Similan Islands: what is interesting and how to visit? Excursion to the Similan Islands - photo, map and my review How long to travel from Phuket to the Similan Islands

In Russian, the “Similans” are nine islands included in the marine national park, located in the Andaman Sea, 100 km from Phuket. Sailing to the Similan Islands is one of the most popular excursions in Phuket. All tourists are seduced by the clearest water and sea turtles that live on the Similan Islands.

And this is not without reason. The Similan Islands are among the top ten places for divers, and are also included in the UNESCO list of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The Similan Islands are a national marine park, an untouched part of nature, where animals are not yet afraid of humans. The islands are popular, but there are not many divers and tourists here. If you decide to dive, you will see a very diverse marine flora and fauna, an abundance of corals and reef fish.

So this is the southern part of Thailand.

The word “Similan” itself means “nine”. The name is related to their number. Until 1998, there were nine of them, and then two more islands were added to the national park and now there are eleven Similan Islands:

• Ko Huyong - No. 1
• Ko Payang - No.2
• Ko Payan – No. 3
• Ko Miang - No. 4
• Ko Ha - No.5
• Ko Hok - No. 6
• Ko Payu - No. 7
• Ko Similan - No. 8
• Ko Bangu - No. 9
• Koh Bon
• Koh Tachai

Usually tourists distinguish them by their numbers. No. 8 is the largest, the second largest is island No. 4. Some islands are closed to tourists in order to protect and restore nature and rare species of turtles. Of course, the islands have to recover after tourists, there are no other reasons. In the 2016 - 2017 season, for example, Tachai Island closed to tourists This is not the first time.

In summer, during the rainy season, getting to the Similan Islands is unlikely. There are no centralized excursions at this time due to storms or bad weather. There is an official website of the national park - there you can look for detailed information about the opening/closing times of the season.

How to get to the Similan Islands

You can only get here by sea. Many sail from Phuket, although closer from Khao Lak. Numerous travel and excursion agencies offer 1 or 2-day visiting programs. A one-day tour costs 2200-2400 baht.

More advanced and independent travelers go to Similan for 3-4 days. To do this, you need to agree, for example, with the same agency, so that they will only take you there and pick you up after an agreed number of days. The road itself will most likely be cheaper, and you will have the opportunity to fully enjoy the virgin nature in the absence of crowds of tourists with guides always in a hurry.

At the pier, right before departure, it is unlikely that you will be able to buy a place on the boat. Buy in advance and in the city.

Speed ​​boards of different formats. There are boats for divers, they are larger than a speed board, but of course they sail slower. If you have never sailed on a speedboard, think about whether you have problems with your spine or something else where shaking is contraindicated for your health. Pregnant women should not ride a speed board for the same reasons. Here, of course, it’s important how lucky you are - if the sea is almost calm, then you’ll get there quickly and with pleasure on a speedboard.

The islands have all the necessary tourist infrastructure. There you can rent accommodation and find a cafe to eat.

Accommodation on the Similan Islands

Bungalows and tents (regular tents) are available for rent on the islands. Bungalows come with fan and air conditioning. They will kick you out with your tents, you can’t. But I don’t think it would occur to anyone to go to Thailand, and even to the islands, with their own tent!

• house for 1000 baht/day with fan,
• house for 2000 baht/day with air conditioning
• tent 500-600 baht.

Tent on Similan

The tent camp on island No. 4 is located to the left of the main beach almost at the very seashore. The tents are hidden in a shady grove, they are located tightly and in two rows from each other. So if at night someone in the next tent reads Dostoevsky out loud, you can hear it well. The tents are equipped with locks.

The tents are spacious and can easily accommodate 3-4 people. There is a mattress and pillows inside. Even with the windows open, sleeping in a tent can be hot and stuffy.

The tents on island No. 8 are located further from the sea to the right of the beach. Overall no better than #4.

Similan Islands – bungalows

The nicest bungalows in the Similan Islands with air conditioning. This is expressed not only in the presence of air conditioning, which many do not use, but in the fact that they stand on a hill on high stilts. Each bungalow has its own veranda with partial sea views.

