Samui Island (Koh Samui)

Samui Islands (Koh Samui) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is Thailand's third largest island, located about 496 km.(308 miles) south of Bangkok, and it belongs to Surat Thani Province. Koh Samui has been developed into a very
popular holiday resort in South East Asia. Tourists and visitors can really enjoy the great natural beauty and spend a great holidays there. It is rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees.

Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. Samui is big enough for serious exploration by the adventurous and fit, but can be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car.

The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven".
 

Climate

The best time to visit is during the hot and dry season, since February to late June and since July to October it can be raining on and off, when it does rain, it usually doesn’t last long; rain showers of 20–60 minutes are typical and from October to January there are sometimes heavy winds.

Attraction

Lamai Beach Like Chaweng, Lamai has transformed from a ‘hippy’ hangout into a fun, party place packed out with bars and exciting nightlife. The beach though, is still in better condition than Chaweng and the place doesn’t get quite so crowded. If it’s a quiet relaxing location you are after, then Lamai won’t be the ideal place for you. At the southern end of Lamai, there are some odd-looking rock formations.

Maenam Beach This quiet beach, located in the north of the island is decent enough for swimming and sunbathing especially for families with children due to the shallow water.

Bophut Beach situated in the north of the island, is a popular starting point for diving tours. The place isn’t in any way as developed as Chaweng but there are still plenty of restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach is in the North-East of Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter it is a perfect place for relaxing.

Big Buddha Beach Located in the north-east of Samui, Big Buddha offers visitors good swimming and lovely views. The area has developed a lot over the past few years and there are now a plentitude of restaurants, shops and bars.

Na Thon - The island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui Located at Ban Harn beach, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo offer a fun day out for the family. The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. For those who are daring enough, they can have their photograph taken with the awesome animals. The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 9AM till 6PM.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) Also known as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), has a 15 meter tall statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1972 and is in the north of the island.

Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.

Samui Butterful Garden / Insect Museum This butterfly garden can be found in the south-east of the island. There is a huge collection of different butterflies, some quarter of a meter wide. The visitor can also enter the insect museum nearby to see a variety of rare bugs and a bee house.

Secret Buddha Garden This beautiful garden was made by a 76 year-old Ko Samui fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, there are also some awesome views to be had. Organized tours to the garden last for about 2 hours.

Monkey Shows These shows can be enjoyed at the open-air theater on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants.

Events and festivals

Buffalo Fighting Festival One of the best-known festivals on Ko Samui is its Buffalo Fighting Festival, which is held on special occasions such as New Years Day and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bull-fighting, the fighting on Ko Samui is fairly harmless. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The buffalo are beautifully decorated with ribbons and gold-painted leaves. Before the contest which lasts just two rounds, monks spray them with holy water. The winning owner typically takes home millions of baht in prize money.

Ten Stars Samui Art Party A recurring cultural event bringing together art lovers, local Thai and international artists and their new, original artworks. These bi-monthly events, hosted at various high-end resorts and other 5-star venues on the island, focus on building the art community on Ko Samui with presentations by featured artists.

Bowling Championship This is an annual bowling event held in May every year.

Avis Samui Tennis Open The annual amateur tennis tournament held in July.

The Fisherman's Village Festival This five-day festival is celebrated with fun, music and food. The music is usually played by well-known artists and food tents sell inexpensive cuisine provided by local hotels.

Triathlon Event The International Triathlon Union organizes this event every year. This event in Ko Samui draws more than five hundred participants from around the world. The event attracts competitors and visitors as well as locals.

Samui Regatta The Samui Regatta is a sailing tournament, held every year. The tournament is internationally known and competitors come from as far away as Australia, Singapore, Japan and China. This event, for boats of all sizes and shapes, began in 2002.

Ang Thong Island

 Ang Thong Island or Mu Koh Ang Thong oris a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, at the shore of the Surat Thani Province. It covers 42 islands in a total area of ​​102 km ², of which only 18 km ² are land. The park was established on November 12, 1980. The name Ang Thong means bowl of gold, while Mu Koh simply means group of islands.

