Things to Do in Khao Lak

Thailand’s Similan Islands National Park, a group of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea, is one of the most pristine places in the world for diving. The islands boast picturesque landscapes with white-sand beaches, large granite rocks jutting out from the earth, dense jungles teeming with diverse fauna and flora, and crystal-clear azure waters.

The main attraction of the Similan Islands are their coral reefs teeming with wildlife. Divers and snorkelers can see a number of marine species such as manta rays, sea turtles, sea snakes, a number of pelagic species, and perhaps even a whale shark. 

The only way to explore the islands is through an organized tour from Phuket or Krabi. Day tours generally include snorkeling or diving, a buffet lunch, and free time to explore the islands. Some tours include the national park entrance fee for visitors to the Similan Islands.

The archipelago is located about 44 miles (70 kilometers) off the western coast of southern Thailand. Since the islands are heavily protected by the Thai government, the only way to access them is through an organized tour. 

The Similan Islands are open only between mid-October and mid-May, to allow the delicate ecosystem to recover from tourism. Scuba divers and snorkelers are encouraged to visit during the months of December and March, when there is less rain and the waters are the clearest. These months are considered the high season, the weather is most pleasant.

The coral reefs of the Similan Islands are ideal for experienced scuba divers. Spots like Shark Fin Reef, Boulder City, Bird Rock, and Anita’s Reef offer some of the area’s best visibility and an abundance of wildlife such as leopard sharks, moray eels, and stingrays. Liveaboard tours are available for experienced divers and range from a couple of days to a full week.