The bungalows are spacious, comfortable and with huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The only downside here is that you have to climb the stairs to get to them.

The fan-cooled rooms are located in a long wooden house with a shared veranda. The rooms are small, the lighting inside is low, but the beach is within walking distance.

All bungalows have their own toilet and shower, but the water in the shower is only cold.

Infrastructure on the Similan Islands

Island No. 4 is considered more developed in terms of infrastructure. It has a large dining room where excursions are fed (the food is quite mediocre) and a cafe.

Tomorrow, lunch and dinner at the cafe as scheduled. The rest of the time, you can buy drinks and small things like chips and nuts in the cafe.

You can take water, drinks, and all sorts of food bags from 7 Eleven with you if you are staying for several days. The fruit will quickly disappear or be eaten by ants.

On this island, next to the park administration, there is a storage room where you can leave things for free after the key to the tent or house has been returned (checkout time here is 10:00). You can also rent a safe for 20 baht per day.

The island has several open-air freshwater showers near the beach and several showers and toilets in separate buildings for those staying overnight in tents.

In the cafe and nearby areas it receives FiWi (without a password).

Electricity on the island is only available from 6 pm to 6 am, so during the day there is no use for a fan or air conditioner. There are no discos. They do not sell alcohol.

Nature of the Similan Islands

Here it’s even better to start just with a photo.

During the day

In the afternoon, the tourists sailed away

Blue water, white sand beach.

They write on the Internet that on the Similan Islands you can meet the Nicobar pigeon, flying foxes and see how the plankton glows in the water. Not everyone sees them. But hermit crabs a lot of.

Not everyone encounters turtles either, but some are lucky - they are met in a basin and a lot of them.

There are also large turtles on the Similan Islands. The famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau was the first to tell the world about this.

The best weather here starts in mid-February and ends in May. The rainy season begins in mid-May and lasts until October, accompanied by strong northwest winds.

The average annual temperature is + 27 degrees, high humidity - about 83%. 3,560 mm of precipitation falls per year - twice the height of a person.

High season is from October to May. Of course, you can go diving or sunbathe all year round, but you need to get there somehow and without the local administration showing you the door, i.e. at sea in this case. For some reason, the cleanest and clearest water is in the summer months. Visibility averages 20-25 meters, but in some places it reaches 40 meters!

The relief on Similan is quite unique. On the eastern half of the islands there are sand deposits that gradually go deeper into densely populated coral reefs, and on the western side there are huge sheer boulders that meet powerful underwater currents and monsoon winds on land.

Due to their bizarre shapes, the dark rocks get quite funny names with clearly Western origins, for example, Donald Duck Cove. Because of this unique topography, snorkeling or scuba diving on the east and west sides will provide completely different experiences. By the way, the islands are small and you can explore their unique underwater world from both the eastern and western sides in one day.

Along the western coast, the entire archipelago is surrounded by hard coral reefs in the form of a sheer wall 30-40 meters deep. But there are also soft corals that rise in beautiful waves from the seabed. There are no strong currents here.

On the eastern side, the Similans are often surrounded by whirlpools around granite rocks, and the diving is almost extreme. But very bright soft corals grow here, and the very outlines of the rocks, and small fish, and these corals make an indelible impression on the most experienced divers.

The Similans are one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. A national park consisting of huge boulders, among which are hidden bays and beaches with white sand, a crystal clear sea with a variety of marine life attracts tourists from all over the world. Today I will tell you a little about the amazing excursion options.

Similan Islands from Phuket

Situated on the border of the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean in the province of Phang Nga, the Similan Islands are among the top ten best diving spots not only in Thailand, but also in the world. The national park was formed in 1982 and today consists of nine islands. For simplicity, they are called by numbers, but, of course, each has its own name: Hu Yong (No. 1), Pa Yang (No. 2), Miang (No. 3), Haa (No. 5), Hok (No. 6), Pa Yu (No. 7), Similan (No. 8) and Ba Ngu (No. 9). The word "similan" itself means "nine", but a little more than ten years ago the islands of Bon and Tachai became part of the national park. They are a good distance from the other nine, and the diving there is considered the best in Thailand. The Similan Islands are of volcanic origin, and the landscape with huge boulders is not like stalactites and islands.

