Mu Ko Similan National
Park has been rated first by the U.S. publication
Skin Diving of the top ten dive sites in
the world. Also, it is appraised by the
Skin-Diving Magazine of USA as one of the top ten
islands having both surface and under water beautiful
scenery.
The Similan Island in the
heart of the Andaman Sea are indeed unparelled in their
exotic beauty. If planning a visit, keep in mind
that anytime between December to April is recommended,
with the best month being March, because the monsoons
are over an the water is clear.
This park occupies an
area of 80,000 rai and was announced as the national
park area on September 1, 1982. There are two ways
to access the Similan, i.e. taking a boat trip from the
pier in Ban Thap Lamu, Amphoe Thai Muang, through a
distance of 40 kms which takes about three hours or
taking a boat trip from a pier in Amphoe Khura Buri
through an approximate distance of 40 kms and it also
takes about three hours. Similan, a small
archipelago in the Andaman Sea comprises nine islands.
Some attractive islands
of the national park include:
Similan Island
With wonderful underwater
scenery and rather shallow sea level, the horseshoe-shaped
island, partly encircling a small bay in the west, is
suitable for skin diving to look at coral reefs and colorful
fishes. In the north, large stones of different shapes
and sizes are noticeable from a distance. Ko Similan
is the largest island amoung the Similan Islands.
Ba Ngu or Hua Ka Lok Island
Ko Hua Ka Lok or Skull
Island is the seventh island in the Similan group.
A rocky island of peculiar shape, it looks like a skull
when viewed from one certain point. Ko Hua Ka Lok
is renowned for its breathtaking underwater beauty on a
many-tiered seabed.
Hu Yong Island
Ko Hu Yong is well-known
for its longest strethch of white sandy beach where sea
turtles lay their eggs.
Miang Island
With
sufficient supply of fresh water, Ko Miang is the second
largest island where the office and guesthouses of the
Similand Marine National Park is located. The
island is famous for its beautiful beaches and colourful
coral reefs.
For
accommodiations in the area of the national park,
contact the National Park Division, Foresty Department,
Tel: 579-0529, 579-4842, or Mu Ko Similan National Park
office, Mu 1 Tambon Lam Kaen, Amphoe Thai Muang,
Phangnga, Tel. (076) 411913-4.
