Name Your Link

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• “In the race for excellence, there is no finish line” - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai. Inspired by the vision of its ruler, the glittering metropolis of Dubai is moving ahead in dizzying pace to clinch the top position among other global destinations, ahead of other traditional favourites like Hong Kong, Paris and Singapore. The government has projected an ambitious figure of 15 million tourists who are expected to arrive in Dubai by 2010. The world’s eyes are strained on Dubai where even the most incredible is becoming possible. Man-made islands, building of a new coast-line, the world’s tallest habitable tower, new parameters of leisure water-front living, the world’s largest mall, a rotating tower….the list is seemingly endless. Billions of dollars are being pumped into spectacular tourism projects like Bawadi fashioned on the Las Vegas model, clusters of man-made islands are being built all round Dubai’s coastline, in the shape of the Palm, and the World. Then there is the world’s tallest tower Al Burj, dwarfing the Taipei 101 and the Petronas Twin Tower, Al Burj. Dubailand with its themed parks and Disney-style entertainment, world class lifestyle resorts like the Dubai Festival City, you can only see to believe the magical transformation of Dubai’s skyline. Often described as a city of contrasts, Dubai offers a fabulous cosmopolitan lifestyle with an understated elegance. There are attractions galore for the visitors: sunny beaches, five-star services, legendary hotels, vibrant shopping centres and gleaming skyscrapers vie with the traditional dhows and ancient souks. Where else can a tourist experience everything from large state-of-the art leisure and retail malls to sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush green parks and the enduring tranquility of the desert, all in a single day of sightseeing.
  Dubai’s history could make a script for a Hollywood movie pale into insignificance. Before its massive transformation post oil-strike in the 60’s, its past paints an intriguing story of pearl divers, smugglers, colonial rule and independence all on the fast forward track. Historical documentation of Dubai is scarce, but the city's emphatic position as the region's leading trading post dates back to the ancient Kingdom of Sumer around 3000 BC. There are even records that link the emirate to the Bronze Age, Magan civilisation of 2000 BC, and suggest that Dubai Port was the main shipping route between Oman and Mesopotamia, as well as other ancient empires. The list of occupiers from 3000 B.C. onwards was swift, with one civilization overcoming and conquering the last. Among the most influential was the Persian dynasty of Sassanid, who had taken Dubai Creek and its surrounding areas as its own since 224 B.C. But it was a short-lived occupation. Come the seventh century, the Umayyads came, settled, and bought with them Islam from western Saudi Arabia. The Arabs were followed by the Mongols and soon after the Ottomons, each leaving their mark on the local culture and all championing the Islamic religion. From the eighth century onwards, Dubai strengthened its position as a leading trade port between the eastern and western worlds, with the silk trade from China and the pearling industry of the Persian Gulf earning the region some major maritime brownie points. Dubai was taken over in 1830 by the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis led by the Maktoum family. Commercial success linked to the liberal attitudes of Dubai’s rulers made the emirate attractive to traders from India and Iran who began to settle in the growing town. By the turn of the century Dubai was reputed to have the largest souks in the Gulf Coast with 350 shops in Deira district alone. While trade developed, Dubai remained a protectorate of Britain as part of the trucial states which extended along the Northern Coast of the Arabian peninsula. When the British withdrew in 1971, Dubai joined Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm-Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah to form the Federation of the United Arab Emirates.
  The United Arab Emirates sits proudly on the north-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and west and the Sultanate of Oman to the east and north. The country is made up of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm AI Quwain, and Ras AI Khaimah. Abu Dhabi, which occupies over 80% of the country, is the biggest emirate, with Dubai the second largest. In contrast to Dubai's glittering skyline and larger-than-life projects, the coast of the UAE is littered with coral reefs and over 200 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The majority of the country is desert, but to the east, rises the formidable Hajar Mountains. Lying close to the Gulf of Oman, they form a backbone through the country, from the Mussandam Peninsula in the north, through the eastern UAE and into Oman. The Rub AI Khali, more commonly known as the Empty Quarter, occupies a swathe of the south of the country - its desert punctuated by the occasional oasis and spectacular dunes. Common to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen, it is the largest sand desert in the world, covering an area roughly the same size as France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Dubai is made up largely of arid desert and with sometimes breathtaking sand dunes hiding the odd oasis. This juxtaposition of geography coupled with incredibly high temperatures limits the variety of flora and fauna present, but you'll be surprised at just how green parts of the UAE are, and Dubai is no exception with the UAE government spending time and money on its 'greening' programme. Well-maintained grass, healthy palm trees and pretty flowers lining endless roads are a common feature in this part of the world. But one issue that the UAE is still struggling to overcome is water consumption - currently the highest per capita in the world. A desalination complex has been built in Jebel Ali in an attempt to combat the lack of ground water and meet this near-impossible demand, but long-term solutions are still awaited.
