"Similan Islands" Ko Similan by phil_uk_net

Ko Similan Travel Guide: 81 reviews and 418 photos

Me underwater at the Similan Islands - Ko Similan

Koh Similan

I have written a little about the Similan Islands on my Thailand page.
I have been on three liveaboard diving trips to the Similans.
Although it is a lovely place to visit in general, the fantastic scuba diving is the real draw.
The diving is quite varied with coral gardens in some places and huge granite boulder swim-throughs in others. There is an abundance of fish life ranging from the smallest nudibranchs to huge whale sharks at certain times of year during planktonic blooms.
Some of the dives are quite deep and with the currents that exist it is better to be a more experienced diver. I wasn't on my first trip and missed out a little but put this right on my second trip after I had another 50 or so dives under my belt.
I hear that it is possible to visit for a day trip in a fast boat but this is unusual. The best way is to take a liveaboard and stay for a few days so that you can visit in a relaxed manner. The liveaboards are great and I have met some really nice people on both trips.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Gorgeous islands and some of the best diving you will do
Cons:None
In a nutshell:If you go Thailand and you are a scuba diver this is a must!

Last visit to Ko Similan: Jan 2002
Intro Updated Mar 15, 2003
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Reviews (4)

Cooking onboard Favorites (3)

Despite cramped conditions and constant movement, the cooks onboard do a fantastic job preparing delicious food. more travel advice

Boat boy Favorites (3)

The crew on the liveaboard boats are wonderful people in general. They work hard to make life as easy as possible for... more travel advice

Dinner time on the dive boat - Ko Similan

Food on the dive boat Favorites (3)

The liveaboard diving. Food is great onboard and tastes especially good after building up an appetite diving. more travel advice

Liveaboard Transportation (1)

Many liveaboards depart from Phuket. Ask any dive operator for details. On my first trip I went on a boat called the... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (9)

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icyjo24 Dec 24, 2005 at 11:02 PM

wow you r really lucky to see a manta ray there..
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Geisha_Girl Nov 17, 2003 at 1:36 PM

Similan Islands sounds like the place to go Phil ! Great tips! Thanks for the advice. It sounds like the perfect place for a Mermaid and a Merman to dive nekkid amongst the natives!! (Ooops, was I thinking out loud again?!) ;-))
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Bonobo2005 May 27, 2003 at 2:48 PM

a dreamtrip for every diver! I always wondered how a liveaboard trip would be. Looks like big fun-in the hammock!
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kenmerk Apr 21, 2003 at 8:28 PM

Always wanted to make this trip to KO Similan, Phil.... Someday I'll get the chance, I hope....
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R.Dettmann Apr 12, 2003 at 12:29 PM

hey nice dive tour!!! Really enjoyed the manta pictures!!! Very nice!!!
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syllybabe Mar 18, 2003 at 2:49 PM

Thanks for showing me what I can't see anymore, Phil. I can just imagine the food! I think that was one of the reasons why I loved diving so much. Everything tastes good after a dive!
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AyurinHiro Feb 19, 2003 at 8:25 AM

You saw Manta! Lucky you!
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BorderHopper Feb 16, 2003 at 1:08 PM

I think its about time I learn how to dive....seems like I'm missing out on so much!
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Sharrie Nov 20, 2002 at 5:43 AM

I've seen very nice postcards from this place. Is it as good as it looks? I know it's nice for scuba diving, but how about on the land?