Khao Lak and Similian Islands

Khao Lak is located about 100km south of Phuket at the Andaman Sea of Thailand. Khao Lak was hit quiet strong by the Tsunami in 2004, but has totally recovered from that disaster. The beautiful beaches and the amazing Khao Lak-Lam Ru national park make Khao Lak a top travel destination in every Thailand holiday. Khao Lak is also often used as a basis to explore the Similian Islands and it’s world class coral reefs. The Similian Islands national park is located about 70km of the coast of Khao Lak and provides with its jungle covered granit islands, wonderful beaches and amazing coral reefs a unique experience for travelers and divers. The Similian Islands national park is consists of nine islands with the main islands Ko Miang and Ko Similian.

Diving and Liveaboards

If you have done your diving courses in Koh Tao, you will be surprised what else is around there in the amazing underwater world of the Similian Islands. Top dive sites like Manta Point (Koh Bon) and Whale shark Magnet (Richelieu Rock) provide an exciting experience for beginners and advanced divers. There are daytrips and liveaboard trips to the Similian Islands national park available. Recommended are liveaboard trips (4 nights / 4 days ) to experience full beauty of the underwater world of the Similian Islands national park. In addition the chance is higher to spot mantas and whale sharks. The diving season takes place from November to May afterwards the diving schools close until next season. It is advisable to book your liveaboard trips in advance. More information about liveaboard trips can be found here.

Places to Stay

There are lots of accommodations available in Khao Lak from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts, your best bet is to book in advance to make sure you get what you want.

How to Get There

After successfully finishing your diving courses in Koh Tao, you can take the night boat to Surat Thani and continue to Khao Sock nationalpark or directly to Khao Lak. Of course you could also fly from Bangkok to Phuket and continue to Khao Lak.