  Although Dubai represents vast stretches of desert land, there are over 3,500 plants endemic to the country, as well as extensive fauna. The birdlife here is reasonably extensive too, but it's the coastline, that is home to an impressive array of natural life, that really takes your breath away. A myriad of tropical fish, as well as a variety of sharks, dolphins and the dugong (sea cow) make up the awesome marine life, which draws divers and snorkellers from all over the world. With various breeds of turtle also indigenous to the region, you could be lucky enough to see Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill turtles - three of the planet's most endangered species.
  Dubai is well-known as the gateway between the East and the West infusing modernity and style with the traditional Arabic hospitality. Here you can take your pick from the world’s richest horse race and traditional sport of falconry, make merry at the night clubs, shop for the world’s biggest brands or go hunting for spices in primitive souks –Dubai has managed to achieve what other Arab cities have failed to do, create the right balance western influence and eastern tradition. Its culture is rooted in Islamic traditions that penetrate the Arabian peninsula and beyond, but the city’s visionary development is evident proof of an open-minded and liberal outlook.
  The timeless values of Islam lie at the heart of Dubai’s living heritage providing a strength and inspiration that touches all aspects of everyday life. Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the holy Quran and every healthy Muslim is expected to fast from dawn to dusk. During daylight hours, those fasting and required to abstain from food, drinks and alcohol. The call for prayers at sunset marks the end of the fast for the day and before praying the fast is broken with dates and water. After breaking of the fast, the Iftar meal is eaten with family and friends. In the UAE, traditional Iftaar dishes include Harees (made with meat and cracked wheat), fareed (meat and vegetable stew) and lugamat (deep-fried dough balls with date syrup and honey). The timing of Ramadan is not fixed according to the Gregorian calendar and goes back approximately 11 days every year, subject to the positioning of the moon. In Dubai Ramadan sparks the spirit of charity among residents as one of the biggest charity campaigns takes off during this time. Initiated by Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai, the campaign saw community organizations, sports, clubs, schools, businesses and philanthrophists championing the cause of poverty and social development in the world. In 2007, a whopping Dhs. 3.48 billion was raised to help educate poor children throughout the world.
  Perpetual sun and clear blue skies sum up Dubai's weather. The emirate has a sub tropical and arid climate that gets very hot in the height of the summer. Rainfall is infrequent and normally only occurs in winter. Occasionally there are sandstorms when the sand is whipped off the desert. Temperatures range from a low of around 1 D'C (SD'F) in winter, to a high of 48C (118'F) in summer. The mean daily maximum is 24'C (7S'F) in January, rising to 41 'C (1 D6'F) in August.
  In sharp contrast to other neighbouring Islamic countries, Dubai has consistently encouraged an open-minded and open doors policy. While some of Dubai’s neighbouring countries do not allow women to be seen without heir male escorts, Dubai presents a very progressive and liberal outlook. Women safely negotiate their way on Dubai’s roads even late at night without any eyebrows being raised. There is no dress code and tourists and residents are welcome to embrace any fashion as long as it does not offend anybody’s sensibilities. All this said and done, the rulers of the Emirates are still very active in preserving the country's heritage and safeguarding the culture from erosion and the negative influence of tourism. Visitors can expect to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people here. And there's no way that you're going to miss the distinct sense of national pride that is prevalent. It's incredibly common, for example, to see locals in their traditional dress. For the men this is a dishdash(a) or khandura - a full-length shirt-dress that is worn with a white or red chequered headdress (gutra) and secured in place with black cord (agal). Women wear a black abaya - a long, loose black robe that opens from the front. Names are usually taken from an important person in the Quran or the person's tribe. This is followed by the word bin (son of) for a boy, or bint (daughter of) for a girl, and then the name of the child's father. The last name indicates the person's tribe or family. For prominent families, this has Al, the Arabic word for 'the; before it.
  While oil has been crucial to Dubai’s development since the late 1960’s, the non-oil sector currently contributes more than 90 per cent of the total gross domestic product. Tourism, directly and indirectly adds up to 30 per cent of Dubai’s non-oil GDP while real estate and construction adds upto 19.4 per cent of the GDP. In business, the government of Dubai is dedicated to liberal and free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity. This is well illustrated by the incentives available to investors at the Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone, the Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Jebel Ali Free Zone and also in the latest projects like the Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis and the Mohammed bin Rashid Technology Park among others.

