Similan

The Similan Islands National Park is known for long white coral sand beaches, crystal blue waters, consists of of 9 small islands located only 50 Kilometers from Khao Lak, west coast of Phang-Nga in the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands may be visited for one day, overnight or on tours. There are no resorts or stores on the Similans, only a couple of ranger stations and a few bungalows available for rent.

The Similan Islands are famous for hosting some of the most beautiful beaches, snorkeling and dive sites in Thailand and are one of the better areas for diving in the entire world.

Getting to the Similan Islands

- By Bus There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang Nga (approximately 788 kilometres)

Standard bus fee is 357 Baht, air-conditioned bus fee is 459 Baht, and VIP air-conditioned bus fee is 685 Baht.Then another 65 kilometres from Phang Nga to Thap Lamu District, it cost 35 Baht. for Motorbike can then be taken to continue on to Thap Lamu Pier (another 5 kilometres) at 30 Baht.

- By Airplane Flights from Bangkok to Phuket Airport, operate daily. From Phuket, take a bus to Thap Lamu Pier, Phang Nga province.

Thap Lamu Port to Mu Ko Similan National Park, you can take a private tour boat which controlled by the national park and serves tourists everyday.

The cost for round trip is 1,500 - 2,700 baht per person. This tour boat departs from Thap Lamu Port at 08.00 am. in everyday. The return boat from Mu Ko Similan National Park to Thap Lamu Port departs at 14.00 pm. in everyday. However, this service would be closed at May 16 every year because entering of raining season.

Fee

Thai adult 100 Baht / Foreigner adult 400 Baht

Accommodate

Bungalow 1000 - 2000 Baht / night
Tent for 2 person - 450 Baht / night

Islands Info

The 9 Similan Islands are named from South to North:

The Southernmost island - Ko Huyong is also known as Similan Island #1

Ko Payang also known as Similan Island #2

Ko Payan also known as Similan Island #3

Ko Miang also known as Similan Island #4

Ko Ha also known as Similan Island #5

Ko Payu also known as Similan Island #6

Ko Hin Pousar also known as Similan Island #7

Ko Similan also known as Similan Island #8

Ko Bangu also known as Similan Island #9 is the Northernmost of the islands.

Kok Tachai (Tachai Island) is located at the northern most tip of the park. There is a beautiful white powdered beach on the island. There are several sites suitable for SCUBA diving. In addition there are several reefs suitable for snorkeling. Whale sharks and Manta rays are often found here during their seasons.

The National Park Authority maintains a residential center for Park Rangers and support staff on two of the islands: Ko Similan (Island #8) which is the largest Island and Ko Miang (Island #4), which lies mid-way through the chain. These are the only residents allowed on the islands, excepting the overnight guests.

Recently, the islands have come to the special attention of the Thai Royal Family which further assures protection of this national treasure. The Princess has had a "cabin" built on Island #4 and visits almost every year.

● Contact & Source: Mu Ko Similan National Park 93 Mu 5, Ban Thap lamu, Phetkasem Road, Tambon Lamkaen, Amphur Thai Muang Phang Nga Thailand 82120 Tel 076421365, 076595043, 025620760 website: www.dnp.go.th

Surin Islands

The Surin Islands National Park is made up of five islands, about 70kms northwest from Kuraburi in Phang Nga province (ท่าเรือคุระบุรี จ.พังงา) on the mainland. Two main islands are Koh Surin Tai and Koh Surin Nua.

Getting to the Surin Islands

- By Bus Starts in BKK from the New Southern Bus Terminal at 7.00 pm which would arrive at Khuraburi about 5.00 am. From the Bus Terminal, in Amphoe Khuruburi about 10 kilometer, you can take a motorcycle or rental car to the Khuraburi Port area, the location of Mu Ko Surin National Park Office. Motorcycle fare is about 50 Baht/person while a rental car cost you about 200 Baht/person.

contact 02-4355016 ,02-4357428 ,02-4355019 ,02-4355034. Bus stop at Kuraburi 076-491218
Bus 32 seats 650 Baht. Bus 38 seats 550 Baht. All buses will arrive Kuraburi around 18.15- 19.00.

