Mu Ko Similan National Park, Phang Nga

The park can be found in Ko Phra Thong Sub District, Khura Buri District, although it was originally established in Thai Mueang District. It lies around 70 km. from the Thap Lamu pier and the name means ‘nine’ in the Malay tongue, referring to the nine islands that make up the archipelago. These being (from northernmost to southernmost) Ko Bon, Ko Bangu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Ha, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang and Ko Hu Yong. Ko Tachai was later added in 1998 and these islands cover a combined total of 87,500 rai or 140 square kilometres. Similan Islands National Park has been given the accolade of one of the world’s ten best dive sites and as there are many superb shallow water snorkelling spots around Ao Hin, Ao Reau Bai, Ao Kwang En, Hin Dok Mai and the area to the rear of Ko Miang. For scuba diving to the area around Ko Bon, Christmas Pinnacle, Fantasy Pinnacle, Ao Kwang En, Lighthouse Cape, Buzar Pinnacle, Sam Korn Pinnacle, Hua Ko Miang, Suan Pla Lai, San Chalam and other stretches of reef. Many types of coral can be found here, including Seriatopora histrix, which is found exclusively around the Surin and Similan islands and there is a selection of marine life which includes sponges, soft corals, Gorgoniidae, lobsters, clams, whales, bottle nosed dolphins, moray eels, several species of sea turtle and over 50 species of fish. The area is made up of 65-million-year-old granite boulder formations with a peak which reaches 233 metres above sea level and houses ‘Hin Ruea Bai’, a large sailship-shaped stone, which has become the symbol of the archipelago. Most of the remainder of the island’s area is covered by sparse forest and bushes and inhabited by various mammals and bird species, none of which are fierce or potentially dangerous. The middle of the island forms a plateau which is encircled by powdery white sand and the waters which surround it are clear, shimmering turquoise and full of flourishing coral reef. The tourist season begins on the 1st of November