• Ruling Family

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• The Supreme Council of the UAE comprising of hereditary rulers of the seven emirates is the highest federal authority responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defense, foreign affairs, development and for ratifying federal laws.
• The Federal Council of Ministers responsible to the Supreme Council has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives appointed for two years by each individual emirate. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power to veto. 
• The President, Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (who is also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi) succeeded his father Shiakh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in November 2004. On February 1, 2008, Ruler of Dubai, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decree appointing Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Crown Prince of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed issued another decree naming Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Deputy Rulers of Dubai. 
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Understand

The park covers 140 square kilometres in total, 14 of those being land in the shape of an archipelago consisting of nine islands. They are Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. For simplicity they are often referred to by their number instead - 1 through 9 starting from the south. Recently, the park was expanded to include the two remote islands Ko Bon and Ko Tachai, but since "Sembilan" is Malay for "nine" this doesn't seem to stick in people's minds and those are not visited as often as the original nine.

[edit]History

The islands were created by upwellings of hot magma during the Tertiary-Cretaceous period some 65 million years ago, then smoothed by glacial ice and the erosion by the sea. The coral reefs are about 5,000 years old and hence the oldest in Thailand. In 1982, the national park was established and now it is scheduled to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 2004 tsunami left the islands and the underwater landscape almost unharmed, since the waters are very deep around the islands.

[edit]Landscape

The nine granite islands are postcard perfect images of paradise, covered in tropical jungle and equipped with beaches of chalk-white sand. As if this was not enough, the views under the water surface are even more impressive and many people believe this is the best dive site in Thailand. Skin-Diver Magazine has acclaimed the Similans to be one of the ten most beautiful places in the world.

[edit]Flora and fauna

There is an enormous diversity of fish species. Underwater visibility is the best you will find in Thailand. You will see plenty of colourful fish such as lionfish and clownfish (Nemo), and if you're lucky you may spot a bigger one like a manta or even a whale shark. The corals in the area have largely fallen victim to coral bleaching in 2010 and have not yet recovered, though the fish still make snorkelling and diving worthwhile.

On Koh Huyong, the Royal Thai Marines run a turtle breeding facility and access to the island is restricted.

[edit]Climate

High season in the Similans is from December until April, when the monsoon stays far away. The best period to visit is March, when the winds are calm and the water clear. The national park is closed from May 16 to November 15.

[edit]Get in

There are several dive trips going to the Similans from Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both day trips and live aboard cruises are available. Dedicated cruises usually start at 4 days and 4 nights (4d/4n) in length. Many shorter trips are available, often with operators who have a large vessel on the islands over summer and who do regular transfers using smaller speed boats.

Note that there is a national park entry fee of 400 baht per traveller and a further daily usage fee of 200 baht per diver per day. Most boats do not include this in their quoted price. It is paid to your dive operator before the trip.

