Similan Islands Tourist Information

Similan Island Tourist Information

Similan Islands Tourist Information

Comprising nine granite islands covered in tropical jungle, washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with fine beaches, the Similans are Thailand's most popular and beautiful dive destination.

Liveaboard dive cruises to these islands, which form the bulk of the Similan National Marine Park, are some of the most popular diving cruises in the world, as they are safe, fun and well organised, as well as being exceptionally good value for money.

The exciting mixture of vibrant reefs and fish of dazzling colours for beginner and intermediate divers, and large deep water boulder formations for the experienced, are irresistible magnetic charms to travelers worldwide.

Similan Islands Diving Season

Similan Island Diving Season

Similan Islands Diving Season

Scuba day trips and overnight trips run from October through to May, with the very best conditions existing from November to April. Outside of these months, surface swells can adversely affect conditions. From May to August, the weather is often better in the Gulf of Thailand, so you might consider day trip diving in Koh Samui, although local diving around Phuket and Phi Phi continues year round too.

The Similan Island liveaboard season runs from early October to mid May, but there are a limited number of cruises all year round.

How to Dive the Similan Island

How to Dive the Similan Island

Similan liveaboards remain the best choice to dive at these islands. There are well over 25 dive sites here, spread over quite a large area and far from the mainland. So, to truly experience all that they have to offer at a relaxed pace, we strongly recommend you choose a liveaboard.

If you are short of time or prefer land based diving, then there are many day trips packages, with and without accommodation, to choose from. Check out the options in the adbox on the right hand side of this page.

As a final alternative, there are a number of overnight trips that offer Similan Islands diving opportunities. These operate with daily speedboats from the mainland that run you out to a main diving boat that you can sleep on. You can disembark whenever you like. These trips are cheap and very popular with budget travelers, but have constant disruptions for re-fueling and passenger transfers, and are therefore not always the most pleasant way to experience the Similans.

Phuket Liveaboard Destinations - Favourite National Marine Park

Favourite National Marine Park

Comprising nine granite islands covered in tropical jungle, washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with fine beaches, the Similan Islands provide the most beautiful and diverse dive destination in Thailand. Liveaboards to these islands are some of the most popular diving cruises in the world. They lie in a 25 km long north-south chain, 65 km offshore from Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea, about 100 km from Phuket. The Similans achieved National Marine Park status in 1982.

The eastern fringes of the islands feature pretty hard coral gardens in the shallows and sloping reef banks down to thirty metres. At some dive sites such as East of Eden, large bommies (coral heads) rise from the sea bed and are blanketed with soft corals, fan corals, and swarms of smaller tropical fish. East coast Similan Islands diving is relatively easy-going, allowing you plenty of time to explore the sites at your own leisurely pace.

The western side of the Similans along with the north and south points can offer more exciting diving as currents swirl around huge sunken granite boulders, which form a series of arches, tunnels and swim-throughs at sites such as Christmas Point and Elephant Head Rock. Growing on, and between, these enormous rocks you find a tapestry of colourful soft corals. In the channels between the boulders, sea fans can grow to some 3 metres across, and in such numbers that you cannot possibly swim through. The contrast between the east and west coasts and the variety of underwater topography is one of the reasons the Similan Islands are so popular - every dive offers you something different.

For underwater photographers and lovers of marine life, then diving in the Similan Islands is difficult to surpass for the variety and abundance of tropical fish. Leopard sharks make appearances on a regular basis and you'll also see whitetip sharks. It's not a 'big fish' paradise, but it's consistently great for sheer diversity of marine life. You may find anything from tiny ghost pipefish to turtles and giant bumphead parrotfish.

Although the tsunami of 2004 did affect a few of the reefs here, most are in excellent condition and many divers in the last season have commented to us that they could not see any reef damage.

