Similan Islands

Similan is an archipelago of 9 small islands which has Malay roots. The Similan islands national park is a UNESCO World heritage site. These are one of Thailand's most stunning places with beautiful marine life underwater and also great birds in the air. There are splendidly pictursque white sand beaches with pristine blue waters. The islands also have many hiking trails for the adventurous soul.

The Similan islands are an archipelago of nine islands (as translated in the local Moken language) which are Ko Bn, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The Similan islands are considered to be the best diving spot in Thailand with coral reefs over 5000 years old and extensive marine life including sea turtles, rays, moray eels and whale sharks and a large community of tropical fish. In the air too, the Similan boasts of birds like sea eagles, kingfisher, nicobar pigeon. It is also known to have a great range of trees in the thick forest like ironwood, gum, jackfruit, bamboo. These islands were free of commercialization, but with increasing visitors and competition from Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe, there is toursim pressure here too. Out of the nine, visitors are only allowed on two, Ko Miang and Ko Similan. As a National park, there is a 500 Baht entry fee for adults and 300 Baht for children.