The Similan Marine National Park is famous for its dive sites and snorkeling. The 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 swim throughs.

Elephant head rock off, (Koh Hin Pousar) is the most famous of the west side dive sites, a maze of swim throughs and the reputation for spin cycle like currents running in every direction.

Koh Huyong (Huyong Island) Island 1 is the closest to Phuket with the longest clean white sandy beach of all the islands, making it an inviting place for turtles to come lay their eggs.

Huyong Island has the easiest dived at a depth of 10 to 15 meters. With hard and soft corals and an abundance of sea fans. The shallowness of the area allows sunlight to penetrate to the bottom resulting in a region teeming with marine life.

Koh Payang (Payang Island) Island 2 is full of Rocky Mountains with cliffs and rock formations round the island.

Koh Payan (Payan Island) Island 3, is quite rocky with cliffs, there are no beaches on this island.

Koh Meang (Meang Island) Island 4 is the second largest island, to Similan Island and is the site of the Parks Headquarters. It has two white powdered beaches, one large beach in front of the island, and a small beach, which is about a 20 minute walk through the evergreen forest.

Koh Meang is the best island for viewing wildlife and for an overnight stay, by venturing further inland from the beach you may catch a glimpse of the Nicobar Pigeon or the hairy leg mountain land crab (Pu Kai in Thai) because it makes noise like a baby chicken). If you just want to do snorkeling, try the beaches of Miang Island, in the channel between Meang Island and Payu Island.

Koh Ha (Ha Island) Island 5, is a small island, interesting locations for diving, main attraction and uniqueness of the island is Garden Eels, (white and grey eels) they can be seen stretching their necks from holes in the sandy floor, the area is also full of soft and stony coral.

Koh Payu (Payu Island) Island 6 has stunning snorkeling and scuba diving on the eastern shore. Many divers prefer this site to others because there are hard and soft corals, sea fan and many species of schooling fish. A minored 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) Island 7 is with the elephant head shaped rock outcrop, beneath the curious rock structure, you will find caves that you can swim through to view the unique underwater formations.

The island is a rock of approximately 30 meters in width with piles of rock around it at a depth of 20-50 meters. 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 scattered around at 30 meters, manta rays and sea tortoises can also be found a little deeper.

Koh Bangu (Bangu Island) Island 9 is renowned for good scuba diving at the northwestern tip between some rock outcrops known to local divers as Christmas point. The water depth is between 10 and 35 meters and one can find many pelagic fish amongst the rock formations.

Koh Bon (Bon Island) or Talu Island, there is a beautiful white powered beach on this island but no accommodation. The waters are suitable for scuba diving, Whale Sharks are often found here.

Koh Tachai (Tachai Island) is located at the northern most tip of the park. There is a beautiful white powdered beach on the island but no accommodation. The water is suitable for scuba diving, and Whale Sharks and Manta Rays are often found here. Facilities include a fresh water source, campsites, restaurant and small boats for snorkeling.

Koh Similan (Similan Island) Island 8 is the largest island in the chain. The average depth of the waters around Similan is about 25 meters. It has a very small bay on the western side where spiny lobsters rest in crevices, sea fans, plume worms and soft corals sway to the current. Above the sea, lies the huge symbolic rock of Koh Similan. Its worth the hike to the top, to enjoy the sweeping view of the sea.

Private tour boats, controlled by the national park depart from Thap Lamu Port at 08:30 hours. Everyday from 15th Sep - 15th May, returning to Thap Lamu Port at 15.00 hours. Motor boats are available at Koh Similan to visit the different islands.

Thap Lamu Port to the islands is about 70 kilometers which takes about 70 minutes via speed boat, 3 hours via slow boat. The service is closed from May 16th every year because of the raining season.

National Parks Thailand

Bungalows and campsites are available for visitors to rent, restaurants on Koh Simlian and Koh Meang are open from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.

The Visitor Tourist Service Center and First Aid Center are located at Koh Meang (Meang Island). For further information call, 0 7659 5045, 0 7659 5210 or visit website.

Mu Ko Similan National Park