When we talk about the resorts of Thailand, first of all, our head is visited by associations with noisy Asian and, moreover, crowded cities. But this does not mean that there are no quiet and secluded exotic corners on the territory of the country. The list of such paradise territories is headed by the Similan archipelago, consisting of nine small islands.
The Similan Islands in Thailand are washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea and are located a short distance from the main resort of Phuket, which in a short time has been chosen by millions of tourists around the world. It is worth noting that the archipelago occupies the tenth position in the list of the most beautiful places marked by UNESCO.
The islands are included in the national park of Thailand and are under regular control of the authorities. The preservation of the environment on the territory of the Similan Islands is carefully monitored: construction is prohibited here. Thus, the absence of any structures, including even shops and retail stalls, can be explained.
If you come to Thailand in search of exotic places, pristine beaches and unique nature, then you definitely need to visit the Similan Islands. The azure sea, white sand and the feeling of freedom will not leave you throughout your holiday.
Let's take a closer look at the main attractions and wonders of nature that can be found on the territory of the Similan Islands.
Islands in Thailand
A large number of tourists annually arrive on the territory of the Similan archipelago for a fairly short period of time, since the location of the islands allows you to travel in both directions, lie on the sandy beach, enjoy the beautiful nature and return back to the hotel. Although many vacationers wish to spend a longer weekend on the Similan Islands in Thailand, small tent cities and cozy forest bungalows are provided for such visitors. The entrance to the territory of the archipelago for visitors is closed during the rainy season - from May to September.
Ko Similan
As we said, the archipelago consists of nine islands, but only a few are open to the public.
Ko Similan is the largest island among all the others and is marked at number eight in the archipelago. This area is famous for its crystal clear waters, underwater landscapes and tropical vegetation. First of all, novice divers and snorkelers go here. Especially popular with tourists is a granite rock, from the topwhich offers stunning views of the entire area. See photos of the Similan Islands below.
Ko Miang
Koh Miang has gained great popularity among lovers of passive beach holidays. Firstly, because Haad Lek is located in the eastern part of the island - one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Thailand. The second reason is the specialized territory for the tent camp and bungalows, which is in the north of the island. You can also get from the town to Haad Lek along a special path dedicated for this, which passes through the picturesque jungle. Walking from one place to another will not take you long, and not far from this amazing beach you will find a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling.
Ko Hu Yong
This island is number one in the archipelago. Unfortunately, it is not intended for overnight stays, but here you can have fun during the day. It is here that tourists come to wander along the long sandy beaches and watch the turtles.
Ku Ba Ngu
He has a second, more common name among visitors - Skull Island. When you swim closer to it, it really resembles a large skull from the outside. It has the cleanest sea water and coral reefs, so the Cu Ba Ngu area is chosen by both beginners and professional divers.
Climate
ZoneThe tropical monsoon climate covers the entire southern part of Thailand. Summer and good weather reign here throughout the year. The exception is the rainy season, but the air temperature does not drop much. During the tourist season, the thermometer reaches 35 degrees.
The mild warm climate of the Similan Islands is perfect for a beach resort. Rich tropical vegetation and a magnificent azure sea await travelers from different countries.
As we said, the rainy season falls during the summer months. When all the countries of Europe are languishing in the heat, in Thailand there are torrential rains. Therefore, the organization of your trip to this wonderful country should be approached responsibly.
How to get there?
You can get to the Similan Islands on your own using one of the flights from Russia to Phuket. Upon arrival at the local airport, a new question will arise in front of you: taxi or public transport? Of course, the first option will cost several times more, but it will help save a lot of time. If you have nowhere to hurry, then you can wait for the bus following the route to Bus Terminal 1 bus station in Phuket Town.
Then all tourists change to another transport, to Khao Laki, where the Tap Lamu pier is located. This is the most budgetary way to get to the territory of the Similan archipelago. Although some visitors book direct tours from Phuket, this is already a matter of taste and financial security.
From Thap Lamu Pier go exclusivelyspeed boats, since the distance between the islands and it is about 60 km. This information may not seem so important at first glance, but often some travelers simply forget to take comfortable seats on the boat, and then they have to huddle all the way among the standing crowd of tourists.
Underwater world
The Similan Islands are very popular among lovers of the underwater world. This is a true paradise for professional divers and just those who like to snorkel and fins in search of marine life.