The most attractive islands (Koh) include:.
Koh Wua Ta Lap.
Koh Mae Ko.
Koh Prayat.
Koh Sam Sao.
Koh Nai Put.
Koh Wua Te.
Koh Phaluai.
Koh Wua Chio.
Koh Kha.
Koh Hindap.
Koh Phi.
Koh Wua Kantang.
Koh Mae Yat.
Koh Changsom.
Koh Hanuman.

In November and December is During monsoon in the Gulf of Thailand always have big waves and windy. Traveling to Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province is not safe. Thus, National Park office announced for temporary closing for a period during 1 - 30 November every year.

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand That uses stand-up Striking Techniques Along with gangsta clinching. It is similar to kickboxing Indochinese Other systems, namely pradal serey from Cambodia, tomoi from Malaysia, lethwei from Burma and Muay Lao from Laos. Descended from Muay Boran, Muay thai is Thailand's National sport.
The word derives from the Sanskrit Muay mavya Which means "to convince Together". Muay thai is referred to as the "Art of Eight limbs" or the "Science of Eight limbs" Because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee Strikes, thus using eight "points of contact", as opposed to "two points "(fists) in boxing and" four points "(hands and feet) Used in Other combat sports more regulated, Such as kickboxing, boxing, and savate. A practitioner of Muay thai is known as a NAK Muay. Sometimes called Western practitioners are NAK Muay Farang, meaning "Foreign boxer."
 Origins

Various forms of kickboxing have long been practiced throughou Southeast Asia. Based on Chinese and Indian martial arts, practitioners Can Claim That These systems became traced back to a thousand years.
Evolved from the Muay thai Muay Boran older (ancient boxing), an unarmed combat method Which Would have been Used by Siamese Soldiers After Losing Their weapons in battle. Some believe That the ancient Siamese Military Muay Boran created from the weapon-based art, but others contend krabong Krabi That Both Systems Were Developed at the Same Time. Was krabong Krabi nevertheless an influence on Muay thai IMPORTANT as seen in the movements in the wai khru.

Folklore
The most popular Muay Boran Regarding Folklore Is that of Nai Khanomtom.
At the time of the fall of the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya in 1767, the invading Burmese troops rounded up thousands of Thais and I took them as Prisoners Burma. Were Among a large number say of Thai kickboxers, Who Were taken to the city of Ava.
In 1774, in the Burmese city of Rangoon, the Burmese King Hsinbyushin (Known in Thai as "King Mangra") decided to organize a seven-day, seven-night festival in honor of Religious Buddha's relics. The festivities included many forms of entertainment, Such as the called likay Costume plays, comedies and farces, and sword-fighting matches. At one point, King Hsinbyushin wanted to see how Muay Boran Would compare to the Burmese art lethwei. Nai Khanomtom Was selected to fight Against the Burmese champion. Was the boxing ring set up in front of the Throne and Nai Khanomtom did a traditional Wai Kru pre-fight dance, to pay respects to the historic historic teachers and ancestors, as well as the spectators, dancing around the historic opponent. This amazed and perplexed the Burmese people, who 'thought It was black magic. When the fight Bega, Nai Khanomtom Charged out, using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to pummel opponent historic Until he collapsed.
However the referee said the Burmese Burmese champion Was too distracted by the dance, and declared the knockout invalid. Asked if the King said Nai Other Khanomtom Would fight nine Burmese champions to test himself. Agreed and he fought them all, one After the other with no rest periods in Between. His last opponent Was a great kickboxing teacher from Rakhine. Nai Khanomtom mangled him by His kicks and no one else dared to Challenge him.
King Mangra That was so impressed he allegedly remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even with historic bars hands, he Can Fell nine or ten opponents. But historians Lord Was incompetent and lost the country to the enemy. If he Would have been any good, Was there no way the City of Ayutthaya Would ever have fallen. "[citation needed]
Mangra King granted Nai Khanomtom Along with freedom either Riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Khanomtom Nai chose the wives as he said That Money Was easier to find. He said with historical Departed wives for Siam. Other Variations of this story HAD HIM Also winning the release of historical Thai fellow Prisoners. His feat is celebrated March 17 as Every Day Boxer's Day or National Muay Boran in the historic honor of Muay Boran and That's.
Today, some have wrongly attributed the legend of Nai Khanomtom to King Naresuan, Who Spent His Youth as a royal Hostage Was in Burma while a Burmese vassal Ayutthaya. However, Nai Khanomtom and King Naresuan lived almost two centuries apart.

