Similan
Island ( Koh Similan ), Thailand
Similan Island is a group of 11
islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Thailand. These islands
are famous for their clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning coral
reefs, making them a popular destination for tourists who love to scuba dive,
snorkel, and explore the natural beauty of Thailand.
The Similan Islands are also
known for their incredible marine life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and
a wide variety of colorful fish. In fact, the islands are considered to be one
of the top dive sites in the world, attracting thousands of divers every year.
To get to Similan Island, you can take a speedboat or ferry from the town of Khao Lak, which is located on the mainland. Once you arrive on the island, you can explore the beaches, go snorkeling or scuba diving, and take in the breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea.
One of the most popular
activities on Similan Island is to hike to the viewpoint, which offers a
stunning panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the sea. Visitors can
also camp on the island, although it is only allowed during certain times of
the year.
Overall, Similan Island is a
must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Thailand who loves nature,
adventure, and beautiful scenery. It is truly a gem of Southeast Asia and a
place that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
What to Do on Similan Island?
Certainly! Here are some of the
top tourist attractions on Similan Island:
1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The Similan Islands are known for
their pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life, making them a popular
destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. Some of the best dive sites on the
islands include Elephant Head Rock, Christmas Point, and North Point.
2. Hiking
The islands offer several hiking
trails that provide stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding
islands. The hike to the viewpoint of Koh Similan is a popular trek that takes
about 30 minutes to reach the top and offers panoramic views of the islands.
3. Beaches
Similan Islands has many stunning
beaches, each with its own unique beauty. Some of the most popular beaches
include Donald Duck Bay, Princess Bay, and Ba Ngu Beach.
4. Island Exploration
The Similan Islands are made up of
11 islands, each with its own unique features and attractions. Exploring the
islands can be a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and
discover hidden gems.
5. Camping
Similan Island is one of the few
places in Thailand where visitors can camp on the beach. The campsites are only
open during certain times of the year, and visitors must obtain a permit before
camping.
Overall, the Similan Islands
offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from exploring marine
life to hiking and beach hopping. It's truly a unique and beautiful destination
that should not be missed.
Where is the Place Popular on
Similan Island?
Similan Island has several
popular places that are worth visiting. Here are some of the most popular spots
on the island:
1. Donald Duck Bay
This is one of the most famous
beaches on the island, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral
reefs. It's a great spot for snorkeling and diving, and there are several
hiking trails nearby.
2. Princess Bay
Another popular beach on the
island, Princess Bay is known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters.
It's a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, and there are several walking
trails nearby.
3. Ba Ngu Island
This island is located just off
the coast of Koh Similan and is known for its beautiful rock formations and
stunning views of the Andaman Sea. It's a great spot for photography and
exploring the unique natural landscape.
4. Honeymoon Bay
This secluded bay is only
accessible by boat and is known for its pristine white sand beach and clear
blue waters. It's a great spot for snorkeling and relaxing in a tranquil
setting.
5. Viewpoint
The hike to the viewpoint on Koh
Similan is a popular activity on the island, as it offers breathtaking
panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Andaman Sea.
6. Sail Rock
This unique rock formation is a
popular spot for diving and snorkeling on Similan Island. It is home to a
variety of colorful coral and fish, as well as large schools of barracuda and
other marine creatures.
7. East of Eden
This popular dive site on Similan
Island is known for its stunning coral formations and diverse marine life.
Visitors can see a variety of fish species, including butterflyfish, clownfish,
and parrotfish, as well as sea turtles and sharks.
These are just a few of the most
popular spots on Similan Island, but there are many more hidden gems to
discover on this beautiful island.
Where is the Accommodation on
Similan Island?
Similan Island is a protected
national park, and as such, there is no permanent accommodation available on
the island. Visitors can only stay on the island during the day, and camping is
only allowed during certain times of the year, with prior permission from the
national park authority.
There are a few options for
accommodation on the mainland, though, particularly in the nearby town of Khao
Lak. Khao Lak is the closest town to the Similan Islands and is a popular base
for those who want to visit the islands.
In Khao Lak, visitors can find a
range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses and hostels to luxury
resorts and hotels. There are also many tour operators in Khao Lak who offer
day trips to the Similan Islands, as well as overnight camping trips.
Some of the most popular hotels
in Khao Lak include the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, The Sarojin, and
the Beyond Resort Khaolak. There are also several budget-friendly options, such
as the Khaolak Wandee Hostel and the Khaolak Summer House Resort.
Overall, while there is no
accommodation on Similan Island itself, visitors can find plenty of options in
the nearby town of Khao Lak, which is just a short boat ride away from the
island.