Similan map. The magnificent Similan Islands - the pearl of Thailand

Similans are one of the most beautiful islands Thailand. A national park consisting of huge boulders, among which are hidden coves and beaches with white sand, a crystal clear sea with a variety of marine life attracts tourists from all over the world. Today I will tell you a little about the amazing and options for excursions.

Similan Islands from Phuket

Located on the border of the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean in the province of Phang Nga, the Similan Islands are in the top ten best places for diving not only in Thailand, but also in the world. The national park was formed in 1982 and today it consists of nine islands. For simplicity, they are named by numbers, but, of course, each has its own name: Hu Yong (No. 1), Pa Yang (No. 2), Miang (No. 3), Haa (No. 5), Hock (No. 6), Pa Yu (no. 7), Similan (no. 8) and Ba Ngu (no. 9). The word "similan" itself means "nine", but a little over ten years ago national park included the Bon and Tachai islands. They are at a decent distance from the other nine, and diving there is considered the best in Thailand. The Similan Islands are of volcanic origin, and the landscape with huge boulders does not look like stalactites and islands.

You can go to Similan from Phuket only 6 months a year. The fact is that due to monsoon winds national park closed from May 1st to October 31st for the safety of visitors. At times, excursions to the archipelago begin a couple of weeks earlier, already in mid-October. The way to the Similan Islands from Phuket is not a short one - about an hour and a half by bus to Taplamu pier, then 1 hour and 20 minutes by speedboat to island number 9. If you're lucky, you may see dolphins playing with the boat along the way.

All but two of the Similan Islands are uninhabited. Only on islands # 4 and # 8 are bungalows and tent camping... If you want to feel like Robinson Crusoe and visit a virgin place, you should come here with an overnight stay. Of course, you shouldn't think that there is a luxurious five-star resort on the islands. Everything is simple. There are two- and four-seater tents, they are closed with a small padlock, so there are lockers at the reception for everyone.

Bungalows are available with fan and air conditioning and are located on island # 4 only. The bungalow has electricity, which is switched on from 18.00 to 6.00 from the generator, and one socket, so if you have a lot of equipment, charge everything in advance. Also useful is a spray that you can buy in the store here. The bungalows have a toilet and a shower, living in tents can use a shared separate shower with fresh water. Immediately I want to warn the sissies and lovers of comfort - not to go, because the conditions are spartan insular. All compensates amazing nature a meter away from you. There are also restaurants on islands # 4 and # 8. If you have bought an excursion for two or more days, meals are served in a restaurant on island No. 4 at a certain time, which you will be told about in addition. The restaurant sells drinks, including beer, for those who like something stronger, I recommend stocking up on food from the mainland. If you are used to hamstering something during the day, you can buy chips at the restaurant, take the rest with you.

What to do in the Similan Islands? - you ask. Believe me, there is something to see there. The one-day excursion includes visiting four of the nine islands: # 9, # 8, # 5 and # 4 - snorkeling, relaxing on the white sand beach, a trip to Mount Parus and to the observation deck on island # 4.

Similan Islands Photos

Climbing the Sail, you will notice many twigs and sticks standing under the boulders. It is believed that in this way you support the stone, and in a difficult situation, you will definitely have support. It is worth noting that the view from there is wonderful. Do not forget to bring your trekking shoes, as it is sometimes hot to step on the hot rocks. In some places you will climb stairs, sometimes pull yourself up on ropes and, finally, see a view of the sea and islands from a height of 244 meters.

Special physical training is not required, but it can be hard for those who practice vegetable rest on the beach from habit. Although my mom was on both observation decks. On island 4, apart from the main beach, there is a small secluded cove and a sunset meeting place. After 4 pm, tourists who have come with a one-day excursion leave, only those who stayed overnight stay on island number 4.