 

 

Khao Sok Island

Khao Sok National Park or Khao Sok Island is a jungle reserve in Southern Thailand. It is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Thailand. The park has a total area of 738.74 square kilometers and districts in the province of Surat Thani.

Khao Sok is perfectly situated on the Mainland Between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, the most popular Destinations in southern Thailand. It is a fantastic place to go on vacation. Elephant trekking, trekking on foot, canoeing and Jeep safaris are all Possible Activities, Which Will give you the experience of a lifetime. Also we recommend tours to visit Various Locations in Khao Sok. One of the MOST interesting is stunningly beautiful Areas Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the National Park with floating shelf Its houses and luxury tents.

The Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi)

The Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the western Andaman Sea coast of the mainland. The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. Koh Phi Phi ("koh" meaning "island" in the Thai language) is the collective name for a small archipelago in Krabi Province just an hour boat ride from Phuket. Known as the 'jewels of the Andaman Sea', there are six islands in Mu Koh Phi Phi-Nopparathara National Park Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley, Bamboo Island, Yung Island, Bida Nok, and Bida Nai. Only Phi Phi Don is inhabited; all others are undeveloped and protected by their National Park status and are frequently visited as day trips from Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi Don.

Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest island of the group,

Koh Phi Phi Lee (or "Ko Phi Phi Leh"), the second largest island of the group, popularised when parts of the movie "The Beach" were filmed there. Uninhabited apart from bird nest harvesters and a few Maya Bay wardens; expect plenty of tourists during daylight hours, especially in Maya Bay.The islands came to worldwide prominence when Ko Phi Phi Leh was used as a location for the 2000 British-American film The Beach. This attracted criticism, with claims that the film company had damaged the island's environment an accusation the film's makers contest. The film's release was attributed to an increase in tourism to the islands.

Phi Phi Leh also houses the 'Viking Cave', from which there is a thriving bird's nest soup industry.

Koh Mai Phai ('Bamboo Island'), a small low-lying islet to the north of Phi Phi Don with several good beaches.

Koh Yung (Yung Island) is north of Ko Phi Phi Don. The island has a stone beach in the east and small sandy beaches at the foot of the hills.

It is teeming with various kinds of colourful coral reefs.

Bida Nok and Bida Nai, two small adjacent limestone karsts to the south of Phi Phi Leh, with near-vertical cliff walls rising from the sea.

The waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands are filled with exotic marine life, including docile leopard sharks, and snorkeling and diving day trips rival lounging on the beach as top activities on Koh Phi Phi.

Most of the development of Phi Phi Don is situated in or around Ton Sai village, which is on the low, sandy isthmus that joins the two hilly spurs that comprise the rest of the island. There are also other, quieter resorts on Long Beach, Laem Thong, and at other less accessible areas of the island.

Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim. The actual population however, if counting laborers, especially from the north-east, from the mainland is much more Buddhist these days.

Koh Phi Phi was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, when nearly all of the island's infrastructure was wiped out. Redevelopment has, however, been swift, and services are back with building regulations in place to limit the height of new buildings to preserve the island's stunning views.
It should be noted that, while very laid back, many of the local islanders are Muslim. You will lose considerable respect if you walk around town in your skimpies (this applies to Buddhist areas of Thailand too!). While many tourists do in fact parade down Main Street in their Speedos or thong bikinis, to avoid offending your hosts, it's usually best just to throw on a pair of shorts or a sarong; similarly, topless on the beaches, while grudgingly tolerated by most locals, is also probably best avoided.

 

Where to go

Phi Phi Don
Viewpoint - walk up to the Viewpoint, 186 metres above sea level (a very steep walk of between 10-25 minutes, depending on fitness), to get a breathtaking view of the entire island - particularly at dawn or sunset (bring a torch) . You will be surprised at how narrow the sand strip is between the two main parts of the island.