• Koh Similan tourist information

Phuket Liveaboard Destinations

Phuket Liveaboard Destinations

Why not join one of our 4 night dive cruises to the Similan Islands? Diving an awesome array of reef formations and underwater landscapes, cruising amongst tropical islands with stunning white beaches, it's not hard to see why Similan liveaboard trips are among the most popular diving adventures in the world.

Excited expectations of diving with manta rays at Koh Bon and chance encounters with whale sharks at Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai, provide a dramatic complement to Similan cruises and irresistible incentives to most first-timers.

If you're short of time then our southern Thailand liveaboard trips may be just what you are looking for. Deep wall diving at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang offer opportunities to see reef sharks as well as more mantas and whale sharks. These short liveaboards are less crowded and also take in some interesting caverns and the beautiful Phi Phi Islands. There is also a Phi Phi overnight trip which you can book as an add-on to your longer cruise.

For the more adventurous out there, try Burma - the Mergui Archipelago and Burma Banks offer true frontier diving. Leave the crowds far behind and voyage back in time to this wonderous and magical archipelago. Large sharks and rays are often to be expected, but Burma is equally attractive to macro-enthusiasts and experienced divers in search of more elusive marine life such as frogfish, pipefish and nudibranchs, not found so regularly in Thailand.

You can combine any of these destinations for a once-in-a-lifetime diving adventure in this spectacular part of the world.

Reef Ecology Guide Phuket Thailand

Discover Phuket's Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are, without a doubt, one of the true natural treasures of our earth. They are home to an enormous variety of life forms, which is why they are often compared with tropical rainforests. Coral reefs need sunlight and warm water to exist. As a result, we only find coral reefs between the 30th parallels north and south of the equator. The minimum temperature that tropical corals can exist at is 20 degree C.

Coral reefs are a complex system of uncountable micro-living spaces. In addition to the visible plants and animals, there are millions of nearly invisible, microscopic organisms that reside in these micro-caves and crevices inside of the coral blocks. Also, legions of tiny creatures called 'zooplankton' live directly above the reef. These creatures are an essential link in the reef food chain.

The Andaman Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean, hosts a unique variety of marine life. More than 3000 different types of fish and over 500 unique corals have been identified and catalogued to date. According to experts on this region, there still exists a great quantity of undiscovered marine life – a challenge for all underwater photographers to become the first to document and perhaps even name a new species.

Coral reefs are now facing the threat of massive destruction on a global scale. Fishing with dynamite and cyanide, specifically in Indonesia and the Philippines, has destroyed countless reefs already. As a result of global warming, more and more of the phenomenon known as 'coral bleaching' is also occurring. When bleaching takes place, the symbiotic algae in the corals are expelled and the corals become transparent. When this happens, it becomes possible to see through to the white limestone underneath, hence the name 'coral bleaching'. Most of the corals will eventually recover from the bleaching, but if the warmer water temperatures last too long, the corals will be destroyed forever.

A further danger facing coral reef ecosystems is the increase of tourism. Millions of people worldwide spend their leisure time around, on or in the ocean. Many reefs show extensive damage from boat anchoring and pollution. DIVE ASIA is a leading proponent of reef preservation, and has made protection of coral reefs one of our highest priorities. During all of our dive excursions, customers are fully briefed that no touching of any organism is permitted, and diving gloves are not allowed. The collection of any 'souvenirs' under water is also prohibited. During diving courses, one of our primary focuses is continuous buoyancy control. Diving occurs in small groups, under the guidance of a dive professional. Coral reefs need our help if we are to continue to enjoy them.

In this Andaman Sea Reef Guide, we can't possibly present all the fish and coral that inhabit this region. We have limited this guide to marine life forms which are often encountered while diving in the Andaman Sea. As well, we've include some of the special 'regulars' of Phuket - life forms that you can see here more often than in other dive destinations. We've also included some masters of camouflage, which may require a trained eye to recognize.

Phuket Activities Shooting Range

Shooting Range

800 meters from the Chalong traffic circle towards Kata is a shooting range especially designed for those experienced in using hand guns and rifles. Available are hand guns and rifles of varying caliber. All ammunitions used are special range bullets. The cost varies according to the gun models and quantity of bullets spent.

