Readme before you journey
"Similan" originates from the Malay language, meaning "nine." Hence, the archipelago is often referred to as the "Similan Islands" or "Nine Islands." It comprises nine major and minor islands, arranged in a north-south direction: Bon Island, Bangu Island, Similan Island, Payu Island, Five Island, Miang Island, Payan Island, Payang Island, and Huyong Island.
The Similan Islands National Park headquarters is located on either Miang Island or Island 4, as these islands have freshwater sources. The Similan Islands are renowned for their stunning beauty, both on land and underwater, with a remarkably well-preserved marine environment. The islands offer diverse diving opportunities, from shallow reefs to deep walls, showcasing a vibrant array of colorful corals and a diverse range of marine life, including rare and elusive species such as manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, moray eels, clownfish, sea turtles, and giant clams.
Similan Islands are most attractive to tourists during the months of November to April. From May to November, the islands are closed annually for natural restoration.
The end of the rainy season and the beginning of the cool season mark the transition between the low and high seasons. During this time, flight tickets tend to be cheaper, but there is a trade-off in terms of weather conditions. It is uncertain whether the skies will be clear or overcast.
This trip, we booked a round-trip flight promotion for only 100 baht from Phuket to Don Mueang. The outbound flight was not as heavily discounted, but even with the higher price, it was still significantly cheaper than the regular fare. Even a taxi to Don Mueang costs 160 baht, so it was definitely worth it.
The travel plan is for a total of 4 days. On the first day of arrival in Phuket, find accommodation in the city for one night. Then spend the next 3 days on Similan Island. On the last day, arrange for a car to take you to the airport for your return flight to Bangkok.
After researching various tour companies offering trips to the Similan Islands, I received recommendations from friends who had previously visited. As I was unfamiliar with the area, I relied on their insights to choose the best option. Ultimately, I opted for Sea Star, a company known for its diverse diving tours, ranging from one-day excursions to multi-day adventures. With my travel dates already booked, I decided on a three-day island getaway, perfectly aligning with my schedule.
For pricing and details, please refer to their website. This is a reputable company, and we can serve as a reference without receiving any commission or compensation. Sandy highly recommends them, and we will elaborate on their merits in the following sections.
"You can visit the Thai sea in any season. Just pay attention to the monsoon season. Which direction will the monsoon go to the Gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea, or the east coast? What month? You should plan carefully which part of the sea you want to visit during this time. The stronger the sun, the better. Don't be afraid of the sun when you go to the sea because the rain is much more frightening. Because when we go to the sea, we all dream of a beautiful sea with clear blue water that allows us to see the fine white sand. If you go during the monsoon season, you can't go out to sea. It's raining. The waves on the beach are strong and the water is very muddy. You'll probably be disappointed.
Thailand has 4 sea zones and the monsoon seasons do not coincide.
- Southern Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao, Khao Sok) Storms occur from December to February. The sky is clear from April to October.
- Southern Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Lipe, Trang, Phang Nga, Koh Tachai, Koh Phayam) Storms occur from May to October. Accommodation is expensive in exchange for beautiful sea from November to April.
- Eastern Region (Pattaya, Koh Larn, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood, Sattahip, Koh Saemsar) Storms occur from May to October. The sky is clear from November to April.
- Western Region (Hua Hin, Cha-am, Pran Buri) Storms occur from June to October. The sky is clear from November to May."
Our trip is scheduled for May 5-8, 2016, which falls within the early stages of the high season and coincides with the island's recent opening. We hope for minimal rainfall and some clear skies for stunning photographs. With a three-day itinerary, we anticipate at least some sunny intervals.
Our 100 baht ticket has everything planned out. Whatever happens, happens. Let's just wing it.
The Similan Islands on a cloudy day with low light and light rain are beautiful in a different way.
The surface of the water may not be very beautiful, but the underwater world is like another planet. Even when it rains, you can still dive and enjoy the beauty.
Diving is still possible during the rainy season, although the visibility may not be as good as on clear days. However, the underwater scenery remains equally beautiful. ❤️
A view of the islands off the coast of Phuket as seen before the plane lands. There wasn't much planned for the first day.
