The Similan Islands, located about 50 Kilometers west of Khao Lak, Thailand. Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine. the most striking feature of these islands, at first glance, are the huge boulders that litter the western and southern shores on several of the islands. Another highlight, as the visitor soon discovers, are the white coral-sand beaches, splendidly picturesque and often deserted.