Phuket Activities Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping

The bungy jump site in Kahtu, located halfway between Patong and Phuket Town, is a beautiful lakeside setting that is worth a visit even if you do not jump. Jumpers take off from a metal cage hoisted by a crane to a height of 44 meters. Below the cage is a used tin mine lake. Anyone from 40 to 230 Kg is welcome to make the jump.

Phuket Activities Thai Boxing

Thai Boxing

If you don’t mind the violence, a Thai boxing match is worth attending for the pure spectacle and the wild musical accompaniment, the ceremonial beginning of each match, and the frenzied betting around the stadium.

Each fight consists of five rounds of three minutes each. Accompanying the fight is music stimulated by action in the ring, rising and falling as the boxers battle it out. All surfaces of the body are considered fair targets, and any part of the body except the head may be used to strike an opponent.

The origins of this martial art and sport are thought to stretch back to the wars with the Burmese during the 15th century. Thai Boxing matches are held every Friday night at the Boxing stadium in Phuket town.

Phuket Activities Golf

Golf

The year around warm climate and the natural scenic beauty of Phuket make it a natural for developing championship golf courses. There are three courses on Phuket available for visitors to play. All of the courses on Phuket are old tin mine sites that have been transformed into beautiful and challenging golf courses. The courses offer rental clubs, shoes, and carts.

Phuket Activities Elephant Trekking

Elephant Trekking

In former times wild elephants roamed Phuket Island but as tin mining and rubber plantations changed the natural environment elephants slowly disappeared.

Traditionally domesticated elephants were used as transport, and in the logging industry moving cut timber. All logging was officially banned in Thailand in 1989. Elephants that had been employed to move logs in the forest became unemployed, that is why they can now be seen in Bangkok and tourist areas literally 'begging' for a living. It costs approximately 500 US$ per month to feed and care for an elephant in captivity.

In the modern world elephants have an almost human-like problem of needing to be gainfully employed in order to survive. Elephant trekking can generate the funds to assure the survival of thousands of elephants in a dignified manner. Since 1994 numerous trekking operators offer visitors to the island the opportunity to ride on an elephant.

Phuket Activities Sea Canoeing

Sea Canoeing

Phang-nga Bay is unquestionably one of the great scenic attractions in the world and a must do during your stay in Phuket.

Fringing Phang-nga Bay is a complex network of river estuaries with dense forests of mangrove and nipa palm growing right out into the sea. Protecting the shoreline is a series of sheer-sided limestone mountains and other artistic rock formations that soar up to 300m (980 feet) out of the sea like an eerie army of stone monoliths.

Touring by boat allows you to explore the mysteries of the mangrove swamps and provides a scenic view of distance forested limestone hills. The natural beauty of the bay is breathtaking as you pass coves and bays many with remote idyllic tropical beaches.

Most of the mountains and outcroppings are of limestone origin covered with luxuriant vegetation, bushes, and climber vines that overhang the cliffs. Upon closer inspection many of these odd rock formations are hollow and conceal hidden caves (Hongs) and lagoons. It is easy to picture how pirates managed to operate in this area for centuries and were able to defy the authorities by simply vanishing into one of the many hiding places.

Many visitors claim that being paddled in a canoe through the side of a limestone mountain that emerges into a pristine tidal lagoon isolated from the world and surrounded by sheer rock evokes a surreal experience of going back in time a million years.

This is clearly one of the most remarkable journeys you will ever make. The appeal is universal, it's the perfect all-season, all-weather outdoor adventure, ideal for everyone in the family.

Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach

A ten minute ride on a longtail boat out and around the headland on the extreme southern tip of Patong Beach brings you to one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches on Phuket.

Accessible only from the sea this isolated beach with its dazzling white sand will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of Patong. There is a small restaurant and a few beach chairs, this is a private beach that is open the public, but the owner drives off visitors arriving by jet ski.