You can go to the Similan Islands from Phuket only 6 months a year. The fact is that due to monsoon winds, the national park is closed from May 1 to October 31 to ensure the safety of visitors. At times, excursions to the archipelago begin a couple of weeks earlier, already in mid-October. The route to the Similan Islands from Phuket is not short - about an hour and a half by bus to Taplamu Pier, then 1 hour 20 minutes by speedboat to island No. 9. If you are lucky, along the way you will be able to see dolphins playing with the boat.

All of the Similan Islands, with the exception of two, are uninhabited. Only on islands No. 4 and No. 8 there are bungalows and tent camping. If you want to feel like Robinson Crusoe and visit a virgin place, it’s worth coming here for an overnight stay. Of course, you shouldn’t think that a luxurious five-star resort is located on the islands. Everything is simple. The tents come in two- and four-person tents and are closed with a small padlock, so there are storage lockers at the reception for everyone.

Bungalows come with fan and air conditioning and are located only on island number 4. The bungalow has electricity, which is turned on from 18.00 to 6.00 from a generator, and one socket, so if you have a lot of equipment, charge everything in advance. It would also be useful to use a spray, which you can buy in the store here. The bungalows have a toilet and shower; those living in tents can use a shared separate shower with fresh water. I want to immediately warn sissies and lovers of comfort - not to go, because the conditions are spartan on the island. Everything is compensated by the amazing nature a meter away from you. Restaurants are also located on islands No. 4 and No. 8. If you bought an excursion for two or more days, meals are served in a restaurant on island No. 4 at a certain time, which you will be told about additionally. The restaurant sells drinks, including beer; for those who like something stronger, I recommend stocking up on provisions from the mainland. If you are used to eating something during the day, you can buy chips at the restaurant, and take the rest with you.

What to do on the Similan Islands? - you ask. Believe me, there is something to see there. The one-day excursion includes a visit to four of the nine islands: No. 9, No. 8, No. 5 and No. 4 - snorkeling, relaxing on a white sand beach, a trip to Mount Parus and to the observation deck on island No. 4.

Similan Islands Photos

As you climb the Sail, you will notice many twigs and sticks standing under the boulders. It is believed that in this way you support the stone, and in a difficult situation you will definitely have support. It is worth noting that the view from there is wonderful. Don't forget to bring trekking shoes because sometimes it can be hot to step on the hot rocks. In some places you will climb stairs, sometimes pull yourself up on ropes and, finally, you will see a view of the sea and islands from a height of 244 meters.

No special physical preparation is required, but for those who profess vegetable holidays on the beach, it may be a little difficult for those who are not used to it. Although my mother was at both viewing platforms. On island No. 4, in addition to the main beach, there is a small secluded cove and a sunset spot. After 16.00, tourists who came on a one-day excursion leave, only those who stayed overnight remain on island No. 4.

Excursion to Similan

In the evening they will show you a hairy earth crab, which, if you are attentive and look around, you can see during the day. Huge shell balls sometimes quietly rest next to the path, and a living rake sticks out from inside. Flying foxes live on the islands, which can be seen right on the trees during the day; perhaps at night they will discuss the past day, so I advise you to stock up on earplugs if you are a light sleeper. On the small beach of island No. 4 you can observe Nicobar pigeons, which live only here. On the way to the observation deck, you can meet a monitor lizard or a grey-cheeked flying squirrel. There are particularly impressionable tourists who see rats, and then swear on all forums about why they are not poisoned. Gentlemen, this is wild nature! There are 4 species of wild rats living on the Similan Islands, and no one plans to fight them, because they are part of the ecosystem of these islands, unlike humans.

The underwater world is simply beyond competition: all kinds of fish, hard corals, anemones, sometimes you can even see sharks and turtles. Huge gardens lie underwater. There are colorful beds of corals, beads of algae, and wiggling fingers of anemones. Scurrying groupers, fussy lionfish, curious parrotfish and arrogant Napoleon fish. And if you are lucky, you will see a reef or leopard shark or a large turtle. All this can be seen with the naked eye when swimming with a mask. I'm not even talking about the beauties that certified divers who come on diving safari to these places see.

in Thai they sound like Mu Ko Similan. They occupy a relatively small area, in which all the features of the local underwater environment are concentrated. The archipelago is considered the most beautiful corner of Thailand. Connoisseurs of natural luxury and scuba diving enthusiasts flock to its lands (). For a night's rest, it is better to choose Miang and Similan. On these islands, tourists will find refuge in cute houses and refresh themselves in coastal restaurants and bars.