Excursion Similana

In the evening, you will be shown a hairy earthen crab, which, being attentive and looking around, you can see during the day. Huge balls-shells sometimes quietly rest next to the path, and a living rake sticks out from the inside. Flying foxes live on the islands, which can be seen right in the trees during the day, perhaps at night they will discuss the past day, so I advise you to stock up on bears if you sleep lightly. On the small beach of Island No. 4, you can observe the Nicobar pigeons, which live only here. On the way to the observation deck, you can meet a monitor lizard or a gray-cheeked flying squirrel. There are especially impressionable tourists who see rats, and then swear in all forums why they are not being poisoned. Gentlemen, this wildlife! There are 4 types of wild rats in the Similan Islands, and no one plans to fight them, because they are part of the ecosystem of these islands, unlike humans.

The underwater world is simply beyond competition: all kinds of fish, hard corals, anemones, sometimes you can even see sharks and turtles. Huge gardens are spread out under the water. There are multi-colored beds of corals, and beads of algae, and wiggling fingers of anemones. Scurrying groupers, fussy lionfish, curious parrotfish and arrogant Napoleon fish. And if you're lucky, you'll see a reef or leopard shark or a large turtle. All this can be seen with the naked eye when snorkeling. I'm not even talking about the beauty of certified divers who come to dive safaris to these places.

The islands are stretched out in a line and have their own names and digital designations (island number 1, 2, etc.)

№ 1 ... Hu'yong (Koh Hu Yong);
№ 2 ... Payang (Koh Payang);
№ 3 ... Payan (Koh Payan);
№ 4 ... Miang (Koh Miang);
№ 5 ... Ha (Koh Haa);
№ 6 ... Payu (Koh Payu);
№ 7 ... Hin-Pusar (Koh Hin Pusar);
№ 8 ... Similan (Koh Similan);
№ 9 ... Bangu (Koh Ba Ngu).

Despite the fact that "Similan" is translated from the Java language as "nine" For some reason, the Thais for some reason in 1998 annexed 2 more islands to the group of islands: Tachai and Bon. I have not seen these islands, therefore, when I mention Similans, I mean the place where only 9 islands are located.

The Similan Islands are among the top ten diving sites and are also recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful places on the planet. So you have to swim there 100% .

How to get there?

Similans are open to tourists only from October-November to May. The rest of the time cannot be reached due to weather conditions (message closed).

The closest and cheapest way to get to the islands is from Khao Lak. You can also rent a house there.

I don't know how this year, but in the past it was possible to get to the islands from Phuket only by buying a tour or excursion in a local tour. agencies. Basically, they offered 1-2-3 day excursions. The price for a one-day trip was about 2200-2400 rubles. The program is something like this:

6: 00-7: 30 transfer from the hotel
8:30 arrive at Thap Lamu port in Khao Lak
10:00 arrival to the island # 9, snorkeling (swimming with a mask)
11:30 arrival to island # 8, lunch, sightseeing
13:00 arrival to island number 4, beach vacation
14:00 arrival to the island number 7, snorkeling
15:00 departure to the port
16:00 arrival at the port, transfer to the hotel
18: 00-19: 00 arrival at the hotel

I am not a fan of tours and excursions. I don't like the hustle and bustle - quick photography and sightseeing, and if there is a choice, I prefer to travel freely - without guides and time frames. And this time there was such a choice.

Of the 9 islands, you can go ashore only on two - island 8 and island 4. Moreover, on each of these islands there are hotels with several houses and a tent city.

I wanted to stay for a few days on one of the islands. Agreed on the tour. agency that they would just take me to the island, and in two or three days they would pick me up. Everything else is my problem.

Such a round trip cost 1800 rubles. As the Thai said, the price includes only the transfer. But when I got on the boat, I got everything the same as the people who bought the excursion: a Russian-speaking guide, fins, a mask with a snorkel, food and drink.

During the snorkeling at island # 9, there were many colorful fish and a large sea turtle:

Island # 8 (Koh Similan)

When we arrived at the eighth island, I agreed with the guide to be left here, and after 2 days they took me away, then I went to the reception to find out about housing.