We booked an affordable hostel in Chinatown called Fulfill Phuket Hostel. Located in the heart of Phuket Town on Ratsada Road, the hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms. The private rooms are small but have ensuite bathrooms with soap and shampoo provided. However, the sink is located outside the bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is available. This hostel is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who value convenience. With multiple bathrooms, there is no need to worry about waiting in line. Other amenities include hairdryers, coin-operated washing machines, drying racks, and a common area for relaxing and watching TV. On Saturdays and Sundays, guests can easily walk to the Thalang Road Walking Street, which is not far from the hostel. Overall, this hostel offers good value for money, especially considering its convenient location. For this trip, we were not particularly interested in exploring Phuket Town, as our main goal was to visit the Similan Islands. However, staying in the city center made it convenient for the SeaStar van to pick us up at 6:00 AM.
At 8:30 AM, we arrived at the private Seastar Pier in Thap Lamu to check in and receive our diving equipment, including masks and fins. A breakfast buffet was provided, so we ate our fill to prepare for the day's activities. In addition to food and drinks, there was a large jar of seasickness medication available for tourists to take before boarding the boat. This medication was essential for us that day, as you can see from the dark, low-hanging clouds in the picture.
As soon as it was time to board the boat, the rain started pouring heavily. We waited until the rain stopped, and then we boarded the boat. Our Similan tour group was diverse, and we were separated according to our wristbands, as there were both one-day and two-day options. Our Similan tour leader, Way, was very friendly. It was enjoyable to listen to her speak English to the foreigners and then Thai to the Thais.
Ah, I've never been on a tour before. This is my first time, so it feels a bit strange to me. I usually plan and travel independently. Similan Islands was a bit challenging for me because it requires a long boat ride and staying at the national park. Booking through a tour reduced a lot of hassle. They arranged everything, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and diving for the entire three days.
SeaStar took excellent care of us. We ate well, slept soundly, and they even provided mosquito repellent when we forgot to bring our own. I was particularly impressed by the mosquito repellent they gave us, as the mosquitoes here are the size of bees and just as dangerous as cobras.
After a bumpy speedboat ride that left us feeling seasick and with our stomachs churning, we finally arrived at our destination: Island 4. This will be our base for the next two nights.
The first dive spot was at the large beach of Koh 4, where the coral reefs were very beautiful. Afterwards, we went ashore to eat lunch.
After lunch, we parted ways with Neng Way. We will meet again in two days because she is taking care of a one-day tour.
We were then transferred to another team, a team of guides stationed on the Similan Islands.
Dark, low-hanging rain clouds threatened to unleash a downpour at any moment. A moderate number of tourists milled about, neither too many nor too few. We hurried to take photos before boarding the boat for our afternoon diving adventure at other nearby spots.
We boarded a large, three-story boat equipped with an engine to reach our diving destination in the Similan Islands. Compared to smaller speedboats, this vessel offered greater stability and comfort, minimizing the rocking motion often experienced on smaller crafts. The boat featured amenities such as a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and music, enhancing our overall experience.
The experienced boat driver navigated the area with ease, knowing exactly where the water was deep enough for diving, beautiful, and safe. The guide provided expert advice on which spots were likely to have specific marine life, encouraging us to keep a lookout and offering assistance if needed.
In certain diving spots, we encountered plump octopuses, large turtles, and countless clownfish. We even saw intimidatingly large parrotfish, and a multitude of unidentified fish species. Tiger cowries and magnificent coral reefs abounded, defying complete description. Simply dipping one's face into the water revealed an entirely different world.
We had dinner on the boat in the evening. We were full and satisfied, and the food was delicious.
Nothing could be more relaxing than this.
And watch the sun set over the horizon. There are a lot of clouds. I guess it's already set. I don't know when it set because I couldn't see it because of the sun.
We then took a small boat to the shore and slept in tents provided by the tour operator. There were no amenities, but we were eager to experience nature in its purest form.
