Mu Koh Similan National Park
Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group
of nine islands. This is located in Tambon Koh Phra Thong,
Amphoe Khura Buri, occupying an area of 32,000 acres. It was
declared a national park on 1st September 1982. Similan is
a small group of islands comprising nine islands stretching
from north to south, respectively, namely: Koh Bon, Koh Bayu,
Koh Similan, Koh Payu, Koh Miang (two adjoining islands),
Koh Payan, Koh Payang, and Koh Huyong. The National Parks
office is located on Koh Miang. Similan is highly praised
for its beautiful scenery, both onshore and underwater. It
is situated 70 kilometres from Phang-nga town. Best time to
visit is between November and April.
Mu Koh Surin National Park
Situated in Tambon Koh Phra Thong and covering an area of
84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Koh Surin is an archipelago
of 5 islands: Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Khai,
and Koh Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9,
1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near
the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand.
There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is
suitable for snorkelling. The best time to visit is from November
to April.
Koh Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay
is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To
the southeast of Koh Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so
deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow
corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and
various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan,
Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Koh Surin
Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their
traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On
shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem
Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on the 15th
day of the waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village
would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for
3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Koh Surin Nuea
with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre
walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features
of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely
bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for
snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of
Koh Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.
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