(* spoke English, I am writing a translation)

- Hello, I would like to rent an apartment.
- Good day. Do you have a reservation?
- Not.
- We have no vacant houses.
- And the tents?
- There are no tents either.
- OU…
- Although wait 5 minutes, we'll check now.

Five minutes later I was offered a house for 1000 rubles / day with a fan, a house for 2000 rubles / day with air conditioning and a tent for 600 rubles. Rented a house with a fan for 2 nights, dropped my backpack and went to lunch.

There was a buffet - several different dishes, fruits, water. Eat as much as you like.

Thais fussed about as best they could, but the hungry and angry Russian tourists still did not appreciate the service.
One woman swollen with fat, apparently embittered with the whole world, poured a huge dose of negativity on the secret:

Russian: "Where are the plates ?!"
Taika: "Sorry ...?"
Russian: “Ta-rel-ki. TAAAREEELKIIII! Don't you understand ?? No plates !!! HOW DO WE ARE? !! (raises the tone, already starts screaming).

The Thai is at a loss, realizes that they are shouting at her, but cannot understand what happened.

Finally, another Thai man ran up, apologized and brought the plates. The Russian with a very displeased face (upset) went to rake her food.

I just freaked out from this. Then I saw similar pictures several times. Russians here almost feel themselves as emperors, believing that since they have crushed money, then they have everything included here, 5 stars, yeah. They are impudent and rude. In general, once again it became insulting for our people and sad.

Anyway. I ate well and went sightseeing.

Clean air, dense green vegetation.

There is a viewpoint by the coast. At its top is the Sail rock. Here is a view of it at the time of the influx of tourists.

But - after the tourists have sailed away:

Above there are huge boulders, and under them there are many small sticks-supports.

But this is not to keep the stone. There is such a belief here that if you put a stick, then in this way you will provide support to the stone, and in the future this support will return to you in another manifestation, when necessary. Something like this.

And from the viewpoint itself, the following views open:

Here normal beach with white sand, good blue water.

But it's nice to swim just not at low tide. The next day, the water was gone, and it became quite shallow and a little incapable.

After reading about Similans on the Internet, my dream was to meet animals: the Nicobar pigeon, flying foxes and see how plankton glows in the water. But for 3 days on island 8 I did not see anything like that.

But there are a lot of hermit crabs.

There are quite large individuals.

Sometimes they are so large that they cannot find a shell and use a cap from an air freshener instead.

Met a monitor lizard, but he refused to pose for a photo and quickly ran away.

Lizards, geckos, squirrels - where without them in Thailand.

And here turtles hatched and they were collected in basins. Funny kids.

In general - I liked it on the island when there are no tourists - paradise: quiet, calm, but some may find it boring. The restaurant is open until 20.00. There are no discos, alcohol is prohibited on the island, although I saw how the Russian company calmly drank Hong Tong on a bench, and the Thais did not pay attention to it.

Island # 4 (Ko Miang)

After I spent 2 nights on island number 8, I got to Miang Island for only 1 hour and realized that it was much more interesting and beautiful here.

But you won't see all the beauty in an hour, so after a while I sailed to Similan again and stayed on this (fourth) island for 2 nights.

I sailed again "on my own". At the reception, the story is exactly the same.

“There are no houses or tents. Everything is busy. Although now we will check .. But no, there are a couple of houses and tents. What kind of house do you want: with or without condenser? "

In general, it is surprising why there is no housing, but it is located?) But I am glad that everything is so, and not otherwise. Rented just such a room (1000 rubles / day).

A small harmless spider lived in the toilet:

The house is in the shade of trees, so it is not hot inside. There is a terrace where you can sit. Here is the view from the terrace:

Around the houses - jungle, greenery, bamboos, etc.

Dreams Come True. Then I finally met Nicobar pigeon(Maned pigeon). These are the handsome men:

They are lazy to fly and walk a lot.

