The Similan Islands are a group of nine virtually uninhabited tropic islands lying approximately 80km (50 miles) northwest of Phuket. The group has been declared a marine national park, and increasing efforts are being made to keep them in their currently pristine condition.
The islands include some of the best dive sites in Thailand. The possibilities range from touring coral gardens to adventurous drift diving in strong currents. The visibility tops out at over 40 metres (130 feet) during the November to April peak season, revealing a wonder world among the giant coral encrusted granite boulders, which are piled on top of each other from depths of 25 metres (90 feet) and more.
Koh Huyong, the southernmost island of the Similan group, offers a magnificent coral garden in 7 to 14 metres (23 to 46 feet) of clear waters. This site frequently has more than 30 metres (100 foot) visibility, only slight currents and is considered a very safe site.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there