Similan is a Yawi word which means “nine”, so it is called Island No. 9. Similan islands consist of nine islands lying from north to south.The main islands that are tourist attractions are Koh Miang (Island No.4), Koh Payu (Island No.7), Koh Similan (Island No. 8), and Koh Ba Ngu (Island No.9). These islands are famous for beautiful white sand beaches and the water is crystal clear that you can see the fish under the water with your naked eyes. You will surely say “Wow!” when you see the breathtaking underwater world there. And that’s why Similan is rated one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world.
Similan Islands National Park covers a total area of 128 square kilometres (80,000 rai) in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and was proclaimed a national park on 1 September, 1982. The word “Similan” is in Yawi or Malay, meaning nine, referring to an archipelago of 9 islands. Similan is a small archipelago in the Andaman Sea comprising a total of 9 islands lying in the North–South direction, including Ko Bon, Ko Ba-ngu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Ha, Ko Miang, Ko Payang and Ko Huyong.
The Park’s headquarters is located on Ko Miang where freshwater is available. This archipelago is renowned for its on land and underwater beauty with an abundance of marine life. It offers ideal spots for both snorkeling and scuba diving where coral reefs as well as rare and colorful fish are to be admired such as manta ray, whale, dolphin, Moray eel, clown fish, etc.
The most suitable period for visiting the national park is between November and April. May to November is the season of the Southwest Monsoon, the islands will be closed for the nature to restore itself.