And on flying foxes I looked here. Hooray.

During the day they hang on the trees as if they were some kind of fruit, screaming and squeaking. They fly like crazy at night. It's a pity the camera has a small zoom, it was not possible to capture their muzzles up close. Stripped off this video, who is interested, take a look.

At night in the jungle wake up and crawl out of their holes Chicken Crab or as the Thais call them "Ku Kai".

I threw a 10 baht coin so that I could roughly understand the size of the crab.

Beach here is just a fairy tale - white and fine, if not like flour, then like halva, sand :) Blue, warm and gentle water. Bounty, only palms are missing.

Due to the difficulty of the ascent, there are practically no people here. For 40 minutes that I spent upstairs, besides me, only 2 Thais were there.

Voooot ... In the conclusion of this small report, I will say that the Similans beautiful place where you can take a break from the city, work and the Internet!

For those looking to sail, here are some tips from me:
1. Before purchasing a tour / transfer, go to different tours. agencies, one of them may offer you a lower price.

2. I advise you to stay overnight on island number 4. Because within one day excursion you will not have time to see anything. At night you can see plankton in the water (there is little of it and you can see it if you "move" the water). Swimming at night is dangerous; Thais say that predatory fish come at night and can bite. At night, you can take a blanket, lie on the beach on the sand and look at the stars - they can be clearly seen there.

3. It takes a long time to sail on the boat, so do not sit in the sun so as not to burn / get sunstroke.

4. If budget allows, it is better to rent a house / room rather than a tent. It is noisy in the tent, animals (from crabs to rats) crawl there, plus sand accumulates there. The tent is interesting / romance - all business, but not comfortable.

Initially, the group included nine islands of volcanic origin - Huyong, Payang, Payan, Miang, Ha, Payu, Hin Pusar, Similan and Banggu. According to legend, fishermen from Malaysia were the first to find them, hence the name - in Malaysian “simbilan” means “nine”.

But in 1998, two more islands were added to this archipelago - Tachai and Bon. However, the main nine is usually called in accordance with serial number islands. For example, the largest of them, Similan, is traditionally known as # 8, and the second most visited, Miang, is referred to as # 4. As a matter of fact, only on these two islands and also on Tachai there are beaches for swimming. For a long beautiful beach on Huyong, vacationers are not planted, because rare sea turtles lay eggs there. The other seven islands are just surrounded by rocky coastline and are always closed to tourists.

The entire archipelago has been declared a National Marine Reserve since 1982 and is under the protection of UNESCO and under the tutelage of the king himself.

You can get to Similan only from November to April. For a while, namely from May to October, excursions there are stopped. This is done so that the islands have time to "rest" and restore their flora and fauna after the daily visit of thousands of people. In addition, such long-distance speedboat trips on the sea, which is very hectic during the months mentioned, can be dangerous for tourists.

The specific dates for the opening and closing of the Similan Islands are different each year. So, in 2016 they will be unavailable from May 16 to October 31 inclusive.

Weather and beaches

The ideal time to arrive in Similan is early December - late March. It is during these months that it rains most rarely, and the sun shines dazzlingly brightly, making the already emerald water fantastically transparent.

Moreover, the weather on the Similan Islands is always slightly better than on nearby Phuket and. This is due to the fact that the islands are small enough, and the air currents rising above them are not so strong as to form clouds, unlike the same Phuket, which is often covered with haze.

The average air temperature here is + 28-30 degrees with a humidity of 80-85%. The water also warms up to 30 degrees.

As for the beaches, there are five of them: one on the island of Tachai and two each on the islands of Similan and Miang. But, since Tachai is located 50 km from the rest, in order to get there, most often you need to take a separate excursion.

On the island of Miang, aka # 4, there are the Honeymoon Beach (Hat Yai) and the Princess Beach (Hat Lek). By the way, the Thai princess really has a residence on Miang and comes to rest on Similan almost every year.