- By Car From Amphoe Khuraburi intersection about two kilometers, you would see the entrance sign board of Mu Ko Surin National Park on the right-hand side, then make a turn to the tourist service center which located in the area of national park office.

- By Airplane Flys to Ranong Airport or Phuket Airport, then take a car to Amphoe Khuraburi of Phang Nga province.
Ranong Airport - Amphoe Khuraburi 100 kms. - 1,000 – 1,500 Baht / car
Phuket Airport - Amphoe Khuraburi 100 kms. - 1,500 – 1,800 Baht / car

Some tour companies shall provide pick-up service inside Amphoe Khuraburi or from Kao Lak or even Phuket area. Try Green View Tour 076472070.

At Khuraburi peer, there are boat services to Mu Ko Surin:
Speed Boat
-> Kuraburi Port - Mu Ko Surin 08.30 am. (1 hr) round trip 1,600 baht per person
-> Mu Ko Surin - Kuraburi Port 14.00 pm
Normal Boat
-> Kuraburi Port - Mu Ko Surin 09.00 am. (3 hrs) round trip 1,200 baht per person
-> Mu Ko Surin - Kuraburi Port 10.00 am / 13.00 pm

Fee

Thai adult 40 Baht / children 20 baht
Foreigner adult 200 Baht / children 100 Baht
Scuba 200 Baht/day, Snorkeling 80 Baht/day (2 - 3 spots)
Renting mask 100 Baht/day, fin 100 Baht/day, and vest 50 Baht/day.

Accommodate

Bungalow for 6 persons - 1,200 Baht / night
Bungalow for 2 person - 2,000 Baht / night
Tent for 2 person - 400 Baht / night
Own tent - 80 Baht / person / night

Food by set

Breakfast 80 Baht/person
Lunch 170 Baht/person
Dinner 200 Baht/person

Islands Info

- Ao Tao (Tao Bay)

Near coral line of Tao Bay located on the eastern part of South Surin Island is a living place of a lot of sea turtles. This beautiful coral is far from headquarters about 2 kilometers.
Activities - Snorkeling Diving

- Ao Pak Chak (Pak Chak Bay)
Pak Chak Bay located on the southern part of the South Surin Island has a perfect colorful coral line. It's far from headquarters about 5 kilometers.
Activities - Scuba Diving

- Ko Pachumba (Pachumba Island)
Pachumba Island or Mang Kon Island has Mang Kon Beach located on the eastern part of Island. It has not coral and sea fan. It's far from headquarters about 5 kilometers.
Activities - none

- Ao Mai Ngam (Mai Ngam Bay)
Mai Ngam Bay located on the western part of the North Surin Island far from headquarters about 2 kilometers. You can get there by walking through the trail of Mai Ngam Natural Studies or taking a long tailed boat. There is a fresh water and beach suitable for swimming and coral sightseeing.
Activities - Snorkeling Diving - Activities on Beach - Camping - Bird Watching - Nature trail study – Canoeing - Kayaking

- Ko Torinla (Torinla Island)
Torinla Island or Khai Island is located on the southern part of the South Surin Island. On the eastern part of this island has a long, perfect and very beautiful coral line which very suitable for snorkeling. This island is far from headquarters about 6 kilometers.
Activities - Snorkeling Diving - Scuba Diving

- Ao Chak (Chak Bay)
Chak Bay located on the northern part of North Surin Island has a perfect and beautiful coral line. It's far from headquarters about 10 kilometers.
Activities - Snorkeling Diving

- Ao Suthep (Suthep Bay)
Suthep Bay located on South Surin island is a good place for those who want to do night diving. When low tide, coral reef may expose to the air. It's not far from headquarters.
Activities - Activities on Beach - Snorkeling Diving

● Contact & Source: Mu Ko Surin National ParkKo Phra Thong Sub-district, Amphur Khuraburi Phangnga Thailand 82150 Tel. 076472145 – 6 Fax 0 7649 1583 E-mail surin_np@yahoo.co.th