The breathtaking Similan Islands

Posted by admin on February 15th, 2009 filed in Activities, Day tripping, Diving, Tourist tips

Surrounded by the Andaman Sea’s blue sparkling waters, the paradisiacal Similan Islands are renowned for the white fine sandy beach areas, cooling breezes and warm tropic nights. The islands offer some of Thailand’s finest snorkelling and diving, abundant varied underwater life and fantastic options to observe endangered and rare species. This island destination is perhaps the globe’s most accessible paradisiacal environment.  

Positioned within less than 75 miles northwest of Phuket and about 31 miles west of Khao Lak, these gorgeous islands not have a pier and there’s no airport. Several rangers live on the Similan Islands to protect the colourful reefs. The camping site, bungalows and restaurant were established by the government.
 
Travelling to the Similan Islands can best be arranged via one of the region’s tour agencies or through a diving operator. There are numerous available, but you should make sure that the companies are insured, certified by TAT, and actually are familiar with the islands.

While there are numerous businesses on Phuket advertising direct tours, it is extremely rare. Nearly all tour agencies transfer travellers 62 miles via minivan to local Taplamu pier on Khao Lak, then onwards. It is recommended to contact operators on Khao Lak for all your travel essentials – they are less expensive and much more familiar with local conditions. Guide to Thai Islands

Providing the Similan Islands’ principal gateway, Thap Lamu Port is a deep water pier as well as the nearest point off land. The voyage by speedboat takes about 70 minutes. It takes about three to five hours for larger vessels to reach the islands, so most of these boats leave at night.