Island # 8 also boasts two delightful beaches called Donald Duck Beach and Beacon Beach.

How to get there

The easiest and safest way is to buy a tour. The bus will take tourists to Taplamu Marina in Phang Nga province, from where speedboats, also called speed boats, leave for Similan.

As a rule, between disembarking from the bus and boarding the boat, vacationers will have a quick breakfast included in the price and lunch on one of the islands.

The boat trip to Similan lasts about an hour and a half, while the ride between the islands themselves takes very little time.

Before going out to sea, tourists are offered free pills for motion sickness. To those who are prone to seasickness, do not neglect them - sometimes quite strong waves happen at sea. If possible, it is better to sit closer to the center of the speedboat. Near the bow of the boat, the pitching is felt more strongly, and sitting at the end of the boat you can get sunburned, and even get wet in bad weather.

In the evening, the speedboat again collects vacationers on its board and takes them back to the pier, where a minibus is already waiting for people, which will take everyone directly to the hotel.

You can get to the islands without an excursion group - for this you need to rent a boat with the captain, but this pleasure will be very expensive.

What to see

Undoubtedly, the main and most attractive attraction of the Similan Islands is the underwater world of extraordinary beauty, which was admired by the founder of diving, Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Lovers of the deep sea will get here truly unforgettable experience! Indeed, in crystal clear water you can find not only tropical fish of all colors and sizes, but also regal stingrays, graceful turtles, formidable barracudas, predatory moray eels and even leopard sharks. And that's not counting the myriad of crabs, shellfish and starfish surrounded by amazing coral gardens.

No wonder that the main entertainment here is diving and snorkeling. The conditions for these types of sailing on Similan are paradise.

However, the terrestrial world does not lag behind the underwater world - you can also see a lot of interesting things on the surface of the islands. First of all, these are funny flying foxes and unique birds, including the Nicobar and fruit pigeons, which in Thailand live only on the Similans, as well as monitor lizards, hermit crabs, geckos, and squirrels.

In addition, island number 8 is famous for its observation deck, on which the huge Parus rock rises - business card the whole archipelago. An interesting sign is associated with it: when climbing to the site, a tourist needs to take a twig or a stick with him and prop up the Sail, which has a very narrow base, with it. It is believed that if a person in such a symbolic way helped the rock to withstand and not fall into the sea, then in difficult times the rock will help him to survive the troubles of life.

An amazing panorama opens from there: sparkling in the rays of the sun azure water, white beach and lush greenery of the island.

There is also an observation deck on Miang Island, but it will be somewhat more difficult to climb there - the path lies up a steep mountain, and you need to walk about half an hour.

Overnight at Similan

When buying a sightseeing tour, you should know: if it involves a one-day visit to the islands, there will be little time for everything, since the road takes up a lot. Therefore, some tourists are advised to stay with an overnight stay in order to enjoy the morning and evening islands, free from hundreds of people, and slowly appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature.

However, Similans are uninhabited islands, so there are no luxury hotels with comfortable living conditions. Vacationers wishing to spend the night here are offered either a tent or a bungalow. Both are on the island number 4, and on the island number 8 only camping is provided.

The simplest and cheap option- double or four-person tent... It comes with a mattress, blanket and pillow. The entrance is closed with a zipper. Spending the night in such conditions, you need to be ready for complete unity with nature in the truest sense of the word: after sunset, a crab or a rat can climb into the tent, of which there are four species on the island.

Bungalow is a more civilized option, but also more expensive. There is furniture, electricity, a fan (and in some places air conditioning), shower and toilet, mosquito nets. There is no hot water, no cleaning is done either.

Cellular communication on the islands works, but there are no ATMs, so you have to go only with cash. You can have a snack in the small cafe. The sale of alcohol is prohibited. There is also a small shop with the necessary little things and a rental point for masks and pipes.

There is no special entertainment on Similan, besides, electricity is turned on only from 6 pm to 6 am, so you need to have time to charge all the gadgets during the night.