[edit]From Phuket

Some diving liveaboard trips depart from Chalong or Patong. Most departures actually leave from Tap Lamu near Khao Lak but focus on the Phuket area, with offices in Phuket and pickups from major beaches

[edit]Diving liveaboards and dive trips

• Dive Asia., 24 Karon Road, Kata Beach, 83100 Phuket, ☎ +66 (0) 76 330598, +66 (0)76 284117 (info@diveasia.com, fax: +66(0) 76 521949, mob +66 (0)81 8948588), [2]. Scuba diving and snorkeling trips, Richelieu Rock, Similan liveaboard trip, Richelieu Rock, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock liveaboard trip, Surin Island - Richelieu Rock liveaboard trip, Similan Island liveaboard trip, PADI course, package tours, dive equipment sale and rental.  edit

• Jonathan Cruiser, 43/63 Moo 5, Viset Rd., T. Rawai A. Muang, Phuket, ☎ +66 76 281529 (info@jonathan-cruiser.com, fax: +66 76 281530), [3]. Jonathan Cruiser offers 4d/5n and 5d/6n liveaboard diving trips. 25,000 baht for 4d/5n plus park fees and rental.  edit

• Peterpan Andaman Diving Co.,Ltd., 8/62-3 Moo 3 Kwang Rd. Tambon Vichit, Amphur Muang Phuket, ☎ +66 76 521948, +66 76 521949 (info@peterpancruise.com, fax: +66 76 521949, mob +66 84 638 6668), [4]. Scuba diving and snorkelling trip, Richelieu Rock daily trip, Surin Island daily trip, liveaboard trip, Burma (Myanma) liveaboard trip, Richelieu Rock, Burma (Myanma liveaboard) trip, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock liveaboard trip, Surin Island - Richelieu Rock liveaboard trip, Similan Island liveaboard trip, private cruise charter, wedding cruise charter, corporate event and party charter, PADI course, package tours, dive equipment rental.  edit

• Phuket Scuba Club, 241 Koktanod Road, Kata Beach, Phuket (Opposite Mom Tris Boathouse Hotel), ☎ +66 76 284026 (info@phuket-scuba-club.com, fax: +66 76 284026), [5]. Regular Liveaboard departures from Phuket and available throughout October-May high season.  edit

• Scuba Cat Diving, 94 Thaweewong Rd, Patong Beach, Phuket, ☎ +66 76 293120 (info@scubacat.com, fax: +66 76 293122), [6]. Several liveaboard options are available. 3 cruise vessels do longer trips (4d/4n and up) to the Similan Islands and other destinations. The MV Scuba Cat is moored on the Similans throughout the high season with transfers by speedboat on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 2d/1n or extended stays are available. The lack of daily transfers has its upside: there won't be the bustle of divers arriving and leaving every single day. From 12,000 baht for 2d/1n.  edit

• South Siam Divers, 459/1 The Best Villa, Patak Rd, Karon, Muang, Phuket, ☎ +66 76 286016 (info@southsiamdivers.com, fax: +66 76 286020), [7]. South Siam Divers has two boats moored on the Similan Islands, one with daily transfers and one with transfers 5 days a week (excluding Wednesday and Sunday). Daytrips through to living onboard for a week or more. The boat sleeps 28 and day trips are also possible, so during peak season there can be as many as 60 people on board for lunch between the arrival and departure of the speedboat. Divers are allowed 4 dives a day of 50 min each and must follow a guide. From 11,000 baht for 2d/1n.  edit

• Sunrise Divers, 269/24 Patak Rd, Karon Beach Phuket, ☎ +66 76 398040 (info@sunrise-divers.com, fax: +66 76 286130), [8]. In Phuket since 1999, offers liveaboards and day trips to the Similan Islands on a wide variety of boats from backpacker style to more luxurious.  edit