While you laze about on the beach you can ponder up new names for the artistic rock formations that guard the entrance to the bay. Don’t forget your mask and fins because the marine life that abounds on the coral reefs is among the best on the island.

WHERE IS FREEDOM BEACH

Phuket Diving

Discover Phuket Thailand - A Diver's Paradise

Phuket Diving

Phuket, Thailand is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the South' and for scuba divers it's certainly the crown jewel of the Andaman Sea. This island paradise lies only 8 degrees north of the equator; it enjoys a tropical climate with an average water temperature of 28°C/78°F containing an amazing variety of aquatic life. For divers, the true treasures of the Andaman Sea are found at famous dive sites such as the Similan Islands, Phi Phi Islands, Koh Raja and Sharkpoint, where the warm, clear water draws large schools of tropical fish, manta rays, and the awe-inspiring whale shark.


The wealth of aquatic life combined with good visibility will delight underwater photographers and marine naturalists. With the combination of world-class diving, superb scenery, great entertainment and international resort facilities, Phuket, Thailand has all the right ingredients for a perfect diving holiday.

Laem Ka Beach

Laem Ka Beach

Laem Ka Beach,The entrance of Laem Ka Beach is a small road. It seems that doesn’t have a small beach at here. In the beginning, it is a most popular traveling beach on Phuket Island. It is one of those quiet and beautiful little beaches with a lot of small and big rock.

The sea is very calm clear water. This is a favorite beach for original Phuket citizen to relax at with their family but unflavored for foreign tourist. It is a limited time to entry-exit the beach because the entry of the beach is a private area.

Where is Laem Ka Beach

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Sai Kaew Beach

Sai Kaew translates to 'glass sand'. Sai Kaew Beach is at the northernmost point of Phuket. It stretches from Mai Khao Beach around the northwestern corner of Phuket and all the way to Sarasin Bridge. There is no physical boundary between Mai Khao Beach and Sai Kaew. They are considered to meet around the area with the rustic restaurants where Thepkrasattri Road meets the west coast.

The 600-meter long Sarasin Bridge is the link from Phuket to the Thai mainland. From Sai Kaew Beach, you look across the narrow channel to a similar beach on the Thai mainland.Sai Kaew Beach is a thin strip of sand that slopes smoothly into the inviting waters. Considering this channel is a boat passage, the water quality is remarkably good. You will see lots of small fish swimming in the clear water close to the sandy shoreline. The northern end of the beach within view of Sarasin Bridge has the benefit of being sheltered from the rainy season waves.

Behind the beach is the sleepy village, Thachatchai. The friendly locals like to fish from Sarasin Bridge and from the beach at the area below the bridge.

Where is Sai Kaew Beach

Nai Han Beach

Nai Han Beach

This white sandy beach fronts a shallow lagoon between rocky headlands. Conditions for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing are all excellent.

Nai Han Beach is located at the southern end of Phuket in a beautiful and peaceful bay with the wind power station of Laem Promthep in the distance.

South of Kata Noi and north of Promthep Cape, Naiharn is not Phuket's longest beach, but it borders the most gorgeous lagoon on the island. The middle of the beach is dominated by the Samnak Song Nai Han monastery, which has obstructed excessive development and is the reason that the beach is generally less crowded than other spots on the southern part of the island.

A wide variety of water sports can be enjoyed, but swimmers should be alert for the red flag which warns of dangerous currents during the monsoon season from May to October. One can walk to nearby Promthep Cape to observe sunsets, which are often fiery and spectacular.

Where is Nai Han Beach

Kalim Beach

Kalim Beach

It is a small beach littered with rocks situated north of Patong Beach (Hat Kalim is actually a continuation of Patong and the beaches are separated by a rock formation going into the sea).

Kalim Beach is located just to the north of Patong. This area is much quieter than Patong although the beach is not as good for swimming as there are a few rocks and a coral reef. The reef is exposed at low tide and locals can be seen collecting crabs and shrimp.

