Similan Archipelago National Park (Mu Ko Similan) Thailand, Spectacular Natural Beauty of Andaman Sea
Thailand offers amazing underwater views that are worth seeing. Similan Archipelago National Park is made up of 9 small islands. It covers an area of 130 square kilometers. It is situated 50 kilometers off the west coast of Phangnga in the Andaman Sea. Sometimes, Ko Similan is referred as Ko Kao, or Nine Islands as the nine of them also has the number as a nickname. Actually, similan is corrupted from the Malay word “sembilan” for nine. From the north to the south, the archipelago comprises Ko Bon, Ko Ba Ngu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (actually two islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, Ko Ku Yong. They are just petite islands and most of them are uninhabited except for park officials and occasional tourist groups.
Mu Ko Similan has been appraised by Skin-Diving Magazine of the USA as among ten loveliest places in the world. The Similans are also regarded as mainly deep water diving. Their reputation is deserved because of the great beauty of nature discovered on the islands and extensive surrounding coral gardens underwater. The islands are undeveloped and unspoiled. A considerable variety of species of fish, crustaceans, and other marine life flourish. The water in the area is as clear as a glass and excellent for diving.
The impressive boulder formations also continue below the water line. They form – covered with coral in beautiful colors – a breathtaking underwater architecture which at some places reminds of sunken cities. Although all dive sites vary much in appearance, Christmas Point and Elephant Head Rock are the ones with the most impressive underwater boulder formations.
The Similan Archipelago National Park is also home to thirty two species of birds. Many birds are migratory but you will also find the resident Brahminy Kite and White-breasted Waterhen. Among the migratory birds that come to the archipelago to nest are Pintail Snipe, Gray Wagtail, Cattle Egret, Watercock and Roseate Tern.
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