• Thailand Divers, 198/12 Rat U Thid Road, Patong Beach, Phuket, ☎ +66 76 292052 (info@thailand-divers.com, fax: +66 76 293034), [9]. Liveaboards and day trips to the amazing Similan Islands  edit

• Similan Dive Center™, 22/37 Moo 4, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga (opposite Bangkok Bank in the center of Khao Lak), ☎ +66 76 485 792 (info@similandivecenter.com). Open all year. Top service dive center with pick up service for Phuket for diving daytrips to the Similan islands and Koh Bon. Liveaboards from 2 days / 1 night to 4 days / 4 nights to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Official Mares Dive Center with a large range of diving and snorkeling equipment.  edit

[edit]From Singapore

[edit]Diving liveaboards and dive trips

• White Manta Liveaboards, 18 Sin Ming Walk, #02-03, Singapore, ☎ +65 9677 8894 (info@whitemanta.com, fax: +65 6452 5496), [10]. A Singaporean operator which has two vessels doing liveaboards in the Similans on the MV White Manta and the MV Black Manta. White Manta liveaboards are fairly high end, with the option of staying in luxury master suites with en suite bathrooms. 4d/3n trips start at approximately 28,000 baht.  edit

[edit]From Khao Lak

[edit]Diving liveaboards and dive trips

• Khao Lak Explorer Dive Center, 4/81 Moo 7, Khao Lak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga, ☎ +66 76485308 (info@khaolakexplorer.com), [11]. Liveaboards and Daytrips to Similan Islands ,Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock from Khao Lak.Koh Phi Phi Liveaboard Daily departures for any duration.  edit

• Khao Lak Scuba, ☎ +66 76 485 878 (info@khaolakscuba.com), [12]. From 15,900 baht for private 2-person cabin..  edit

• Khao Lak Trip Dive Centre, 4/93 Moo 7, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga, ☎ +66 76 485 297, +66 8 4638 6668 (info@khaolaktrip.com, fax: +66 76 485 296), [13]. 4d/4n trip (up to 14 dives) to the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock. From 18,900 baht.  edit

• Manta Point Dive Center, 91 Moo 6, Khao Lak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga, ☎ +66 76 485 624 (info@mantapoint.com), [14]. Operate liveaboards to Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock from Khao Lak. Daily departures for any duration.  edit

• Oktavia Dive Center, 70/4 Moo 5, Bang Niang (200 metres past Pinocchio Restaurant towards the beach), ☎ +66 83 634 0383 (mvoktavia@gmail.com), [15]. Owners and operators of MV Oktavia, one of the largest vessels cruising the Similan Islands for divers, snorkellers, and sun-worshippers alike.  edit

• Similan Dive Center™, 22/37 Moo 4, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga (opposite Bangkok Bank in the center of Khao Lak), ☎ +66 76 485 792 (info@similandivecenter.com). Open all year. Khao Lak ecological dive center offers diving in a friendly atmosphere with an experienced crew. Day trips and daily departing liveaboards to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Official Mares Dive Center with a large range of diving and snorkeling equipment. Operated by Khao Lak residents with over 20 years of experience in environmental research and diving.  edit

• Similan Diving Safaris, 13/19 Moo 7, Khao Lak, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga, ☎ +66 76 485470 (info@similan-diving-safaris.com, fax: +66 76 485471), [16]. From 17,800 baht (bunk in a 4-person room) for 4d/4n.  edit

• Similan Paradive, Bang Niang, ☎ +66 76 485324 (info@similan-paradive.fr), [17]. French dive school PADI and CMAS From 11,500 baht for 2d/1n.  edit

• Thailand Dive & Sail (Khao Lak Dive Centre), 4/88 Soi Bang La On, Moo 7, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga (on the side street leading to Banana Bungalows near the Viking Restaurant), ☎ +66 87 887 3878 (info@thailanddiveandsail.com), [18]. Reliable, independent information and booking services for scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing trips to the Similan Islands.  edit

