Ko Similan

Ko Similan is an island archipelago in Thailand, South Asia. The Ko Similan archipelago lies 64km off the mainland and consists of the well known chain of nine islands as well as two more northerly islands, Ko Bon and Ko Tachai, which are usually favored haunts of manta rays and whale sharks. The nine islands of the Similan chain are numbered north to south from nine to one and often referred to by their number. The headquarters of the Ko Similan National Park and its accommodation is on Ko Miang and there's also a campsite and restaurant on Ko Similan. Ko Similan is the biggest island in the chain, blessed with a superb, fine white-sand bay and impressive boulders. Ko Miang has 2 pretty beaches, separated by twenty minutes' walk; Ko Hu Yong has an exceptionally extensive white-sand bay and is used by turtles for egg-laying from November to February. Considered as one of the world's top spots for above-water and underwater beauty, the eleven islands at the heart of the Ko Similan National Park are among the most exciting diving destinations in Thailand. Huge granite boulders set magnificently against turquoise waters give the islands their unique character, but it's the thirty-meter visibility that is drawing the divers here. The reefs are full with coral fish, and there are turtles, manta rays, moray eels, jacks, reef sharks, sea snakes, red grouper and quite possibly white-tip sharks, barracuda, giant lobster and enormous tuna. Such beauty has not gone unnoticed and the islands are extremely popular with day-trippers from Phuket and Khao Lak, as well as with divers and snorkelers on longer yacht trips. National park's authorities have enforced strict regulations for tourist boats, including closing the islands during the monsoon season, from mid-May to mid-November. And don't forget - there are tons more of attractions, activities and interesting places to see in Ko Similan, visit them and write here at HolidayStreets.com about their beauty and mystery!