Ko Similan

Koh Similan, with a surface of 5 square kilometres, is the largest island of Similan Archipelago. Five kilometres long and 1.7 km wide, it is fully covered by lush tropical vegetation. At first glance the most recognizable feature of Koh Similan is the huge boulder formations scattered along the western shore. The huge granite stones polished by waves and winds of the Andaman Sea are stacked one above the other in amazing and funny formations. Another feature of Koh Similan is its stunning bays with their pristine beaches located along the eastern and northern coast. On the northern tip there is the most popular landmark of all Similan Islands, the famous “Sail Rock” overlooking Ao Kuerk, the most beautiful bay of island best known as Donald Duck Bay. The beach of horseshoe-shaped bay is the most stunning and famous of Similan Park, a long stretch of fine white sand pearl as talc which is reflected on incredible turquoise waters. A little corner of pristine tropical paradise, which is the usual destination for the lucky visitors of daily trips from Khao Lak, but despite that never crowded. The show offered by the bay is even more remarkable in the surrounding waters. The underwater world is really stunning, the flat sandy bottom is dotted with beautiful colourful corals and full of tropical fish that swim quietly in the crystal waters. The north-west corner of bay is the most popular mooring spot for snorkelling day trippers in the morning and liveaboards diving in the afternoon and evening. Donald Duck Bay is not the best dive site however, due to its low depth and weak currents it is one of the most popular spots for diver training and night dives in the Similan Islands. Besides the usual reef fish, the bay is home to a pair of large turtles, which make the happiness of day trippers. Unfortunately many tourists decide to feed them to attract the turtles to the boats. This is absolutely wrong. Their digestive systems are not suitable to digest nothing more of their natural diet of jellyfish and soft corals, and the approach to the boats becomes a habit which over time can cause injury to the turtles. Behind the beach through the vegetation there are some Park facilities, as few bungalows, tents and toilets. There is also a small restaurant that serves a few Thai dishes; the meals are a bit more expensive as the ingredients are brought here from the mainland. The island's interior is characterized by high rocky hills covered with lush tropical vegetation. There are few hiking trails that allow exploring the interior and the park's highest hill, about 250 metres a.s.l. One of these leads to an old abandoned lighthouse of Thai Navy, whence you can enjoy a superb view over the Similan Islands. Access to the lighthouse area must be authorized by the rangers.Read More