Natural features of the Similan Islands

The Mu Ko Similan complex is made up of 10 islands surrounded by the waters of the Andaman Sea. Their total area is 142 square meters. km. To rest on Similan Islands in Thailand, the tourist must travel a 69-kilometer route along the western coast of the country. The cozy recreation area belongs to the province of Phang Nga, which lies in the Phratong region. Located 94 km south of the archipelago, a major tourist site is located closer than all other pieces of land. The islands are under the care of the King himself, who considered it necessary to allocate them as a National Marine Reserve. They have held this honorary status since 1982.

The coastal waters of the Similan Islands are a network of caves, rock labyrinths and coral reefs. The eastern part is especially rich in corals - there solid natural formations have accumulated into amazing sea gardens. In contrast, the western side is lined with soft corals, evenly covering the underwater cobblestones. Anyone who repeatedly descends to the bottom can admire not only corals numbering more than 500 units, but also valuable exotic inhabitants. If a tourist does not want to plunge into the depths of the sea, he will be able to see amazing living creatures through the surface of the water - its purity and transparency allows you to look almost 35 m deep.

Similan have their own animal world. It is represented by reptiles (25 species), mammals (30 families) and birds (40 different specimens). Among the rare specimens that amaze with their appearance, it is worth noting the leatherback turtle, horned heron, wool crab, and blue lizard. Long and exciting sea excursions to the Similan Islands are included in the!

The archipelago is no different with its many retail outlets and noisy nightlife. It is the ideal location for those wishing to experience complete privacy and an unspoilt tropical landscape. Agreeing to tours to the Similan Islands, the traveler knows for sure that a beautiful tan and the opportunity to dive into the picturesque depths of the sea await him. The sunset in this area creates a romantic atmosphere. Solitude is achieved by the absence of crowds of people. The vacationer can only enjoy the sounds of nature, the breath of a pleasant breeze and the beauty of the tropical zone. During the period from May to October, tourists are not allowed into the national park. In other months, the territory is available for inspection.

Beach holiday

Some of the landmass that make up the archipelago Similan in Thailand, are under state protection - their ecosystems are subject to protection. Some of the islands resemble rocky massifs with a bare coast without sand. You can soak up the sun and take a dip in pleasant water on the islands of Miang and Similan. The first is famous for the beaches of Hat Yai and Hat Lek, the other is Beacon Beach and Donald Duck Bay with the Sail Rock. All “four” are united by white sand near clear water and the general beauty of the area.

Entertainment in Similan

The main activity for vacationers is diving (). For his sake, foreigners flock to the archipelago in thousands. They give second place to traditional swimming and air baths. For ecotourism enthusiasts, Thailand has limited the possibilities of this hobby, since the protection of ecosystems on the islands is considered a sacred cause. Vacationers can go snorkeling without any problems.

There is no other entertainment on Mu Koh Similan, there is simply nothing to do. There are no roads that allow you to ride bikes (by the way, do you know how to do it correctly)? And the so-called hotels on the Similan Islands are tents standing just on the shore.

Climatic features

The weather in the area is determined by the tropical humid climate. Dry season on Similan reigns from November to early May. Rains at this time are considered rare. During the day, the thermometer stays at + 30°C, at night – around 25 degrees. Sea water warms up to + 27°C.

Accommodation

Vacationers can choose tents or bungalows as their place of residence. The second type of housing is equipped with air conditioning or a fan, electricity, rooms for hygiene and natural needs. Tents in Similan are available for 600 baht, but amenities await tourists on the street. A camera is available for storing valuables.

You can stay for accommodation on the islands near Miang or Similan. There are cheap cafes on their territory. It is recommended to book suitable accommodation (read more about that) in advance when purchasing a tour from an agency or through National Nature Reserve website.

