MUKO SIMILAN MARINE NATIONAL PARK

A group of nine islands set in the Andaman Sea northwest of Phuket, the Similans are renowned for their beauty, both on land and in the surrounding underwater world. Distinctive in their smooth granite rock formations, the islands are studded with inviting sandy beaches; otherwise, there is little to explore on land and the destination is most popular with scuba enthusiasts, the waters here boasting some of the world’s best dive sites.

In addition to remarkable visibility, scuba drivers can expect a fascinatingly varied underwater scene, with coral reefs, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, swim-throughs, cliffs, and stone piles, as well as an abundance of marine life.

Getting There

Public boats and boats for private hire to the Similans depart from Phuket and from Thap Lamu, on the mainland in Phang-nga province. Alternatively, visitors may join one of the organized dive tours that are available from various dive companies on Phuket.