Mosquitoes and rats are the number one enemies. Mosquitoes are scarier than rats because rats will come when we have food in our tents. This can be solved by not keeping food in the tent at all. Otherwise, it will bite into our tent. Then we have to chase the rats again. We have been reminded many times about the ghost rats coming to drill into the tent, but don't worry, there is nothing for them to eat because we didn't bring any food, and there is nowhere to buy it except at the park, which is priced appropriately for this remote location by the sea. So we only have bottles of water, so we are safe from the rats. As for mosquitoes, some survive and some don't. When a big one like this lands on our skin, we can feel it. When it pierces its mouth, it's like getting an electric shock.
This is the tent cluster where we are staying. There are only a few tents next to us where our friends are sleeping.
Crossing the bushes, you will find the beach. Lying there listening to the waves all night long is not as relaxing as you might think. The sound is so loud that you might want to find a switch to turn it off.
The experience of sleeping in a tent by the beach wasn't as relaxing as we and many others had imagined. While camping in a tent on a mountain during the winter, snuggled in a warm sleeping bag, might be considered "chilling," this was far from the case here. Despite having the tent windows open, not a single breeze entered. We ended up fanning ourselves until exhaustion finally led to sleep. However, it wasn't a true sleep, more like a series of dozes and awakenings. The first night was torture due to the heat and the lack of preparation. Everything was new to us, and we hadn't mentally prepared for the experience. The next morning, we set an alarm to watch the sunrise, unsure of the direction it would appear. At least we were out of the tent before it rose.
The deserted beaches of Ko Si are only accessible to those who stay overnight, offering a unique and secluded experience.
The rough waves and overcast sky are actually due to the sun not rising on this beach. It rises on the other side of the island, at Hat Noi.
Let's dive into a new day! The meeting time is 8:00 AM. Boarding the small boat was a bit of a challenge. If you get on and off frequently, you will develop the skill to do it yourself. It's not easy though, because of the strong waves that hit all the time. We have to watch the waves, find the timing to get on the boat, and keep the boat balanced. It's not easy, but it's not difficult either. You have to listen carefully to the guide's instructions. Falling into the water or the boat capsizing is not something that any guide would accept. They want us to be safe and happy, and to have good memories to take home. So, we should listen to what they say and follow their instructions.
The original text describes the experience of using fins for the first time while snorkeling. The author notes that while fins are not typically provided during snorkeling excursions, they decided to bring their own. Despite concerns about potential cramping, the author found that the fins significantly enhanced their swimming speed and strength, allowing them to explore more of the area and navigate strong currents with ease.
The abundance of fish was remarkable, but unfortunately, I was unable to capture underwater photographs due to the lack of an underwater camera. In retrospect, I did not anticipate the stunning beauty of the scene, and I regret not having the opportunity to document it.
We adore water, the ocean, rivers, the rainy season, and the sensation of rain falling (except when riding a motorbike home). When traveling, we prefer the south to the north.
I have been snorkeling in many places, both on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea (Lipe, Trang, Krabi, Surat Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Chonburi - it's easier to count by provinces than by islands, as I can't remember all the island names).
Similan Islands, Phang Nga Province, boasts the most stunning seascapes, pristine coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The natural beauty is unparalleled, leaving a lasting impression. However, the current 40-minute time limit at each point should be extended to 3 hours to fully appreciate the wonders of this marine paradise.
We honestly can't recall which specific island or location among the nine Similan Islands offered the most breathtaking scenery. Our three-day, two-night trip was filled with non-stop diving, leaving us with a hazy memory of the exact spots we explored.
The only dry clothes I had left were the ones I was wearing on the way back to Bangkok. Everything else was soaked.
It rains every day. Diving in the rain, the current is very strong, kicking your legs until you are tired. Sometimes you just let yourself float, and when you have the strength, you kick your legs back again. Looking at the fish below, they are also swimming against the current, because all of them are facing the same direction against the water. Including us (we all quack together, it's cute).
The clouds may be white and low, but the water is still clear.
Sun-dried and soaked, basking in the sun and sipping warm coffee.