Video tour of Similan

How to get to the Similan Islands?

To get to Similan, you have two options:

1. Travel agency services. To make the journey truly easy and enjoyable, it is better to trust the specialists. They will organize from the hotel to the pier and transfer between the islands, take care of meals and timely return to the hotel. If the trip is for informational purposes, then one day will be enough. But if you wish, you can stay longer, which we strongly advise you to do.
2. Independent voyage. An independent trip involves first getting to Thap Lamu Pier, and then taking a ferry (available through the 12 Go Asia website). Being in or on Phuket, a tourist must take a bus to Phang Nga, or from there get to the pier. For this purpose, you can use taxi services. When Similan Islands are open To explore the territory of the national park, ferries run daily. The trip lasts from 90 minutes to 4 hours depending on the speed of the boat.

When we talk about resorts in Thailand, the first thing that comes to our minds is associations with noisy Asian and, moreover, crowded cities. But this does not mean that there are no quiet and secluded exotic corners in the country. The list of such paradise territories is headed by the Similan archipelago, consisting of nine small islands.

In Thailand, they are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea and are located a short distance from the main resort of Phuket, which in a short time has been chosen by millions of tourists around the world. It is worth noting that the archipelago occupies tenth position in the list of the most beautiful places marked by UNESCO.

The islands are classified as a national park in Thailand and are under regular control by the authorities. The preservation of the environment on the territory of the Similan Islands is carefully monitored: construction is prohibited here. Thus, one can explain the absence of any structures, including even shops and sales counters.

If you come to Thailand in search of exotic places, pristine beaches and unique nature, then you definitely want to go to the Similan Islands. white sand and a feeling of freedom will not leave you throughout your vacation.

Let's take a closer look at the main attractions and natural wonders that can be found on the territory of the Similan Islands.

Islands in Thailand

A large number of tourists annually arrive on the territory of the Similan archipelago for a fairly short period of time, since the location of the islands allows you to travel in both directions, lie on the sandy beach, enjoy the beautiful nature and return back to the hotel. Although many holidaymakers wish to spend a longer weekend on the Similan Islands in Thailand, it is for such visitors that small tent cities and cozy forest bungalows are provided here. Entrance to the archipelago is closed to visitors during the rainy season - from May to September.

Koh Similan

As we have already said, the archipelago consists of nine islands, but only a few are open to the public.

Koh Similan is the largest island among all the others and is number eight in the archipelago. This area is famous for its crystal clear water, underwater scenery and tropical vegetation. First of all, beginner divers and snorkelers go here. The granite rock is especially popular among tourists, from the top of which there is a stunning view of the entire area. Photos of the Similan Islands can be found below.

Koh Miang

Koh Miang has gained great popularity among lovers of passive beach holidays. Firstly, because Haad Lek is located in the eastern part of the island - one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Thailand. The second reason is the specialized area for a tent camp and bungalows in the north of the island. You can also get from the town to Haad Lek along a special path dedicated for this, which passes through the picturesque jungle. It won't take you long to walk from one place to another, and not far from this amazing beach you will find a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling.

Ko Hu Yong

This island is number one in the archipelago. Unfortunately, it is not intended for overnight stays, but you can have fun here during the day. This is where tourists come to wander along the long sandy beaches and watch turtles.

Cu Ba Ngu

It has a second, more common name among visitors - Skull Island. When you swim closer to it, it really resembles a large skull from the outside. There is the purest sea water and coral reefs, so the surroundings of Cu Ba Ngu are loved by both beginners and professional divers.

Climate

The tropical monsoon climate zone covers the entire southern part of Thailand. Summer and good weather reign here throughout the whole year. The exception is the rainy season, but the air temperature does not drop much. During the tourist season, the thermometer reaches 35 degrees.

The mild, warm climate of the Similan Islands is perfect for a resort beach holiday. Rich tropical vegetation and a magnificent azure sea await travelers from different countries.

As we have already said, the rainy season falls during the summer months. When all European countries are sweltering from the heat, it rains heavily in Thailand. Therefore, you should approach the organization of your trip to this wonderful country responsibly.

How to get there?

You can get to the Similan Islands on your own using one of the flights from Russia to Phuket. Upon arrival at your local airport, you will be faced with a new question: taxi or public transport? Of course, the first option will cost several times more, but will help significantly save time. If you are in no hurry, you can wait for the bus that follows the route to Bus Terminal 1 in Phuket Town.

Next, all tourists transfer to another transport to Khao Laki, where the Tap Lamu pier is located. This is the most budget-friendly way to get to the territory of the Similan archipelago. Although some visitors book direct tours from Phuket, this is a matter of taste and financial security.

Only speed boats operate from Thap Lamu Pier, as the distance between the islands and it is about 60 km. This information may not seem so important at first glance, but often some travelers simply forget to take comfortable seats on the boat, and then they have to huddle all the way among the standing crowd of tourists.

Undersea world

The Similan Islands are very popular among lovers of the underwater world. This is a complete paradise for professional divers and simply those who like to dive with a mask and fins in search of marine life.

In most cases, all trips to the Similan Islands for divers are divided into two categories:

• Individual trips with an instructor. A tourist can create his own individual route, having previously agreed on it with the instructor.
• Diving cruises. You and your team travel along popular “off-the-beaten paths” for several days. On the ship you are provided with a berth, full instructions and training.

The most favorable place for organizing such trips is Phuket. Here you will be provided with a wide selection of different professional-level operators, and it is also possible to get a discount. It is worth noting that multi-day cruises or cave diving are only available to experienced divers, confirmed by having the appropriate certificate.

Visa to Thailand

We are all accustomed to the strict visa policies of many European countries. Often, ordinary vacation planning turns into a terrible nightmare due to all the paperwork at visa centers. After which we all still have to remain in a tense state for some time, waiting for the consul’s response to the application we submitted. Fortunately, our situation with Thailand is a little different.

Any citizen of the Russian Federation just needs to smile at passport control upon arrival in the country, and he will instantly receive the desired stamp in his passport. It is from this moment that the most interesting adventures in his life begin!

If you want to stay in the country for a longer period (over 60 days), then you need to apply for a visa at the Thai Embassy in Moscow. Visas are divided into single and double entry. In the second case, it is necessary to leave the territory of the state after three months of stay. Alternatively, you can leave Thailand for the neighboring country of Laos for one day, and then return back before the expiration of the issued visa.

How much will the vacation cost?

The money issue quite often worries novice travelers who have never been to Thailand before. How expensive will a tour to the Similan Islands cost? Honestly, by asking such a question, you are already exposing yourself to waste of money. No tour to the archipelago needs to be booked in advance from Russia. There are many local travel companies in Thailand that are ready to offer excellent organization for quite little money.

One day on the islands with a return to Phuket will cost about 4,000 baht, which is about 7,000 rubles. Two days with one overnight stay on the archipelago will cost about 6,000 baht, about 10,500 rubles.

All the necessary information on how you can get to the Similian Islands on your own has been described in the previous paragraphs. Our dear readers can only follow the instructions already prepared in advance.

Excursions to the Similan Islands

One of the most reliable tour operators in Thailand is the SeaStar company, about which you can find countless reviews on the Internet. The operator is famous for its organization, comfort and excellent cuisine, which is included in the price of the tour.

You can book an excursion to the Similan Islands from Phuket, Krabi or Khao Laki at any time for a period of one to three days. Khao Laki is considered to be the closest in terms of distance from the archipelago, but from Ao Nang you will have to travel about three hours one way.

What is included in the price of the excursion?

Almost all tour operators offer tourists on the streets of Thailand the following list of services included in the price of the excursion:

1. Transfer from the hotel by bus to the pier, from where boats depart to the Similan Islands.
2. Guide accompaniment.
3. Tour to the islands of “Koh Miang” and “Koh Similan” and a stop at the sea for snorkeling, with the provision of the necessary equipment.
4. Three meals a day.
5. Insurance.
6. Accommodation in a tent.

How much will it cost to rent a home on your own in the archipelago?

This question is asked by many tourists planning to save money on the services of travel companies, and rightly so, since independent travel often turns out to be more exciting and unpredictable. Some people find romantic notes in this, while others don’t like noisy tourist groups breathing intently in their backs.

So, as we already mentioned, the closest way to get to the Similian Islands is from Khao Laki Pier. Directly on site, if you plan to stay overnight, you need to rent a tent or bungalow. The following prices apply throughout the archipelago:

• Tent rental - 900 rubles per day.
• Bungalow with fan - 1,700 rubles per day.
• Bungalow with air conditioning - 3500 rubles per day.

When booking yourself on the national park website from Monday to Thursday, there is a 30% discount.

Conclusion

The Similian Islands are a paradise on earth, suitable not only for excursion trips, but also for independent travel. They are recognized as one of the most beautiful and mysterious places throughout Thailand. Picturesque nature, a rich underwater world, romantic sunsets and snow-white beaches will sink deep into your soul and will attract you here again and again. Both adults and children will enjoy it here.

An archipelago holiday can also be suitable for a honeymoon for many reasons. These are wonderful portrait shots against an exotic background, romantic bungalows immersed in the jungle, and the absence of paperwork for a visa. And most importantly - affordable prices for any type of vacation. Russian tourists have long since chosen this place and try to give their preference to this country, while Turkey and Egypt, already familiar to everyone, are gradually fading into the background. In addition, numerous positive reviews about the Similan Islands are at least a reason to visit. Have a nice holiday and new discoveries!

Arriving in Khao Lak, I completely spontaneously decided to go to the Similan Islands, because it is from Khao Lak that boats usually depart there. It would be stupid to be close to the pier and not sail to the Similan Islands. If not now, then when, right? I have already advised other travelers on sea excursions around the islands, including the Similan Islands, so many times, but I have never gone there myself. Therefore, there was an urgent need to correct this omission.

I don’t know what I expected from the excursion, but now, sitting in cool and gray Moscow, I remember those places as a piece of paradise, as a place with an indescribable riot of colors. Yes, I didn’t like the crowds of people who “spoil” all the views (and I’m part of this crowd, of course), but in fact, beauty has not gone away. The national park of islands looks exactly as beautiful as it did 100,500 years ago: azure water, white sand, huge smooth stones.

So for those who are not bothered by a large number of people, I highly recommend going to Similan. If you, like me, like to enjoy nature alone, then you will need to go overnight. All excursion groups arrive around 9-10 am and sail back at 3-4 pm. Thus, you will have the opportunity early in the morning and at sunset to be, albeit not alone (usually 20-30 people come for an overnight stay), but in a very small company.

The road there

I have written all the information details below, and now I will tell you how the excursion itself went. First, all minibuses bring tourists from hotels to the pier. We sat there for about an hour, during which time we had breakfast and received instructions. During breakfast, a guide passed by and handed out pills for motion sickness; later I understood why. The speedboat bounces on the waves so that sometimes it feels like your spine will fall into your pants. Sitting on the bow is, of course, more interesting, but it shakes quite a lot, so to minimize shaking it is better to sit closer to the end of the boat, which is exactly how I rode back. And I didn’t want to shake, and I was very burned because I forgot my sun cream.

Island 4

We first sailed to island 4. It is stunningly beautiful! And the color of the water... You have to see it. I can’t even believe that this happens. But there were as many people as I was delighted with the views. It is assumed that you will want to swim on this island, but you don’t have much time. Since it was more interesting for me to walk, I first walked through the forest, where there are tents, bungalows and other buildings of the national park, and then climbed the stone embankment on the edge of the beach. By the way, it is on this island that people most often stay overnight, since it is better suited for this and there is more space. There is a walking trail to another beach, where excursions also sometimes come, but I didn’t have time to go.

Here you can sit and watch, watch...

Snorkeling

Afterwards there was the first snorkeling. Usually they sail somewhere to a specific place near one of the islands not far from the coast, like that’s a suitable place for snorkeling. Since I don't have a waterproof case for my camera or phone, I didn't shoot underwater. I won’t say that there is a lot to see there. After the Red Sea, Egypt is a bit sparse. But fish, all kinds of sea cucumbers, corals, tridacniforms, and rock crevices are present.

