Similan Island, Mu Koh Similan National Park

The largest island in the Similan archipelago has a large granite outcrop shaped like a horseshoe with a panoramic view of the Andaman and surrounding islands from its crest. Koh Similan is an excellent location for hiking and snorkeling. It encompasses a long curving bay with powdery sand beaches and wonderful underwater scenery.

Beneath the shallow, clear waters, coral reefs and colorful fish abound. Spiny lobsters in rock crevices, sea fans and plume worms can be found in a small bay on the west of the island.

Similan Archipelago National Park (Mu Koh Similan)

The park offers extraordinary underwater sightseeing at depths ranging from two to 30 m. It also boasts powdery sand beaches; huge, smooth granite rock formations, which plunge into the sea to form seamounts; rock reefs and dive-troughs.

Similan Archipelago National Park consists of a group of 9 petite islands and covers an area of about 130 square km. Situated 50 km off the west coast of Phangnga in the Andaman Sea, it was designated as a national park on September 1, 1982. Sometimes referred to as Koh Kao, or Nine Islands, the word "similan" is, in fact, a corruption of the Malay word "sembilan," meaning nine.

Ko Panyi, Ao Phangnga National Park

A small flat island of approximately one rai, Koh Panyi is the location of a Thai-Muslim fishing village of about 500 households. A picturesque village built on piles in the sea with wooden bridges connecting the houses. Most of the Muslim folk earn their living from fishing, and selling souvenirs and food to tourists. The unique culture of the villagers has persisted, cut off as it is from the mainland and most modern development.

Phanak Island features a spectacularly beautiful cave with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also contains small waterfalls.

Although the island is not the most outstanding of Phangnga Bay natural wonders, it is still worth a visit.

Koh Khai : consist of two island, Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai. The islands can be reached from Koh Sirey, Laem Hin Pier and Chalong Bay in Phuket by hiring a boat or contact tour operators. The island is known for the beautiful fishes rocks, corals, and secluded beaches.

Under the administration of Tambon Koh Phra Thong, Amphoe Khuraburi, Phangnga, Mu Koh Surin National Park is located in the Andaman Sea and covers an area of approximately 135 square km.

The five islets of Koh Surin Neua, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Kai and Koh Klang were declared a national park on July 9, 1981.

The Surin Archipelago is highly rated for its excellent diving and snorkeling.

The two large islands, Surin Neua (North) and Surin Tai (South), have ten bays in which coral gardens are found. They are located about 70 km northwest of Khuraburi and less than 5 km from Thailand's marine border with Myanmar. The channel between the two principal islands is about two meters at high tide. The shallow channel has one of the most remarkable examples of coral reef life to be found anywhere. To observe some of the best reefs doesn't require Scuba gear, just snorkel and mask.

The island lies just beyond Koh Nom Sao. The middle part of the island has been eroded by water, creating a large cave that boats can pass through.

The water-filled cave is decorated with magnificent stalactites from one side of the island to the other.

Miang Island, Mu Koh Similan National Park

Miang Island is the second largest island of the archipelago, and is actually two connected islands. The park office and guesthouses of the Similan Marine National Park are located on the island. Koh Miang is eminent for its beautiful beaches and colorful coral gardens.

Scuba gear is not necessary as Koh Miang is perfect for snorkeling and the best location is at the channel between Koh Miang and Koh Payu.

The seventh island in the Mu Koh Similan chain is a rocky island shaped like a skull. It is famous for its incredible underwater scenery with colorful fish, and coral.

In association with the youngest princess of the present monarch and the Thai navy, an extra effort at environmental protection is made here, and a sea turtle preserve has been established. Visitors to Koh Ba Ngu can witness turtles laying their eggs on the white sandy beach.

Koh Hu Yong is notable for having the longest white sand beach in the Similan Archipelago. Sea turtles come up to lay their eggs on the beach from November to February.

When to go: As with elsewhere in the Andaman Sea, visits are recommended from December to May as the weather is good and the sea is clearest.

How to get there: Take a boat from the pier in Tambon Thap Lamu, Amphoe Takuapa or from the pier in Amphoe Khuraburi. The trip takes about three hours.

Koh Yao encompasses an area of 137.6 sq. km, consisting of two islands, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, and numerous islets. Largely unaffected by modern development in nearby Phuket, Koh Yao retains its traditional Muslim culture. A journey to Koh Yao Yai is like traveling in a time machine back to the past.

Accommodation: There are a few bungalow operations providing basic, but very charming, accommodation. Rental vehicles are not available on the island, but it is possible to bring along your mountain bike if you want to explore the island's numerous dirt trails.