Tourist attraction in Thailand: ‘The Simalan Islands’

Similan national park located in Koh Phra Thong Sub-district, Khura Buri District, Phang Nga (the National Park office is located in Lam Kaen Sub-district, Thai Mueang District) covers an area of ​​80,000 rai or 128 square kilometers. The term “Similan” in the Malay language means nine Islands. Similan is a small archipelago nestled in the Andaman sea that consists of 9 islands lining from the north to the south are Koh Hu Yong, Koh Pa Yung, Koh Pa Yan, Koh Miang, Koh Pa Yu, Skull Island, Similan Island, and Koh Ba Ngu. Similan Islands are recognized as a magnificent in its beauty either ashore and undersea. The islands feature various species of coral to lure the divers both snorkeling and scuba. Furthermore, a lot of rare species of sea fishes are available for the tourists to spot such as whale, dolphin, moray, etc. Mainly the coral reef of Similan Islands National Park is a deep-water coral reef with a lot of attractive corals like staghorn coral, bottlebrush coral, and Seriatopora histrix, specifically, Seriatopora histrix which is very rare to find except here and Surin Islands. The highlighted areas to see the coral reef are Koh Bon, Koh Ba Ngu, Similan Island, Koh Pai, Koh Miang, Koh Ha, Koh Pa Yung, Koh Pa Yan, and Koh Hu Yong. Apart from the coral, there also are a lot of aquatic livings – sponge, soft coral, Coralline algae, sea flowers, giant clam, squid, lobster, and crab. And the fish reside in the location according to the explore is at least 54 species for instance grouper, sea basses, loach, hard-lipped barb, butterfly fish, parrot fish, etc. The Similan Islands have an ecosystem both unique and fragile. The islands have been one of the most popular attractions in Thailand for many years. Unfortunately, the lovely nature reserve is so fragile, it is unable to sustain the massive number of tourists. For this reason, the islands are protected by the government of Thailand. During the monsoon season, the Similan Islands are closed for all visitors including tourists. The monsoon season begins in May, ending in October but will be available for tourists from November to the middle of May.