MU KOH  SIMILAN NATIONAL PARK

Mu Ko Similan National Park :  Map      Wallpaper

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.

 Khao Lak: