"Greetings, fellow travelers! Today, I embark on a journey to the Similan Islands National Park, a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Thailand that beckons every adventurer at least once in their lifetime."

The Enchanting Similan Islands: A Paradise Unveiled

The Similan Islands, a renowned gem in Thailand's crown, hold a captivating allure for both domestic and international travelers. Their pristine beauty, etched in the minds of many, beckons visitors to witness their splendor firsthand. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, reminiscent of a shimmering mirror, embrace the islands, while the soft, powdery white sand caresses the shores. The iconic Sail Rock stands tall, a majestic symbol of the Similan's unique charm. Beneath the surface, a vibrant underwater world awaits, teeming with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, the Similan Islands offer an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the deep.

Similan Islands National Park: A Paradise in the Andaman Sea

Similan Islands National Park, located in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, encompasses an area of 80,000 rai (128 square kilometers). Established on September 1, 1982, the park's name derives from the Malay word "Sembilan," meaning "nine," reflecting the nine islands that comprise the archipelago. These islands are: Huyong, Payang, Payan, Miang, Ha, Payu, หัวกะโหลก (meaning "skull"), Similan, and Bangu.

Similan Islands do not allow overnight stays on the islands due to the lack of accommodation and the prohibition of camping. Visitors can only take day trips to the islands, meaning they must arrive in the morning and depart in the evening. Tourists typically book tours for convenience and ease. Numerous tour operators offer services departing from Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province, and Phuket Province. Some tour operators allow boarding from Phuket, while most depart from the Thap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga Province. Hotels in the Khao Lak area offer free transportation between the hotel and the pier. However, transportation to and from Phuket may incur additional charges. It is recommended to inquire about these details with the tour operator.

This time, I used the services of Fantastic Similan Travel. I drove my own car to their office, which is located at the Tao Tan Pier, not far from the Thap Lamu Pier. The advantage of having their own pier is that it is not crowded. I found it very convenient, and the staff were all very helpful and friendly.

Check-in points

Upon arrival, a check-in point awaits at the front, where visitors must present their names and booking confirmations. It's worth noting that I booked through agoda.com, taking advantage of a discount offered through my accumulated member points. After confirming your name, you'll receive a wristband, color-coded to indicate your designated group. Initially unaware of this color-coding system, I later learned that it serves to organize tourists into smaller groups. For my visit, I found myself assigned to the blue team. Following the color-coded system, we checked in at the blue counter, where a guide welcomed us and provided a blue basket containing snorkeling masks, a mat, and a towel – essential items for exploring the Similan Islands.

Food and Beverage Zone

Tourists are provided with food and beverages before boarding the speedboat for their excursion.

The tour guide is briefing the group on today's itinerary.

Following the completion of the meal, our guide will assemble the group to provide an overview and briefing of the day's itinerary. Each team will be assigned a guide and an assistant guide to facilitate and assist the tourists.

The guide informed us about today's activities, including the destinations we will visit, the travel time, safety precautions, and the mandatory regulations for tourism in the Similan Islands National Park.

The briefing is complete, and it's time to embark on our journey. Today, my blue team consists of only two Thai tourists, with the rest being international visitors. This demonstrates the global renown of the Similan Islands.

Phang Nga Naval Base

The original sentence in Thai, "ฐานทัพเรือพังงา," translates to "Phang Nga Naval Base" in English. This is a concise and accurate translation that maintains the formal tone and avoids unnecessary embellishments.

The speedboat departed from the Tao Dan Pier and headed towards the Similan Islands. Along the way, it passed through a fishing village and the Phang Nga Naval Base. At this point, the speedboat slowed down to avoid disturbing the villagers. The guide explained that this was out of respect for the villagers, as they were likely fishermen who had just returned from fishing at sea and were resting. The noise of the boat could disturb them. Next to the fishing village was the Phang Nga Naval Base, where we observed the HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan docked at the pier.

Following this point, the speedboat accelerated once more, as we were heading towards the vast Andaman Sea. Our destination was the Similan Islands, which would take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach.

A pod of dolphins was spotted en route to the Similan Islands.

