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 Similan
Islands National park: This group of nine small islands
located 50 kms. off the west coast of Phang Nga in the Andaman
Sea, has been rated by Skin Diving Magazine in the USA as one
of the ten most beautiful spots in the world because of its beauty
both underwater and on land. From north to south the islands are:
Koh Bon, Koh Ba Ngu, Koh Similan, Koh Pa Yoo, Koh Ha, Koh Miang,
Koh Ba Van, Koh Pa Yang, and Koh Hu Yong. The offices of the national
park are located on Koh Miang, as there is freshwater on the island.
Ta Chai Island between the Similan Islands and the Surin Islands,
is also part of the national park. Tourist attractions here in
the national park are:
- Similan Island: This is the largest island
in the national park and has a curving bay resembling a horseshoe,
The underwater view here is spectacular with beautiful coral reefs,
ideal for diving. The beach on the island is white, fine graing
sand. On the north end of the island are extraordinarylooking
rocks. One of them, for example, resembles a boot, another resembles
a sailboat. This spot is a fantastic viewpoint.
- Puzar Rock: Also known as Skull Island (Koh
Hua Kha-loke) or Baby Elephant Rock (Hin Luek Chang), the underwater
landscape here.is like valleys in a mountain, all of them full
of coral and fish. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted here.
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Hu Young Island: This island boasts the whitest and longest
beach in the national park. During November to February sea turtles
come up to the beach to lay eggs.
- Miang Island: This is the second largest
island in the national park and boasts beautiful beaches. There
is also freshwater on the island. The offices of the national
park are here.
- Koh Ta Chai: This is the island located between
the Similan Islands and the Surin Islands. On the island are rocks,
streams, waterfalls, beautiful beaches, and near-extinct species
such as Nicobar pigeons.
How to get there:
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From Thap Lamu Pier: This pier is located in Thai-muang
district. The trip takes 2-3 hours. large boats and speed boats
are available for rent here, or visitors could contact the national
park's office at the pier or buy a tour from Med Sai Tours (tel.
0-7644-3276), Kura-buri Greenview Travel (tel. 0-7659-5068), Phra
Nang Tours (tel. 0-7643- 2375), Pro Ocean Divers Similan Tour
(tel. 0-9800-6342), Jack Similan Traval (tel. 0-7644-3205) and
Andaman Leisure Phuket (tel. 0-7635-2088). Accommodations on the
Similan islands can be reserved at the Similan Islands National
Park Offices, Moo 1 Tambon lamkaen, Thai-muang District, Phang Nga
(tel. 0-7659 -5045,07642-1365)
The national park is open to the public during November
I6-May 15 of each year. However, checking the weather
conditions before going is recommended. Contact the Weather Department
at tel. 0-2399-4566,0-2260-1502.
 Surin
Islands National Park: There are five islands in this
national park: Koh Surin Nua, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ree, Koh Khai
and Koh Klang. This group of islands is close to the marine boundary
between Myanmar and Thailand and has one of the most remarkable
panoplies of coral reef life to be found anywhere. Snorkeling
gear would be proficient enough to see the coral. Tourist attractions
within the national park are:
- Tao Bay: Located on the east of Surin Thai
island (South Surin Island), this bay is home to many sea turtles
living near the beautiful coral reefs.
- Phak Kaad Bay: This bay is on the south of
Surin Tai Island or Pachumpa island. There are many large fish
living in the coral reef here.
- Mai Ngam Bay: This bay is on the west of Koh
Surin Nua Visitors can either see the beautiful nature here on
foot or by long-tail boat, the beach is 2 kms. long. There is
also freshwater here.
- Khai or Thorilla Island: Located south of
Surin Thai Island, this island has a long and beautiful coral
reefs on its west coast, great for snorkeling.
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Chak Bay (the bay in front of Ree or Stork Island): This
bay is on the north of Surin Nua island and also has a beautiful
coral reef.
- Sea Gypsy Village: About 130-150 sea gypsies,
or as called in Thai, "Chao Lay" or "M organ",
live on the north of Surin Tai Island. This tribe of sea gypsies
has continued to live in its own culture and traditions.
- Richelieu Rock: Located on the east coast
of the' Surin Islands, this rock is the most likely spot in the
Andaman sea where divers may see whale sharks. There is also a
beautiful coral reef and many other sea creatures.
How to get there:
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From Kura-buri Pier (about 2 hrs): Visitors can reserve
a boat at the offices of the national park at tel. 0-7649-1378
or at Kura-buri Greenview Travel at tel. 0-7649-1477-8
- From Thap Lamu Pier: The pier is in Thai-muang
District. The trip takes about 4 hours.
- From Khaper Pier, Ranong: Visitors can also
contact Chansom Thara Hotel, where they have boats leaving from
Chan Damri Beach to Surin Islands. Accommodations are avilable
on the islands of Koh Surin Nua. For more information, contact
the offices of the national park at tel. 0-2399-4566,0-2260-1502.
 Sri
Phang Nga National Park: Lying about 100 kms. north of
Phang Nga Town, this national park is all forest full of wild
animals. Tourist attractions here are:
- Tham Nang Waterfall: Go down the road from
the national parks' offices for 4.5 kms. and on foot for another
500 meters to waterfall.
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Thone Thon Tuei Waterfall : This waterfall is about 1
hour 30 minutes away from the national park's offices. On the
way, you will reach Thone Thon Tuei Noi Water fall.
- Tone Sai Waterfall: This waterfall is 15
minutes down the road that spits off on the right near the entrance
booth from the main road leading into the park.
To get to this national park, from Thakua-pa take the Petchakasem
Road that leads to Ranong. At km. 756 turn right and drive on
for about another 5 kms.
Phra
Thong Island: Located in Tambon Koh Phra Thong, Kura-buri
District, this large island is home to many villagers. The nature
on the island is still very beautiful with beautiful beach, forest,
wild animals, grassland with shrubs and a freshwater lake. There
are accommodations available on the island. Visitors wishing to
go there may rent a boat from Kura-bui Pier. The trip takes 1
hour 10 minutes.
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