Monkey Beach - accessible on foot or by renting a canoe, or be lazy and charter a longtail boat. Be careful as the monkeys can sometimes be aggressive. (Note: you should not feed wildlife)

Fireshow - there are several highly skilled and entertaining fireshows held nightly in several venues on the island, including at Carlito's, Apache Bar, Hippies, Carpe Diem, and The Tia and Millie Sunflower Bar on Lohdalum.

Tsunami Memorial Garden - by the Tia and Millie Sunflower Bar; a beautiful place for quiet contemplation and paying one's respects to the victims of the recent tragedy.

Yao Beach - just south of Ton Sai, offers visitors some fantastic views, scenery and coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving. This small place is packed out however, with places to stay and so some people do complain that the vicinity has been rather over developed. You can get there either by walking from Ton Sai or taking a long-tail boat.

Lanti Beach - Next to Yao Beach, Lanti Beach is very similar in many regards with its great scenery and cora l reefs. You can get there on foot.

Hin Khao Beach - This beach is extremely quiet and can only be reached on foot.
Ton Sai Bay  or Ao Ton Sai is where most of the action is; be it restaurants, bars, hotels or guesthouses. Most tourists stay at Ton Sai Bay because of the convenience. Even though it isn't the most beautiful place on Phi Phi, it is still impressive.

Laem Tong - located at the very north of the island offers visitors and lovely quiet beach with exhilarating scenery. Accommodation on Laem Thong is aimed at higher spending tourists.

Phi Phi Leh
Phaya Naak Cave Cave with prehistoric paintings and edible-nest swiftlets that can be partially visited.

Maya Bay Maya Bay has arguably Phi Phi's most fantastic beach and was the location for the movie The Beach (Leonardo DiCaprio) in 1998. The bay also has hard coral and colorful reef fishes which makes it a favorite spot for tour snorkelers and first time divers. There is also a jump spot (~ 20 metres) in one of the creeks behind the beach, and some climbing is possible on the cliff just next to it. You can take a longtail boat to Maya Beach for about 1500 baht for the whole boat for half a day. It is highly recommended to arrive at Maya Bay before 8AM, when the place can still be enjoyed in solitude. As from 9AM hoards of speedboats with tourists on package tours arrive from Phuket. Another thing to think about when coming to Maya Bay is the time of year. During the high season (October - May) you will feel like you are at Disneyland, but during the off season it could be slightly better. Note: Park Rangers have begun enforcement of a National Park entry fee of 200 baht / person, though if you are traveling in a tour group, they will typically include it in the price of your trip. The park police will only attempt to charge you for the "park entrance fee" if you turn up on a long-tail boat. The mid-afternoon trip (3 PM) is better ... you get to catch the sunset as you leave Maya Beach (you can't see the sunset on the beach).

Lohsamah Bay - Another bay situated on the west coast of the island, and has a U shape form with a large rock in the middle. There is a very small beach and small caves at the end of a very narrow gorge. There is also a hole in the rock accessible from the water only that leads in the gorge behind Maya Bay beach. It is a very short stroll to go from Lohsama Bay to Maya Bay this way, but be careful depending on the tide and waves, going through the hole can be a bit challenging depending on the level of fitness and could liaise to injuries on the rocks below the surface.

Get around

The most common ways to get around on Ko Phi Phi are by foot and by long-tail boat. As with most everything in an area like this, the price for long-tail boats is a negotiation. Hint: Take some foam earplugs for the long-tail boat rides ... it's a fun ride but the engines are loud and after 45 minutes it can get to you. The negotiation for longtail boats is usually done according to where you want to go and how many hours you want the trip to last. As an example, 1200 baht for a 6-hour outing to Ko Phi Phi Le and Tonsai Bay from the Holiday Inn Resort.

How to get thereBy boat

Traveling to Ko Phi Phi by boat is BY FAR the most frequent method used. Ferries leave from Phuket and Krabi daily (from Krabi two ferries a day 9:00 am and 14:30 PM and from Phuket at 9:00 am, 11:00, and 14:30 pm several times a day (11:00 during high season only). Tickets can be purchased online at PhiphiFerry.com or on the dock, from tourist offices, most local guesthouses and hotels. There is a 20 baht per person fee required on the pier for "keeping Koh Phi Phi clean". Unfortunately there is still plenty of rubbish on the beaches.
 

