ABOUT THE SIMILAN ISLANDS
About the Similan Islands in Thailand
Today there are eleven Islands that are part of the Similan Archipelago. These eleven Islands are all part of Thailand’s southern Phang Nga province and are located in the Andaman Sea, at around 70 kilometers from the mainland of Thailand and Phang Nga town. The exact coordinates are 8°39′09″N 97°38′27″E which indicates that they are located close to the equator and enjoy a stable two season climate. In Thai the Similan Islands are called: หมู่เกาะสิมิลัน, Thai pronunciation: mù kɔ̀ si.mi.lan and in Malay: Pulau Sembilan سمبيلن ڤولاو. It means the Nine Islands but as of 2014 there are eleven islands that are part of the Similan Islands Archipelago.
THE SIMILANS ARCHIPELAGO
When you travel to the Similan Archipelago you’re entering a National Park that is protected by Thai law. This park has its restrictions for visitors on staying and accessing the different islands to protect the environment. For more information on which islands you can and can’t visit please navigate to our island pages. You can jump to them via the links below;
Koh Huyong – Island 1, largest and widest beach and the closed to Phuket
Koh Payang – (Another rocky island with no beaches but awesome cliff formations, also referred to as Island 2
Koh Payan – Rocky island with no beaches but great diving spots, also called Island 3
Koh Miang – Miang Island or Island 4, large white powdered beaches and beautiful forests
Koh Ha – small island with the Garden of Eels, also known as Island 5
Koh Payu – Island 6, stunning snorkeling spots full of hard and soft coral species
Koh Hin Pousar – Known as Island 7 and famous for the Elephant head shaped rock
Koh Similan – Island number 8, largest island with stunning views and hikes through jungle and over mountains (244m high)
Koh Bangu – Christmas point scuba diving spot, also known as Island 9
Koh Bon – Also known as Talu Island or island 10 is famous for its rocky pinnacles diving spot and whale sharks
Koh Tachai – Island 11, famous for pinnacles diving spot and whale shark spotting