In the evenings, you can only walk around the island with a flashlight or, having met the sunset, lie on the soft sand and admire the scattering of stars in the velvet sky. And in the early morning there is an opportunity to swim in plenty, taking advantage of the fact that the sea and the beach have not yet dammed up dozens of boats and hundreds of tourists.

However, no matter how long your stay on Similans lasts, one day or more, these islands will surely be able to make an indelible impression on everyone, even the most sophisticated traveler!

▣ Phuket, Thailand Similan Islands.

Noisy and vibrant Thailand, many tourists find it too touristy and not worthy of special interest. Especially often, disdain is heard from people who value a quiet rest in the bosom of nature. But even for such fastidious persons, this fabulous country has in store an amazing corner - nine virgin islands of the Similan archipelago.

Magical photos and videos of visiting this part of Thailand will make even the most severe skeptics give up their business and immediately go to the Similan Islands.

general information

The group of islands, known by one common name - Similan, stretches out in a continuous strip at the junction of the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean. The total area is about 140 km². Similans are cliffs covered with rainforest, towering 244 meters above the sea.

The islands of the Similan archipelago have their own numbers and names:

1. Huyong Island (Koh Hu Yong);
2. Payang Island;
3. Payan Island (Koh Payan);
4. Miang Island (Koh Miang);
5. Island of Ha (Koh Haa);
6. Island of Payu (Koh Payu);
7. Hin Pusar Island (Koh Hin Pusar);
8. Similan Island (Koh Similan);
9. Bangu Island (Koh Ba Ngu).

In 1998, the Similan archipelago included two more islands located 20 km north of the main islands: the rocky island of Bon (Koh Bon), and (Koh Tachai), which is fully consistent with its nature of the main nine.

Similan Islands on the map

Extremely successful geographical position guaranteed not only a surprisingly mild and calm climate of the islands, but also the opportunity to get to this paradise without any problems.

How to get to the islands

You need to get from Bangkok, Phuket to Phang Nga or Khao Lak province, and from there to Thap Lamu pier.

▣ Getting there is easy enough.

You can get to Khao Lak by bus from Phuket from the old bus station in Phuket Town "Bus Terminal 1" - the cost is 80 baht per person.

Departure several times a day:

• Direct bus number 406 - 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:20, 15:10
• Passing bus no. 465 - only in the morning, 7:30 and 9:00

Tourist speed boats run from the pier daily to the islands, the cost of the ticket depends on the ability to bargain. Approximately 1,500 - 2,300 baht per person. Price sightseeing tour will be either the same, or quite a bit more expensive, but will already include lunch, transfer, entertainment in the form of snorkelling and other things. If you have plans to spend the night on the territory of the reserve, then you can come with one group, and leave with similan in 1-2 days with another group.

▣ It is compulsory to take off your shoes.

When choosing the time to visit the country with a mandatory visit to the Similan Island, you should pay attention to the fact that from May to October, visits to the archipelago are prohibited due to difficult weather conditions. Strong northwest winds create dangerous situations at sea and do not allow yachts to safely reach the coast of the islands.

The rest of the time, the Similan Islands are open to tourists from all over the world.

The most popular islands among tourists

Similan Island (Koh Similan)

Similan, listed at number 8, is the most large island and the most visited part of this archipelago. The infrastructure of Similan will suit both lovers of a relaxing beach holiday, and those wishing to walk in the virgin jungle, and fans of diving.

Particularly popular with tourists is a granite rock - Parus, from the top of which a stunning panorama opens up.

▣ Koh Similan Island.

Miang Island (Koh Miang)

Island number 4 - Ko Miang. This large and equipped with everything you need to comfortable rest the area is popular for its beaches - the white sand and blue water in the tourists' photos look like a fabulous picture, the reality of which can only be believed by stepping on such a beach.

▣ Clean beach.