In the afternoon, we returned to the shore and headed to Koh Si to climb to a high viewpoint on the mountain. From there, we could see the panoramic view of the sea, Koh Si, and the surrounding small islands. As the afternoon sky was clear with no rain, it was perfect for climbing the mountain.
The only path leading up the mountain is the one that cuts through both the small and large beaches on the island. Tourists are constantly walking on it, so you won't feel lonely.
The climb was arduous due to the wet and slippery path. I fell several times, landing on my backside. Thankfully, the rope provided support throughout the ascent. My beach sandals were ill-suited for the climb, but I persevered. The stunning view was my motivation.
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After reaching the top, we descended. The descent was much more dangerous than the ascent and required more caution. The ground was slippery, as if our shoes were equipped with roller skates. We had to brace both our arms, which were gripping the rope, and our legs, which were taking steps. We slipped and slid, reaching the bottom quickly. (No wonder we saw a trail of footprints on the way up; someone must have slipped down just like us.)
The far side of the mountain is Haad Noi, another beach on the other side of the island.
The waves were extremely strong and pulling, dragging people and everything into the sea. This made it much more difficult to board and disembark from the boat. It was crucial to time the waves perfectly and act quickly. There was no other option.
We took some relaxed photos.
We walked back to the beach in front of Ko Island and took some more photos.
The Day Ends with Delight and Dinner Awaits
The day concludes with a delightful experience, and our guide has arranged dinner for us at 6:00 PM. This applies to those who did not have dinner on the boat, as we spent the afternoon climbing a mountain after returning to shore.
I slept soundly last night, better than the first night. Maybe it was because I was tired or had accumulated sleep deprivation from the previous night. This morning we knew that the sun rises on the small beach, so we woke up early to watch the sunrise together. Today's weather is worse than yesterday's. It has been raining since early morning, making it look gloomy.
The sky was overcast today, so the sunrise was not visible.
We have an 8am appointment to board the boat for scuba diving. Breakfast is served on the boat as usual, but it's not time yet, so we have some time to take photos.
To find a deserted beach on this island, you must stay overnight. Otherwise, by morning, the beach will be full of tourists.
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As the appointed time approached, we made our way to the front of the island to board the boat.
The waves were extremely strong today, making it very difficult to board the boat. The waves kept pulling the boat outwards, and they were so powerful that it was impossible to stand when they hit. Our guide did their best to take care of us, and they instructed us to listen carefully and follow their instructions strictly. It was an unusual situation, and there was a constant risk of danger. The guide even asked us to hand over our cameras in waterproof bags, just in case the worst happened and the boat capsized. Our belongings would be safe. The guide took great care of us. When the waves allowed, we quickly stepped onto the boat and moved to the front. The next person followed, and so on until everyone was on board. Then the driver quickly steered the boat out to sea, away from the breaking waves, as fast as possible.
After breakfast on the boat, we set sail for our morning dive.
This morning's diving spot is at Haad Noi, behind Koh 4, where we took photos this morning. Although the sky is overcast and the weather has been gloomy all day, the water is still very clear. So much so that we can see the coral and fish from the boat.
After finishing our diving and lunch, we returned to the shore to continue our tour program with Way, who had dropped us off earlier. We boarded a speedboat and headed back.
The afternoon program was to visit one diving spot and one island to see the Sail Rock. However, the guide decided that we would not go to the island due to the strong waves, which could be dangerous for tourists. Instead, we went diving at two spots and saw the Sail Rock and Snoopy Rock from the boat.
Diving during the rainy season can be challenging due to strong currents. Inexperienced divers may find themselves drifting far from the boat without realizing it. It is important to be aware of the current direction and to stay close to the boat. However, there is no need to worry if you do drift away, as the dive crew will retrieve you. You will not be left stranded in the Similan Islands.
After completing the tour program, we took a speedboat back to the private pier of Seastar, Thap Lamu, with safety in mind. Upon arrival, we showered and changed, and took a shuttle back to Phuket Airport to return to Bangkok with happiness and satisfaction in everything we had encountered throughout the 3 days. It will remain in our memories forever.
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Friday, October 4, 2024 3:02 PM