Tickets prices:

600 baht one-way/1000 baht round trip when bought at the Phuket pier (as of 2009/09/15). Possible to get 300-350 baht one-way tickets as part of a deal with a guest house stay.
You can get from the Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier by meter taxi for around 500 baht. It's about a 30 km drive and takes 45 minutes depending on traffic and weather.

From Krabi Town - 450 baht (Note: this price may be out of date). The normal passenger ferry does not leave from the centre of town anymore, but from a new passenger port (Klong Jilard Pier Tel. 0 7562 0052) about 3 km outside Krabi Town. Free taxi transfer to the pier should be included in the price of your ticket. Many times they'll take you to a travel agent near the Chao Fah Pier and sell you additional accommodations or services. Only ever buy the ticket you need. They add additional ferries during peak season.

From Ko Lanta - 350 baht (date checked 18 Nov 2011).
Not all ferries are of equal quality. Andaman wave master is the only company that will take you for free to the north of Phi Phi island after the stop at Tonsai pier. The Sea Angel ferries are quite nice with big flat screen tvs and refreshments. These are sold online as first class ferries. The ferries run by Chao Koh group, particularly the smallest "Pichamon IV" are often overcrowded and appear to be very poorly maintained, which does not inspire confidence, however they are launching a new mega boat beginning of 2010. In April 2007, a ferry operated by Andaman Wave Master caught fire and sank, and all aboard were forced to jump into the sea. Fortunately, nearby vessels were quickly able to rescue all the passengers, and no casualties occurred. The ferries run by PP Family are larger and seem more suited to the task. The ferries run by Phi Phi Cruiser may take a little longer but they include a movie, complimentary breakfast (if taking the morning crossing) and complimentary beverage service. For an additional fee, you can purchase a "VIP ticket" which also includes snorkeling and a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don.
Other tour vessels visit the island from several Phuket-based resorts, usually on day trips, the price for a speadboat from Rawai Beach was quoted at 15,000 baht return (or one way) for up to 6 people (Dec 6 2007). There are many speedboats operating directly from the beach but it may be best to book the day before as most seem to be on away on trips during the day. Speedboats can also be chartered from other nearby locations, but at a very high price (in July 2007, the starting price for a speedboat to Phi Phi Don from Ko Yao was quoted at 20,000 baht).

Similan Islands

The Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park (Similan Islands) is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of, and part of, Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. It is a national park Which was Established in the 1982nd

The Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park was Established after the one-year exploration by the forestry department. The park covers 140 square kilometers in total. The Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park  consists of the nine named
1. Ko Bon
2. Ko Bangu
3. Ko Similan
4. Ko Payu
5. Ko Miang (two adjoining islands)
6. Ko Payan
7. Ko Payang
8. Ko Huyong

Recently, the park was expanded to included two remote islands named Ko Bon and Ko Tachi. The Similans are situated 70 kilometers from Phang Nga town. "Similan" is the Yawi Which word means "nine". Similan is one of the now famous diving sites in Thailand, and note as one of the top ten dive destinations in the world According to the National Geographic Society.

How to get there: Access to the Similan Islands is easiest from Khao Lak, Phang Nga province. The main office is in Thapa Lamu Island. Boats Depart daily from Nov-March. The trip takes three hours on slow boats Each Way via speedboat or 70 minutes.

During the months of November-April live-aboard boats bottom head to the Similan Islands. Thes dive boats Depart and return from Khao Lak, Ko Lanta, Phuket and Ranong and stay for Several days at the Similan National Marine Park.

Activities: The main activity here is scuba diving and snorkelling, although fishing trips and sailing Vessels bottom stop here regularly. There are Several dive trips going to the Similans from Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both day trips and live aboard cruises are available. Usually dedicated cruises start at four days and four nights (4d/4n) in length. Many shorter trips are available, with OFTEN Operators who have a large vessel on the islands who do over summer and regular transfers Smaller using speed boats.

The Similans offer an incredibly variable underwater landscape. Sloping hard coral Reefs and shallow coral gardens on the east side of the islands, Which are protected from the strong Currents. On the west side is totally Different scenery. Huge granite Boulders, Caverns and swim-throughs make for a faster pace and more challenging experience.