In addition, not far from the coast, there is a picturesque coral reef used for snorkeling, which is fashionable today. There are two beaches here: Princess beach and Honeymoon bay. Princess Beach is named after one of the princesses who visits Similan once a year and lives in her residence on Island 4.

Island of Hu Yong (Koh Hu Yong)

Hu Yong Island is only visited during the day. Lovers of sea turtles come here to watch the laying of eggs and small, newly hatched turtles.

▣ Underworld Koh Hu Yong Island.

Bangu Island (Koh Ba Ngu)

Ba Ngu or Skull Island is a diving paradise. Tiger sharks, barracudas, butterfly fish and turtles can be found in the waters near Ba Ngu. Fabulous underwater photos and videos fascinate with their realism and colorfulness.

▣ View of the island of Bangu (Ko Bangu)

Hin Pusar Island (Koh Hin Pusar)

Khin Pusar is another island that only experienced divers dare to visit, since its relief is extremely difficult: only an experienced diver can successfully overcome tunnels, labyrinths and gorges.

▣ Hin Pousar Island (alternative name - Elephant Head Rock).

Only two islands are available to visitors: the fourth and the eighth; the rest can only be reached a short distance. Attendance is subject to a 2.000 baht fine.

Climate of the Similan Islands

The climate of this part of Thailand, like the rest of the country, can be defined as "eternal summer". The air temperature on the coldest days does not drop below 27 degrees, and at the height of the season it is fixed at around 33-35 degrees. Dry and mostly clear weather, which prevails on the islands from December to April, attracts tourists with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, take a couple of colorful photos on the beach or make a video about a visit to the Similan Islands.

The Similan Islands are a hot and humid place: at temperatures over 30 degrees, a humidity of 80% can be a real challenge for a resident of a city in the middle zone.

Travel agencies strongly recommend visiting the islands in a quiet time: for example, in April-May the region is covered with rains, and being on the shore without the opportunity to warm up and dry out after a tropical downpour is dangerous to health. That is why those planning to visit the Similan Islands during the border months need to take into account the weather forecasts.

Entertainment on Similan

Thai nightlife familiar from large tourist cities, is absent on Similans. There are no bars or restaurants, no dance clubs or neon signs, but at night the stars shine so brightly that they overshadow the light of any lamps. For lovers of pristine nature, no picturesque Phuket or technological Bangkok can replace the magical atmosphere of this part of the country.

▣ Diving.

The main activities on the islands are classic beach vacations and diving. The transparency of the water in this part of the sea is simply perfect: up to 50 meters deep, which is why famous masters of their craft often choose this region for colorful underwater photos and videos. Picturesque corals at the bottom, colorful inhabitants of the underwater world - all this is exciting and surprising for a person who is accustomed to urban dullness.

Thousands of divers choose the Similan Islands for long vacations in order to maximize the tranquility and unforgettable diving experience.

You should look for an agency for diving in Similan in Phuket: it is here that the most reliable and responsible companies are located, which have a sufficient reputation.

Most often, tourist divers travel in groups and stay within the waters of the islands for several days, spending the night on board. But for wealthier tourists, there is the possibility of planning an individual route with a personal instructor.

The cost of rest on Similan

A visit to Thailand, in general, and a visit to the Similan Islands in particular, cannot be called a completely cheap event, but the prices for vacations are quite reasonable and comparable to the pleasure received. This is especially true for a visit to Similan: this part of the country is worth highlighting one, or preferably two days, for a visit to a fairy tale.

You can buy a ticket at one of the travel agencies in Khao Lak or Phuket. The price of the excursion will whistle from the program.

Those wishing to save money should not book a tour to the islands in large cities... It is more profitable to get to Khao Lak and buy a suitable option there.

A one-day trip for one person will cost 2-3 thousand baht, the price includes swimming, snorkeling, lunch, rest on the islands of Ha, Hok, Miang and Ba Ngu. At the end, ascent to the Sailing observation deck on the Similian island.