During the journey, a pod of dolphins swam alongside the boat, offering tourists a breathtaking spectacle. For those who became thirsty, there was no need to worry about a lack of refreshments, as the tour generously provided unlimited drinks. The boat offered both water and soft drinks to help quench the thirst of the passengers.

Tourists at the Sail Rock viewpoint

The journey to Similan Island took a short while. The first sight that greeted me was Hin Ruea Bo, the iconic landmark of Similan Island. The seawater here was stunningly beautiful, with a turquoise hue that resembled a mirror reflecting the seabed. The coral reefs beneath the water were clearly visible.

As the vessel docked, passengers eagerly disembarked to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Andaman Sea, a jewel among maritime destinations.

Similan Islands: A Paradise of Pristine Beauty

The Similan Islands, also known as the "Nine Islands," are a breathtaking archipelago located within the Mu Ko Similan National Park. Among these islands, Koh Similan stands out as the largest and most visited, serving as the central hub for tourism within the park.

Koh Similan is renowned for its iconic Sail Rock, a towering granite formation that has become the symbol of the Similan Islands National Park. Speedboats conveniently dock at the Horseshoe Bay, aptly named for its crescent shape, allowing visitors to disembark and explore the island's wonders. The bay boasts pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering a glimpse into the island's captivating beauty.

A must-do activity on Similan Island is taking a picture with the iconic Sail Rock.

Similan Islands Sign

Nature Study Trail

Another must-visit spot is the Hin Ruea Bai (Sailing Rock) Nature Trail, approximately 150 meters long. The path is pleasantly shaded with trees throughout. For climbing to the viewpoint, there are precautions to note: along the way, the ground is rocky with sand which can be slippery. However, there are ropes to hold onto and separate paths for going up and down, making it more convenient.

A View of Hin Ruea Bo Bay from the Viewpoint

Tourists at Ao Hin Ruea Bay

Upon reaching the summit, I was captivated by the breathtaking vista before me. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches filled me with a sense of exhilaration. The atmosphere at the viewpoint was abuzz with the smiles of tourists, all marveling at the unparalleled beauty of the Similan Islands.

Fantastic Similan 4

Sailing stone

Waving goodbye to the Similan Islands

The journey to the Similan Islands took approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Upon arrival, the tour guides led us to two designated diving spots. Unfortunately, due to the lack of an underwater camera, I was unable to capture the breathtaking scenery beneath the waves. However, I can assure you that the underwater world of the Similan Islands is truly remarkable. The crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, including the possibility of encountering sea turtles, create an unforgettable experience. The Similan Islands are also renowned for their deep-sea diving opportunities. I hope to return in the future and share the underwater beauty through captivating photographs.

Diving spots around Koh Miang

Diving spots around Koh Miang

After finishing snorkeling, it's time for lunch. Today's lunch spot is at Meiang Island

Is today's food delicious?

Mian Island serves as a lunch stop before returning to shore. Food is available for tourists, with each tour including one free meal. The meals are served as a set, and today's menu includes shrimp curry, seafood tom yum, fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, watermelon, and drinking water.

Princess Beach, Koh Myeong

Princess Beach, Koh Miang

Mian Island (Koh Miang) or Koh Si

Mian Island, also known as Koh Si, is a stunning island situated in the heart of the Similan Islands archipelago. It is home to the Similan Islands National Park Headquarters (Koh Miang Unit 1) and boasts the breathtaking Princess Beach. This pristine beach stretches for approximately 400 meters and features some of the finest white sand in Thailand. The crystal-clear turquoise waters offer excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs extending towards the rocky outcrops.

What year is the bird?

On the island of Miang, we may encounter the Nicobar Pigeon, a protected wildlife species classified as vulnerable to extinction. This bird serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity within the conservation area. The Nicobar Pigeon resembles a dove in appearance but forages on the ground like a chicken.

After finishing my meal, I took the mat provided by the tour guide and laid down to rest on Princess Beach before heading back. It was a truly worthwhile trip to visit the Similan Islands, one of the most famous archipelagos in the world.

The Similan Islands is definitely one place everyone should visit at least once. Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and incredibly pristine nature. Whether for snorkeling or nature watching, I can tell you I'll definitely be back again

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