Similan National Marine Park
The Similan Islands are justly for their rich coral reefs.clear waters and pristine beaches.The best diving months are between December and may when the weather is fine and under water visibility at its best.The name similan is belived to derive from the Malay word "sembilan" nine,because there are nine islands in the group.
They are all relatively small and with-out any human population except for park officials and occasional tour groups.for many generations.The only human visitors were the chaothalae or Sea Gypsies who came to fish near the abundant reets.The Similans are located around one hundred kilometres northwest of Phang Nga in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea.In 1982,the entire 128 square kilometres area was declared a marine national park,and since that time this small group of islands has become one of the leading attractions for visitors to southern Thailand.
Unfortunately,the islands also attracted visitors of a different kend.Fisherman using dynamite wreaked havoc,destroying coral reefs with their explosives belore collecting the dead and stunned fish before moving on to revage other areas.Commercial trawlers also wrought havoc with corals and fish populations alike.Before the damage could reach catastrophic proportions.national park rules prohibiting trawlers came into force.while the reef blasters were driven further afield by the growing poppularity of the area with tourists.
The Similan Islands National Park is a marine national park
which has the clearest sea and the finest white sand in Thailand. There are
nine islands in a line from north to south. The word Similan is from the Melayu
language which means nine. There are nine islands: Hu Yong Island, Pa Yang
Island, Pa Yan Island, Miang Island, Ha Island, Pa Yu Island, Hua Kalok Island
(Bon Island), Similan Island, and Ba Ngu Island. Nowadays, there is another
island which joins the Similan Islands National Park called Ta Chai Island.
This island is between Similan Island and Surin Island.
There are two possible routes to take around the national
park. The first one is the general trip at Paet Island or Similan Island where
you can camp overnight. The notable features of this island are the
horseshoe-shaped bay and the sailboat-shaped stone. The second possible route
is Si Island or Miang Island where the office of the national park is located.
You can see the stunning beach and visit the Lan Kha Luang viewpoint. At the
viewpoint, the scene is as beautiful as the one from the Hin Ruea Bai Viewpoint
at Paet Island. There are resorts and a source of fresh water available for
tourists.
There is an island called Nueng Island or Hu Yong Island,
where tourists are not allowed to travel. This is the most naturally preserved
island in the entire park. The island is reserved for sea turtles which lay
their eggs around November to February. One of the attractions at Similan
Islands is the beauty of world ranked deep-water coral reefs. You can
experience both snorkeling and diving around the national park. The high season
of Similad Islands is from November to April. It is stormy during the month of
May, so the national park is closed.
How to get there
Similan Islands is about 40 kilometers from the mainland.
The nearest pier is Thup Lamu Pier which is about 20 kilometers from Tagua Pa
District. Follow the route no. 4 (Tagua Pa-Tai Muang). Around Ban Kaen, there
is a junction on the right, it is about 5 kilometers to the pier. Before
reaching the pier you can see the office of Similan Islands National Park on
your left.
It is a comfortable two hour trip to Similan Island. There
are several daily powerboat services available for tourists in high season
(November-April). It is 1,500 baht for a roundtrip. It is possible to stay
overnight and return the next day. Additionally, you can get there by charter
boat. Ask for more information as this service is not available every day.
Expect to pay 20,000-40,000 baht to charter a boat if you travel as a group.
Camping is available at Paet Island and there is a guest
house at Si Island resort with fan or air-conditioner including facilities.
Address: 93, Mu 5, Ban Thup Lamu, Phetkasem Road, Lum Kaen
Sub District, Tai Muang District, Phang Nga Province, Thailand 82210For more
information, you can contact Similan Islands National Park
Telephone: 0 7645 3272, 07642 1365 , Office 0 7659 5045
Phuket,Krabi,Phang Nga Location in the southern part of Thailand,these beach-sided towns feature a wide ranges of capturing,colourful culture.Besides,they can boast of their high potential in tourism industry.The heaven not only for Thai holiday- makers,the sea-sided terrains and communities are also one of the popular destinations among those foreign travellers.
