Similan Islands National Park

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Thailand's premier diving destination featuring nine pristine granite islands with world-class coral reefs and abundant marine life in the Andaman Sea. The park is accessible primarily by boat tours from Khao Lak and offers some of the best underwater experiences in Southeast Asia.

Things to do

• Scuba Diving at Elephant Head Rock — Descend to a famous underwater pinnacle teeming with groupers, snappers, and occasional reef sharks in crystal-clear waters.
• Snorkeling at Island No. 4 (Koh Miang) — Explore vibrant shallow coral gardens and encounter sea turtles, angelfish, and clownfish in protected reef areas.
• Hiking Koh Miang Summit Trail — Trek through tropical forest to viewpoints overlooking all nine islands and the Andaman Sea.
• Night Diving at Three Rocks — Experience nocturnal marine creatures including cuttlefish, octopuses, and bioluminescent organisms in their active state.
• Beach Relaxation at Ao Hua Khantoke — Unwind on a secluded sandy beach on Koh Miang with minimal crowds and pristine turquoise waters.
• Wreck Diving at USAT Liberty — Explore an artificial reef created by a decommissioned American military ship in deeper waters south of the main islands.
• Macro Photography at Japanese Garden — Photograph tiny crustaceans, nudibranchs, and small reef fish among dense coral formations in shallow depths.

Food to try

• Fresh Grilled Fish with Garlic and Chili — Locally caught reef fish grilled whole and topped with nam pla (fish sauce), garlic, and Thai bird's-eye chilies, often served on day boats.
• Khao Pad Seafood (Seafood Fried Rice) — Fragrant jasmine rice stir-fried with freshly caught shrimp, squid, and fish, prepared on island tour boats or in Khao Lak before departure.
• Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) — A tangy and spicy soup made with fresh Andaman prawns, lemongrass, galangal, and lime juice served on overnight liveaboard trips.
• Satay Chicken Skewers — Grilled marinated chicken served with peanut sauce, commonly available on boat catering and at pre-tour meals in Khao Lak.
• Fresh Mango Sticky Rice — Sweet sticky rice paired with ripe seasonal mango, offered as a light dessert on island picnics and boat meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Marine National Park Rules — The park prohibits touching coral, removing shells, and feeding fish; violations carry fines and damage fragile ecosystems that took decades to recover.
• Learn Basic Thai Etiquette — Always show respect to images of the Thai royal family, remove shoes when entering boats or small structures, and use the wai greeting with guides and locals.
• Book Tours Through Licensed Operators — Use registered tour companies affiliated with Khao Lak or Phuket to ensure safety compliance, proper environmental practices, and fair wages for local crew.
• Be Mindful of Monsoon Season — The park closes from May to October during the southwest monsoon; visiting during high season (November to April) shows respect for safety guidelines set by park authorities.