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).