Note there is also harm to the national park entry fee of 400 baht per Traveller and a further daily usage fee of 200 baht per diver per day. Most boats do not include this in Their quoted price. It is paid to your dive operator before the trip.
 

Diving liveaboards and dive trips

Khao Lak Scuba, ☎ +66 76 485 878, +66 76 485 878 info@khaolakscuba.com, From 15,900 baht for private 2 person cabin.

Khao Lak Trip Dive Centre (Khao Lak Trip Dive Centre), 4/93 Moo 7, Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang Nga,
☎ Tel : +66 76 485 297, +66 76 485 297  Mobile +66 8 4638 6668, +66 8 4638 6668 info@khaolaktrip.com, fax: +66 76 485 296),. 4 days / 4 nights trip (up to 14 dives) to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. From 18,900 baht.

Manta Point Dive Center 91 Moo 6, Khao Lak, Takuapa, Phangnga,
☎ +66 76 485 624, +66 76 485 624 info@mantapoint.com, Operate liveaboards to Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock from Khao Lak. Daily departures for any duration.

Similan Dive Center 22/37 Moo 4, Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga (Opposite Bangkok bank in the center of Khao Lak),
☎ +66 76 485 792, +66 76 485 792 info@similandivecenter.com. Open all year. Khao Lak ecological dive center offers diving in a friendly atmosphere with an experienced crew. Day trips and daily departing liveaboards to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Official Mares Dive Center with a large range of diving and snorkeling equipment. Operated by Khao Lak residents with over 20 years of experience in environmental research and diving.

Similan Diving Safaris 13/19 Moo 7, Khaolak, Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang-Nga,
☎ +66 76 485470, +66 76 485470 info@similan-diving-safaris.com, fax: +66 76 485471, From 17,800 baht (bunk in a 4 person room) for 4 days / 4 nights

Similan Paradive, bang niang, ☎ +66 76 485324, +66 76 485324 info@similan-paradive.fr,French dive school PADI and CMAS From 11,500 baht for 2 days / 1 nights

Thailand Dive & Sail (Khao Lak Dive Centre) 4/88 Soi Bang La On, Moo 7, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa,
Phang Nga (On the side street leading to Banana Bungalows near the Viking Restaurant),
☎ +66 87 887 3878, +66 87 887 3878 info@thailanddiveandsail.com, Reliable, independent information and booking services for scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing trips to the Similan Islands.

Wicked Diving, Khao Lak (Khao Lak Diving)  4/17 Moo 7 Khao Lak, Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga (Adjacent to Viking Restaurant in the heart of Khao Lak),
☎ +66 76 485 868, +66 76 485 868, +66 76 486 868, +66 76 486 868 info@wickeddiving.com, Khao Lak's only dive run to ethical and environmentally friendly standards. Operating two liveaboards offering 3 and 5 days expeditions to the Similan and Surin Islands providing for all diving skill levels. Also offer diving training, overnight tours and 3 days / 2 nights diving adventures with the nights spent on the islands and days spent at various dive sites. 3 days / 2 nights trips depart on Monday and Friday.

Snorkelling only liveaboards

Similan Tour 1/6 Khao Lak, Lam Kaen, Thai Muang, Phangnga,
☎ +66 76 443258,  +66 76 443258 info@similantour.com, A snorkeling-only liveaboard for 3 days / 2 nights departing Tuesdays and Fridays. 7,400 baht.

Day trips

Kon-Tiki Khao Lak Diving & Snorkeling Center 13/128 Moo 7, Khuk-Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand,
☎ +66 76 485378, +66 76 485378 info@kontiki-khaolak.com, fax: +66 76 485378, Daily diving and
snorkeling trips to Similan and Surin island. PADI scuba diving courses and monthly IDC. Liveaboard to Similan islands, Burma Banks and Andaman islands.

Similan Scuba Adventures 4/56 Moo 7, Tambon Khuk Kak, Amphur Takua Pa, Phang Nga,
☎ +66 76 485610, +66 76 485610 (fax: +66 76 485610), Day trip where divers and snorkelers go to different sites to get the most out of the experience. They also have liveaboards. Day trip is €52 for snorkelers and €76 for divers (2 dives).