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Geography��� Climate�� People��� Religion��� Language��� Food&Fruits�� Hill tribes��� Thai Boxing |
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Bangkok & Around Andaman Sea Gulf of Thailand Northern Northeastern |
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The Similan Islands, located about one hundred kilometers northwest of Phuket,
are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and
blessed with some of the world's finest beaches. Similan comes from Malay fisherman
who named it "The Nine Island" (Similan is "nine" in Malay). We designate the islands
by name in thai and a number. However, growing on
these boulders are some of the most colorful soft carals imaginable, in many places so thick that the rock
is no longer visible. In the larger passages or channels between the boulders, the often tightly bunched fans grow to
a size sometimes three meters across. If you enjoy watching and photographing small fish, the Similans are unrivaled
of the sheer numbers and varieties of tropicals. We see whale sharks, while large cow tail rays and leopard sharks are
reasonably common. We will also see white tip and black tip sharks, and over the years we have seen schools of pseudo
orcas or false killer whales. don't expect big fish action every dive, enjoy the Similans for what they are famous for :
Wild, unspoiled beaches, magnificent coral growth, prolific marine life, crystalline blue water and sensational underwater
rock formations. The only land accommodation available is on Island #4 (koh Miang) which has both tent camping and Thai style bungalows.
for driver, however, the best way to visit the Similans are, and will continue to be, onboard a boat.
How to get there : Boats can be chartered or individually booked from several dive companies in Phuket, or from Thap Lamu and Khao Lak just north of Phuket in Phangnga provice. Tourism Authority of Thailand. |
The islands have achieved national park stateus and thus
are fully protected under Thai law. The National Park Authority maintains their residence
on two of the islands: Koh Similan (Island #8) the largest, and Koh Miang (Island #4),
which lies mid way through the chain. Recently, the islands have some to the special attention
of Thai Royal Family which further as sures protection of this natioal treasure.
The Similan Islands host the most beautiful group of drive sites we ahve in Thailand and
are one of the better areas for diving in the entire world. One of the most fantastic characteristics
of islands is that we have two entirely different types of environments in one destination.
The east coat, with its powdery coral beaches, features hard coral gardens which slope dramatically
from the sureface down to approximately 30-40 meters. Here, the most popular activity is drift diving
along hard coral gardens while watching the reef inhabitants go about their business. At several sites,
large coral bommies covered with soft corals and sea fans rise dramatically from the bottom. Here,
the diving is easy and navigation simple. allowing each buddy pair to explore at thier own pace.
The wast coast can offer faster paced, more exhilarating diving as currents swirl around the huge
granite boulders some larger than the grandest of houses. These smooth, rounded boulders from dramatic
formations, holes, and overhangs (swim-throughs). the drama of just looking up through the clear water
at these huge rocks is gratification enough for some divers, as there are few places like this on earth.
Typically, the high season in the Similans is from October until May, but diving is posiible all year -round.
The water tends to be clearest in the summer and in the fall, but the again, the visibility is usually good in the Similans,
averaging approximately 18-25 meters and at times exceeding 40 meters. there are well over 20 charted dive sites in the Similan chain.
Boats in Thailand vary in style and comfort. for those less worried about comfort, sleeping in simi-private cabins will cost less,
At the other end of the scale, many boats are available with large, privte air-conditioned cabins, professional photography services,
and modern communications. All boats furnish internationally certified divemasters or intructors.