Snorkeling second

Next we sailed to Island 8, the most famous of the entire group of Similan Islands, to drop off food and leave a few crew members to cook lunch. Then we went on another snorkeling trip and returned to the island for lunch. The second snorkeling was the same as the previous one. Another bottom, more interesting in terms of relief, but the same in terms of the richness of fauna.

Island 8

Many people have seen photographs from this island on the Internet: a huge boulder fell from the sky onto an observation deck overlooking the beach. When visiting the viewpoint of the island, you feel all the delights of the tourism industry - queues! The fact is that the road to the stone is in some places passable only for one stream, so the oncoming stream has to wait. Because of this, along a path that takes 5 minutes to walk, you walk for 15-20. And, to be honest, the stone itself was not impressive. It would be cool to sit near it in splendid solitude at sunset, but it’s just an attraction that’s essentially made up of nothing, and you can’t crowd around it. There are too many people on a small platform, and someone will accidentally push you and you will fly down. By the way, shoes are still left on the pier on the mainland, so during the entire tour you can only wear bare feet. So, the stone observation deck is so hot that, it seems to me, you can get a burn.

The path up is interesting, but...

But the island is simply overcrowded with tourist groups, which is why there are queues

Lunch was surprisingly varied and quite tasty. And in general, it seemed to me that they paid a lot of attention to food on this excursion; they fed us 3 times. It’s not bad, I don’t argue, but I’d rather watch something else, because I can eat later.

Visiting information

First of all, you need to know that you don’t need to go to Khao Lak just for Similan! It will be easier and cheaper to buy an excursion directly in Phuket. It may be strange, but excursions in Khao Lak itself cost the same as in Phuket. This is the logistics. You will be brought from Phuket by minibus, the journey takes about 2 hours.

They constantly ask me to recommend a trusted local agency, which I have used myself. I advise: . It’s convenient that you can write to them via messenger and place an order directly on the website.

A mask with a snorkel and fins are provided free of charge (for professional snorkelers it would be better to bring your own mask). You can also rent a waterproof soap dish (1200 baht), swimming goggles (280 baht), and a personal snorkel mouthpiece (100 baht). The price list will depend on the company you go through.

Picked up from the hotel at 7:30. We left the pier at 9:30. At 15 hours ago. On the first beach we were given 45 minutes to swim, 30 minutes for each of two snorkeling trips, and 1 hour 40 minutes for lunch on the last island. That is, everything is quite fast and at a gallop, but most people are satisfied with such a program.

It’s better not to sit on the bow of a speedboat; it jumps very strongly, even if the waves are small. The speed is high, it swims 65 km in 1 hour 10 minutes. It makes sense to sit in the middle-end of a speed bot and take a motion sickness pill, even if you don't usually get motion sickness.

There are 9 islands, but only 4 are shown, since 1-2-3 are only for turtles, 5-6 islands are either underwater or something else is wrong with them. Shown: beach on island 4, snorkeling near island 7, beach on island 8 and snorkeling again near island 9. Due to weather conditions, the snorkeling location may change.

In total they fed 3 times. First, breakfast on the pier on land before sailing: coffee, tea, muesli, sweet rice, toast. Lunch on the island, almost a buffet: tom yam, rice, pasta, fried chicken and fish, spicy tomato sauce, pineapple and watermelon. Snack on the pier after the tour: coffee, tea, water, papaya salad, mango rice, ice cream, etc. During the boat ride, water and soda were constantly handed out.

The national park is only open for six months from October 15th to April 15th, but some say they are open until May 15th.

On the map

Below you can estimate where the Similan Islands are on the map. Distance approximately 65 km from the mainland, opposite the resort of Khao Lak. Here are the coordinates of one of the popular piers: 8.568336, 98.224186. Usually tourists are taken from Phuket to Khao Lak by minibus and then transferred to boats, but I read that there are boat excursions directly from Phuket (3 hours sailing).

P.S. It may seem that I didn’t really enjoy the trip, but that’s not the case, I have no regrets. What can you do if there are so many people who want to see a piece of paradise :) Except maybe visit lesser-known islands, such as Tachai Island. Although, I think, many people already know him too.