THAILAND SPECIAL
NATURAL GEMS OF
THAILAND
The land known for its hospitality, multiple temples
and great food has a host of natural wonders that beckon
Text: Rachel Kwek
Photos: Tourism Authority of Thailand
SIMILAN ISLANDS
Comprising 11 islands and covering 140 square
kilometres, Mu Koh Similan National Park is an idyllic
destination with clear turquoise waters and abundant
wildlife. One can swim alongside many species of sharks,
turtles and fish at the many dive sites in this divers’
paradise hailed as one of the top dive locations in the
world. Due to the fragility of the ecosystems in the park,
it is designated as a protected area and some of the
islands are not open to visitors. Only isalnds 4 and 8 are
open to visitors. While you can get from one island
to another via paid boat rides provided by the
Similan Islands National Park, schedules
are not fixed and it might be more
efficient to engage the services of
a local dive company. There is no
accommodation within the park.
Pha Taem
National
Park
BANGKOK
Khao Bin
Cave
Similan
Islands
THAIL AND
Where: Phang Nga Province, 70km off the coast of the
Andaman Sea, 120km northwest of Phuket and 50km west
of Khao Lak
Getting there: Take a car, taxi or bus to Khao Lak or
Thap Lamu Port, the main gateway to the islands. Then,
take a speedboat, which will take 60 to 80 minutes, or
other vessels available through travel service providers.
Travellers can also take a boat owned and operated by
the national park (4 hours, 1500 baht or about USD45);
this service is not available from May 17 to November 14
during the monsoon season when the park is close.