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Mu Koh Similan Marine National Park
An archipelago of nine islands lying in the Andaman Sea northwest of Phuket, the Similans are famous for their extraordinary beauty, both on land and in the surrounding underwater world. Unique in their smooth granite rock formations, the islands are dotted with inviting sandy beaches. There is little thing to explore on land and the destination is most popular with scuba enthusiasts, the waters feature some of the world’s best dive sites. In addition to spectacular visibility, scuba divers can expect fascinatingly varied underwater delights, with coral reefs, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, swimthroughs, cliffs, and stone piles, as well as an abundance of marine life.
Koh Si
The boat trip takes only a few hours to reach Koh Si. During the journey, tourists will see only blue skies and crystalline waters, which create the feeling of serenity.
Koh Si or Koh Miang is the major island out of 9 in the national park (“similan” is Yawee language which means the whole 9 islands.). The national park comprises of 9 islands including Koh Bon, Koh Bayu, Koh Similan, Koh Payu, Koh Miang (two adjacent islands), Koh Payan, Koh Payang, Koh Tachai and Koh Huyong.
It is the second largest island of the national park as well as the location of the park office and tourist centre. Accommodation is available including tents and camp site as well as bungalows. The island also offers plenty of facilities and amenities as well as fresh water supply.
Another magical beauty of the island is the observation point where tourists can see the panoramic picturesque views and beautiful sunset as well as Nok Cha Pi Nai, the local blue-green birds.
Night time of Koh Si is more lively with colourful big crabs (Pu Kai) coming out from holes to find foods. Tourists can carry torch lights and search for these beautiful crabs. This activity is a must-try on the island.
Koh Paed
Koh Paed is also called Similan, the same name of the national park. Similan or Koh Paed is a must-go, as it is the most remarkable and largest island of the park. The island boasts the breathtaking natural beauty and the sailing rock which is the famous symbol of Similan.
The sailing rock is a huge rock, which is similar to a big hat. This magnificent rock amazingly stands on the hill at the beachside. When the boat is arriving at Koh Paed, tourists will see the closer look of the sailing rock, it is bigger and bigger. Koh Paed is a good place for swimming or lazing on the beach.
Koh Paed features powdery white sandy beach, it is wider and longer curves (horse shoe) than Koh Si. The clear blue waters will be crystalline waters under the sun. The beach is surrounded by rocks and dazzling array of corals as well as colourful marine fish. The huge sea turtles are also found here.
On the northern island, the Boot rock or Donald Duck rock stands magnificently to display the miracle of nature. Tourists can enjoy the amazing scenery, when the boat is coming closer.
The Sailing rock is also the observation point. Tourists climb up to the top, and the effort pays off, as the breathtaking scenery awaits you. The panoramic seascape and the curves of the beaches offer the extraordinary beauty.
Mu Koh Similan Marine National Park is one of the world’s top 10 most spectacular scuba dive sites. The shallow waters are also best for snorkelling. Other islands of interest are as follow:
Koh Sam features only cliffs without beaches, but the underwater is very beautiful. This island is suitable for scuba diving. There is an underwater wall called San Chalarm. There are some types of shark and other marine fish searching for foods around here.
Koh Ha is a tiny island and full of corals, there are a lot of eels around here, and known as “eel garden”.
Koh Hok is a good place for scuba diving. It has plenty of colourful arrays of corals as well as the sea caves.
Koh Jed, also known as, Hin Pusar is a rock rising in the mid sea. There are many beautiful marine creatures including sea turtles and stingrays.
Koh Kao is a little island. It features many formations of beautiful reefs. It is another perfect place for diving.
Koh Bon or Koh Talu is the home of plentiful fish. The giant stingray can be found here. The rocky bridge is the remarkable spot here.
Koh Tachai is shallow waters, good for snorkelling. It features unspoiled coral reefs. It has a walking trail to see the sunset. Tents and camp site are available by the park office. 
GettingThere
Public boats and boats for private hire to the Similans depart from Phuket and from Thap Lamu, on the mainland in Phang Nga province. Alternatively, visitors may join one of the organised dive tours that are available from various dive tour operators on Phuket.
References: Tourism Authority of Thailand / Thai-ASEAN News Network
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