In most cases, all trips to the Similan Islands for divers fall into two categories:
- Individual trips with an instructor. A tourist can create his own individual route, after agreeing it with the instructor.
- Diving cruises. You are going with a team along the popular "beaten paths" for several days. On the ship you are provided with a bed, full briefing and training.
The most favorable place for organizing such trips is Phuket. Here you will be provided with a wide range of different professional level operators, it is also possible to get a discount. It is worth noting the fact that multi-day cruises or diving among the caves are available only for experienced divers, confirmation is the presence of an appropriate certificate.
Visa to Thailand
We are all used to the strict visa policy of many European countries. Often the usual vacation planningturns into a terrible nightmare because of all this paperwork in the visa centers. After that, we all still have to stay in a tense state for some time, waiting for the consul's response to our application. Fortunately, things are a little different with Thailand.
Any citizen of the Russian Federation should just smile at passport control upon arrival in the country, as he instantly receives the desired stamp in his passport. It is from this moment that the most interesting adventures in his life begin!
If you want to stay in the country for a longer period (over 60 days), then you need to apply for a visa at the Thai Embassy in Moscow. Visas are divided into single and double entry. In the second case, it is necessary to leave the territory of the state after three months of stay. Alternatively, you can leave Thailand for the neighboring country of Laos for one day, and then return again before the expiration of the issued visa.
How much will the holiday cost?
Money issue quite often worries novice travelers who have never been to Thailand before. How much does a trip to the Similan Islands cost? To be honest, by asking such a question, you are already exposing yourself to waste of money. No tour to the archipelago needs to be booked in advance from Russia. There are many local travel companies in Thailand that are ready to offer excellent organization for quite little money.
One day on the islands with a return to Phuket will costabout 4,000 baht, which is about 7,000 rubles. Two days with one overnight stay in the archipelago will cost about 6,000 baht, about 10,500 rubles.
All the necessary information on how to get to the Similian Islands on your own has been described in the previous paragraphs. Our dear readers can only follow the instructions already prepared in advance.
Excursions to the Similan Islands
One of the most reliable tour operators in Thailand is the SeaStar company, reviews of which can be found innumerable on the Internet. The operator is famous for its organization, comfort and excellent cuisine, which is included in the price of tours.
You can book an excursion to the Similan Islands from Phuket, Krabi or Khao Lucky at any time for a period of one to three days. Khao Laki is considered to be the closest in distance from the archipelago, but from Ao Nang it will take about three hours to go one way.
What is included in the tour price?
Almost all tour operators offer tourists on the streets of Thailand the following list of services included in the price of the tour:
- Transfer from the hotel by bus to the pier, from where boats leave for the Similan Islands.
- Accompanying a guide.
- Tour of the islands "Koh Miang" and "Koh Similan" and a stop in the sea for snorkeling, with the issuance of the necessary equipment.
- Three meals a day.
- Insurance.
- Tent accommodation.
How much does it cost to rent a house on your ownarchipelago?
This question is asked by many tourists who plan to save on the services of travel companies, and rightly so, since independent travel is often more exciting and unpredictable. Someone finds romantic notes in this, while someone does not like noisy tourist groups at all, breathing intently in the back.
So, as we have already mentioned, the closest way to get to the Similian Islands is from Khao Laki Pier. Directly on the spot, if you plan to stay overnight, you need to rent a tent or bungalow. The following rates apply on the territory of the archipelago:
- Tent rental - 900 rubles per day.
- Bungalow with a fan - 1700 rubles per day.
- Bungalow with air conditioning - 3500 rubles per day.
When booking on your own on the National Park website from Monday to Thursday, 30% discount.
Conclusion
The Similian Islands is a paradise on earth, suitable not only for sightseeing trips, but also for independent travel. They are recognized as one of the most beautiful and mysterious places throughout Thailand. Picturesque nature, rich underwater world, romantic sunsets and snow-white beaches will sink deep into the soul and will beckon here again and again. Both adults and children will like it here.
An archipelago vacation can also be a honeymoon destination for many reasons. These are wonderful portrait shots against an exotic background, romantic bungalows immersed in the jungle, and the lack of paperwork with the design.visas. And most importantly - affordable prices for any type of holiday. Russian tourists have chosen this place for a long time and are trying to give their preference to this country, and Turkey and Egypt, which are already familiar to everyone, are gradually fading into the background. In addition, the numerous positive reviews about the Similan Islands are at least a reason to visit. Enjoy your holiday and new discoveries!