But a two-day visit with a full overnight stay is much more profitable - only 6-6.5 thousand baht. The price includes: snorkeling near Payu Island, swimming, lunch, a trip to the National Marine park Similian, dinner, overnight on Miang Island. On the second day: breakfast, swimming, snorkeling in Honeymoon Bay. Lunch (buffet), excursion to the island of Ba Ngu, and at the end of the visit observation deck Sailing.

There are many options, but keep in mind that you should not always choose the cheapest one.

Lovers of comfortable rest and round-the-clock care of a guide will pay more than tourists traveling on their own. Some enterprising guests of the country purchase a one-day tour, but in the evening they are in no hurry to go back and stay on the islands for an independent overnight stay, and the next day they sail back.

▣ Bungalow in Similan.

It can hardly be said that full-fledged hotels operate on the archipelago, but you can relax at night with different levels of comfort. The Similan Islands offer several accommodation options for spending the night - for every taste and budget:

• For 600-800 baht you can rent a tent. The island has about 20 double tents... Shower and toilet are separate.

• From 1000 baht it costs a night in a protected bungalow with a fan, which is extremely important for a region with a hot climate. There is a shower and a toilet.

• A comfortable, air-conditioned room will cost over 2,000 baht per night. In the photo on the web, such a number does not look too luxurious, although it is quite suitable for an overnight stay. Electricity is from the generator and the lights are on from 6 pm to 6 am.

Remember that these numbers are only available in the larger parts of the archipelago - Miang and Similan Island. The rest do not differ in such comfort and are used only for a one-day vacation.

▣ There are about 20 double tents on the island.

With regard to the food for tourists on the islands, the situation is as follows: small cafes and quite presentable restaurants work hourly and invite you for breakfast at 7 am, for lunch at 12 noon and for dinner at 18. Food is not expensive, and you can have a great meal for 100-200 baht. ... At the same time, about one and a half to two hours are allocated for each meal, after which the institution closes until the next visit.

Since the organizers of the excursions are trying to acquaint you with the beauties of the archipelago as soon as possible, be prepared to be actively involved. The main thing is to treat everything easier and drive in a good mood, forgetting about all worries and negative thoughts. Have a nice rest!

Or Similans Is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea 70 km west of Phang Nga province in Thailand.

The Similan Islands archipelago stretches for about 20 kilometers, here is a list from south to north:

1. Huyong (Koh Hu Yong);
2. Payang (Koh Payang);
3. Payan (Koh Payan);
4. Miang (Koh Miang);
5. Ha (Koh Haa);
6. Payu (Koh Payu);
7. Hinpusa (Koh Hin Pusar);
8. Similan (Koh Similan);
9. Bangu (Koh Ba Ngu);
10. Bon (Koh Bon);
11. Tachai (Koh Tachai).

Tourism in the Similan Islands

Since the Similan Islands are declared a national park, construction is prohibited here, there are no capital-built cafes and hotels, roads. The nature on the islands is practically untouched by civilization. For tourists on the islands of Ko Similan and Ko Miang, small tent camps and cozy forest bungalows where you can spend the night.

The islands are open for tourists:

• Similan (8) - the largest in the entire archipelago;
• Miang (4) - the popular Haad Le beach and tent city are located here;
• Hu Yong (1) - visiting it is possible only during the day, there is a beach where turtles lay their eggs;
• Ba Ngu (9) - it can only be visited during the day, popular with divers, the island resembles a large skull.

Sometimes some of the islands are closed for several years, so that nature could recover.

Visiting the Similan Islands

The best time to visit the islands is from January to April, during the rainy season from May to October, tourists are not allowed to visit.

The easiest way to visit the islands is to buy a tour for 1-3 days at any of the resorts of Phuket, Krabi or Khao Lak. The tour costs from 2000 baht.

All flights to Similan depart from Khao Lak, from Thap Lamu pier. There are two options for vehicles - a speedboat or a regular motor ship.

The cost of visiting the national park is 500 baht.