Although we humans have already loaded a good part of the natural spaces of our planet, there are still corners in the world that have practically not been modified by the hand of man. This is the case of the Mu Ko Similan National Park , an archipelago of 11 islands located in the Thai province of Phang Nha, in the Andaman Sea. With an area of 70 square kilometers, it is considered one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world, something that does not surprise us at all, since it is home to spectacular white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and magical coral reefs. Therefore, it is also one of the best places in the world to dive.
Would you like to know more about this national park in Thailand ? Well, we recommend that you be very attentive to what we tell you below!
The 11 islands of the park
As we were saying, today we want to know the Mu Ko Similan National Park a little better. So, the first thing we want to do is discover the meaning of your name. And is that while "mu ko" means "group of islands" in Thai, "similan" means "nine" in yawi, a dialect of Malay. At first, the park only included 9 islands, all of them numbered , although they also have their own name: Ko Huyong (1), Ko Payang (2), Ko Payan (3), Ko Miang (4), Ko Ha (5 ), Ko Hok (6), Ko Hin Pousar (7), Ko Similan (8) and Ko Bangu (9). Later two other islands were added to the park: Ko Ko Tachai and Bon.
The best of the islands
Without a doubt, one of the main attractions of this natural park is that it hides a rich marine life, mainly coral. Of course, it must also be borne in mind that this place is also home to several species of birds. Of course, we must highlight the gigantic rocks that are spread over some beaches that, as we have mentioned before, are of fine white sand and offer turquoise waters that invite you to take a dip. In short, the best activities you can do on the island are diving, snorkeling , bird watching, hiking and relaxing on the beach.
The best way to visit the park
On the other hand, we want to comment that the headquarters of the park is Ko Miang, an island that houses several bungalows and tents. Of course, it is important to bear in mind that the accommodation options in the park are limited. Therefore, spending a night here is tremendously difficult. Thus, among the best options to visit this place, we highlight taking a day trip from Khao Lak or Phuket (there are many agencies that offer transport to a specific beach or tours to different places in the archipelago) or rent a boat for several days. On the other hand, you should know that the best time of the year to visit this place is from December to April, since the waters are clearer. In addition, it is important that you bear in mind that between May and October the park is closed.
90% of the coral life of the islands has become extinct
Unfortunately, it seems that 90% of the coral life on these islands has become extinct due to changes in temperature. Of course, the reefs are recovering little by little, although it will be decades before we can speak of a complete recovery of the area. Then we leave you with our gallery , where you will find more images of this spectacular natural park located in Thailand. Do not miss it!
