Similan Islands – The gem of the Andaman Sea

Situated west of Thailand and east of the Andaman Nicobar Islands, The Andaman Sea is part of the Indian Ocean with gorgeous topography islands located here. Andaman has been traditionally used for fishery and transportation of goods between the coastal countries, but with the magnitude of its coral reefs teeming abundant marine life and the perfect surrounding, now it is famous as a holiday destination.

One of the definite highlights of the Andaman Sea is the Similan Islands. Boasting around 50 dive sites, with many considered to be among the best in the world, Similan Islands is a definition of paradise. The appeal of the Similans as a romantic sailing destination is obvious – with its picturesque islands, beautiful natural beaches, pristine and bright turquoise water, and of course, its abundant marine life, no place sounds more like a paradise.

The Similan archipelago covers eleven picturesque islands, spreading over 140 square kilometers. With exceptional visibility of the crystal clear shallow waters throughout the archipelago, Similan Islands offers an adventure experience that is unmatched in Thailand. Not only diving or snorkeling but an exploration of exotic wildlife among the lush jungle or hiking breathtaking viewpoints – Similan Islands will steal your heart.

You can visit Similan Islands with Islander by chartering a yacht in Phuket or Khao Lak. From Khao Lak, you are only 40 minutes boat ride away from the Similans. It is best to visit this tropical paradise from November till May, with March-April being the best months as you can encounter whale sharks and manta rays. For the island hoppers, Khao Lak also holds a strategic location due to its proximity to the Surin Islands, another must-visit destination of the Andaman Sea.

The Andaman Sea is still an undiscovered gem for sailors and all those sea explorers alike. As mentioned, apart from the Similans in Thailand, there are completely untouched Surin Islands, followed by the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. With a tropical climate and always warm for good year-round, the Andaman Sea experiences no cyclones, typhoons, or extreme weather fronts. Everyone must visit this remote part of Thailand at least once in their lifetime!