There are a few hotels here, but overall the area is pretty quiet. Kalim is a good alternative if you want to be nearby the bars and restaurants of Patong, but still want peace and quiet.

Where is Kalim Beach

Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach

Kamala is located in a quiet valley surronded by lush tropical green hills 6 km north of Patong and 2 km south of Surin Beach.

Another fine stretch of sand. The northern end, which is partly shaded by casuarinas, is suitable for swimming.

A beautiful and serene beach, Kamala is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and laid back beach.

Kamala is about 10 minutes drive north from Patong and a great place for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle. The southern end of this beautiful bay has a coral reef just a few metres offshore. Kamala is not over-developed yet, although there are some guesthouses and a few resorts.

There is a good selection of Thai restaurants, noodle shops and a few western restaurants in the area. The local people are mostly ethnic Malay and there are some good local restaurants serving tasty Muslim food.

Where is Kamala Beach

Bangtao Beach

Bangtao Beach

Bangtao Beach 6 km long quiet beach with few people and home to some of the most luxuries resorts in Phuket.

Bangtao Beach is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining, but has since been developed into a luxury resort. Most of it is occupied by the Laguna complex, a massive five-hotel development with golf course. There are, however, accommodations available outside Laguna at the bay's south end.

Dry season swimming is excellent, and at the bay's north end is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities are available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale.

Where is Bangtao Beach

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Nai Yang Beach

Nai Yang Beach

Nai Yang Beach

This forms part of the Sirinat National Park and is backed by casuarina pines, as well as a mangrove forest. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for relaxation, picnics, swimming and snorkelling.

Nai Yang Beach is a quiet beach located in Sirinat National Park only 5 minutes south of Phuket International Airport where you can see the planes go in for landing.

Nai Yang is a long curved bay fringed with tall casuarinas trees. The beach is a popular spot among locals who come to picknick on the weekends.

There are also a few local seafood stalls and restaurants along part of the beach. Camping is allowed on the beach.

Nai Yang is part of the Sirinath National Park, which also includes Mai Kao, the next beach along to the north, and Nai Thon, the next beach along to the south. The area was declared a national park in 1981 to protect the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles that lay their eggs here from November to February.

Where is Nai Yang Beach

Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach

The palm-fringed beach is best known for its village of “Sea Gypsies”, formerly a nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent.

Rawai Beach is popular with locals who come to enjoy seafood and the lovely view of the islands from the shore.

In the days before Phuket became a popular holiday destination, Rawai Beach was where locals from Phuket Town would come to enjoy the seaside. These days, the beach itself is not that nice with many small boats anchored off the shore, although it is safe to swim all year round due to its position facing Phang Nga Bay.

At the eastern end of the beach is a sea-gypsy village which has a small fish market. Here you can also buy local handicrafts and assorted Thai snacks. The nearby viewpoint at Laem Phrom Thep, the southernmost tip of the island, is particularly popular at sunset.
Where is Rawai Beach

Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi Beach
This is a much smaller bay, only ten minutes walk away from kata yai. Lush green jungle covered mountains surround the beach.

This tranquil piece of paradise is dominated by the Katathani Hotel with its lush tropical gardens. Also there are a few restaurants, bars, and tailors.

Where is Kata Noi Beach

Kata Yai Beach

Kata Yai Beach

The beach is wide, two kilometres long and made of fine white sand which gently slopes away into the blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

It is fringed by casuarinas trees, under which you will find vendors selling drinks, food, massage services, souvenirs and the like. These vendors will be happy to serve you at your sun lounger which you can hire for a nominal charge.

For those who prefer to be a little more adventurous than lying around in the sun all day, the beach offers jet skiing, parascending, banana rides, water skiing and long tail boat excursions, also diving packages are available to local coral reefs. Most hotels and guest houses are situated in this area.

Where is Kata Yai Beach

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Karon Beach

Karon Beach


Both beaches are impressive, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing and sunbathing.

