A group of  9 small islands 50 kms.  off the west coast of Phang-Nga in the Andaman Sea.  The National Park covers an area of 80,000 rai.  Skin Diving Magazine rated them among the ten loveliest places on Earth, because of the great natural beauty found on the islands themselves and also because of the extensive surrounding coral gardens beneath the waves.  The islands are undeveloped and unspoiled; numerous species of fish, crustaceans, and other forms of sea-life abound; water clarity and diving are excellent.  Similan is corrupted from the Malay Sembilan and means nine.  From north to south in order the islands are: Koh Bon, Koh Ba Ngu, Koh Similan, Koh Pahyoo, Koh Miang (two islands), Koh Pahyan, Koh Payahng andKoh Hu Yong.

Travel to the Similans is easy from either Phang-Nga or Phuket.  Chartered boats leave from Lap Lamu Pier in Tai Meuang District of Phang-Nga and take about 3 hours to reach the islands.  Here is also the office of National Park located.  Alternatively, trips to the Similans can be arranged in Phuket.  A boat trip from Patong Beach takes 4 hours.  Divers, however, go to the islands on boats that leave from Patong Beach and also take 4 hours by diving companies.  Moreover, visitors can leave from Chalong Bay on scuba diving excursions.  These leave in the evenings and take about 7 hours.  A typical dive trip lasts 4 nights and 3 days, and includes 10 dives.  Prices range from 9,000 to 25,000 baht, depending on the level of luxury, and include food, and accommodations.  The Similans are regarded as mainly "deep water" diving.

The best time to visit the Similan islands is from December through April, March being the best month, when the winds are lowest and the water clearest.

Also see : Phuket Hotel