours each way on slow boats or 70 minutes via speedboat.
During the months November-May also live-aboard boats head to the Similan Islands. These dive boats depart and return from Khao Lak, Phuket and Ranong and stay for several days at the Similan National Marine Park.