Karon beach is a long stretch of powdery white sand just south of Patong. The beach is very long so it never feels overcrowded.

At 4km, Karon is one of Phuket's longest beaches. Although there are a few large resorts and hotels, they are spread out and the area feels very relaxed. As in Patong, the hotels are separated from the beach by a road. However, unlike Patong, the beach is always fairly quiet. The beach itself is quite exposed, with little or no natural shade. The sand is so fine and powdery that it squeaks when you walk on it.

The southern point has a coral reef that stretches towards Kata and Pu Island. There are not as many watersports activities on Karon beach as in Patong or Kata. During the rainy season Karon can be good for surfing but dangerous for swimming due to the large waves and strong rip currents.Where is Karon Beach


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Surin Beach

Surin Beach



Surin Beach, just north of Kamala, is an undeveloped stretch of sand lined with casuarina trees. Although there are now a few hotels springing up Surin is still quiet and peaceful.

Surin is quite popular with locals who frequent the seafood stalls and restaurants that line the beach under the shade of the casuarina trees, and can get a little busy during the weekends during the high season.

Inland from the beach is Surin Village, a predominantly muslim area of Phuket. There is a small market here and some restaurants where you can sample delicious Masaman curry.

Where is Surin Beach


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Pansea Beach

Pansea Beach

Pansea Beach

Pansea beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Phuket. Unfortunately, the beach can only be reached through the grounds of two exclusive resorts that occupy the beachfront land.

The luxurious Chedi and Amanpuri resorts share this magnificent cove at the northern end of Surin beach. Unfortunately, this heavenly enclave is only accessible through the grounds of either hotel, effectively making it a private beach. This makes it particularly appealing to the international jet-set who frequent these resorts.

Where is Pansea Beach


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Nai Thon Beach

Nai Thon Beach

Nai Thon Beach lies about 15km south of the airport. This pristine beach is a great place to get away from the crowds.

Nai Thon is fairly undeveloped and is a nice quiet place to sit in the sun or take in a swim. Although its quiet, the beach is not completely deserted and there are a few sunbeds available for hire. There are also a few small restaurants that serve fresh seafood and local dishes.

Nai Thon is part of the Sirinath Marine National Park, which also includes Mai Kao and Nai Yang, the next beaches along to the north. The area was declared a national park in 1981 to protect the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles that lay their eggs here from November to February.

Part of the reason Nai Thon has managed to remain so peaceful is that it is quite isolated. The road leading to the beach winds through jungle and rubber plantations as well as over a few hills. There are a few places to stay, including some bungalows and guesthouses.

Where is Nai Thon Beach


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Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach


This pine-fringed stretch of sand is Phuket’s longest beach. Each year, from November through to February, giant sea turtles struggle ashore to lay their eggs here.Where is Mai Khao Beach


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Patong Beach

Patong Beach

Phuket’s most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3 km. crescent bay. In addition to its daytime attractions, Patong is also known for its vibrant nightlife among which seafood restaurants prominently feature.

Where is Patong Beach

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Welcome to Phuket

Phuket

Phuket Island

Blessed by nature and the smiling hospitality of its people, and supported by superb tourism facilities, Phuket is today one of the world’s premier tropical resorts.

Located 867 kilometres south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 kilometres long. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it has a coastline fringed with white sandy beaches and quiet coves, bathed by the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea and set against a backdrop of green hills, coconut groves and rubber plantations.


Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and has a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ships’ logs. The Portuguese, Dutch, English and French came to trade during that time.

Phuket’s most famous monument is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who rallied the islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders.

Blessed by nature and the smiling hospitality of its people, and supported by superb tourism facilities, Phuket is today one of the world’s premier tropical resorts. Palm-fringed beaches, an island-studded sea, superb accommodation, delicious seafood, numerous sporting and leisure opportunities and, of course, year-round sunshine, to conclude the perfect recipe for a truly memorable holiday.