Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Similan Islands















The Similan Islands is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. It is a national park which was established in 1982.

Similan Islands National Park was established after the one-year exploration by the Foresty department. The park is the archipelago consisting of nine islands which are Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. Recently, the park was expanded to included two remoted islands which are Ko Bon and Ko Tachai. The Similans are situated 70 kilometres from Phang Nga town. "Similan" is a Yawi word which means "nine". Similan is one of the most famous diving sites in Thailand.


Ko Similan
Similan Island is the largest island. It has the average depth of 60 feet. Underwater is full of rock formations and coral reefs in several shapes and forms such as deer, leaf, brain, and mushroom.
Above the water are found many diverse species such as the Nicobar Pigeon, Mangrove Monitor Lizards and more.

Ko Huyong
Ko Huyong has the longest and widest beach in the park. However, the park prohibits any tourists from landing on the island as the beach on the island is the place where turtles come to lay their eggs.