• Wicked Diving (Khao Lak Diving), 4/17 Moo 7 Khao Lak, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga (adjacent to Viking Restaurant in the heart of Khao Lak), ☎ +66 76 485 868, +66 76 486 868(info@wickeddiving.com), [19]. Khao Lak's only dive run to ethical and environmentally friendly standards. Operating two liveaboards offering 3 and 5 day expeditions to the Similan and Surin Islands providing for all diving skill levels. Also offer diving training, overnight tours and 3d/2n diving adventures with the nights spent on the the islands and days spent at various dive sites. 3d/2n trips depart on Monday and Friday.  edit

[edit]Snorkelling only liveaboards

• Similan Tour, 1/6 Khao Lak, Lam Kaen, Thai Muang, Phangnga, ☎ +66 76 443258 (info@similantour.com), [20]. A snorkeling-only liveaboard for 3d/2n, departing Tuesdays and Fridays. 7,400 baht.  edit

[edit]Day trips

• Kon-Tiki Khao Lak Diving & Snorkeling Center, 13/128 Moo 7, Khuk-Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand, ☎ +66 76 485378 (info@kontiki-khaolak.com, fax: +66 76 485378), [21]. Daily diving and snorkeling trips to Similan and Surin island. PADI scuba diving courses and monthly IDC. Liveaboard to Similan islands, Burma Banks and Andaman islands.  edit

• Similan Scuba Adventures, 4/56 Moo 7, Tambon Khuk Kak, Amphur Takua Pa, Phang Nga, ☎ +66 76 485610 (fax: +66 76 485610), [22]. Day trip where divers and snorkelers go to different sites to get the most out of the experience. They also have liveaboards. Day trip is €52 for snorkelers and €76 for divers (2 dives).  edit

• Similan Dive Center™, 22/37 Moo 4, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga (opposite Bangkok Bank in the center of Khao Lak), ☎ +66 76 485 792 (info@similandivecenter.com). Open all year. Daily departing snorkeling tours to the Similan islands, Surin islands and Koh Tachai. Two or three overnight trips at the Similan islands. Official Mares Dive Center with a large range of diving and snorkeling equipment. Operated by Khao Lak residents with over 20 years of experience in environmental research and diving.  edit

From Ko Lanta

Diving liveaboards

• Dive Safari Asia, 10/1 Moo 7 Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phang-Nga, ☎ +66 805 269521 (info@divesafariasia.com), [23]. Fully inclusive dive tours featuring Similan and Koh Lanta National Parks, all transfers included. prices starting at 15,000 baht.  edit

• Lanta Diving Safaris, 289 Moo 1, Ban Saladan, Ko Lanta, ☎ +66 75 684904, [24]. Ko Lanta's only liveaboard, does periodic (about 1 per month) 7d/7n trips that include a day's diving in the Similans.7d/7n trips approx 30,000 baht plus fees.  edit

From Ranong Province at Ranong, Ko Chang (Southern Thailand) and Ko      Phayam

[edit]Diving liveaboards

• Aladdin Dive Safari, Offices at Ranong, Koh Chang and Koh Payam, ☎ (+66) 87 2786908 and (+66) 8 72 74 76 01 (contact via website only), [25]. Fully inclusive dive tours featuring Koh Surin, Koh Similan, Koh Lanta, Krabi, Phang-Nga and the Mergui Archipelago In Burma (Myanmar). Prices starting at 14,000 baht.  edit

[edit]Fees/Permits

The National Park fee is 700 baht/day (children 100 baht). For Thai citizens the fee is 100 baht, children 50 baht.

Diving fee is an additional 200 baht/day regardless of passport.

[edit]Get around

There are tours leaving from Khao Lak that offer diving and snorkeling tours. In addition, once on the islands there is the option of using the Marine Park boats for transit between the islands. This is not totally reliable, but is a less expensive alternative.

[edit][add listing]See

Incredible marine life, great scenery, white sand beaches.

[edit][add listing]Do

The Similan Islands are home to some of the best diving sites in the world. They are also home to great snorkeling, bird watching and sunbathing.

• Boat Charter Thailand, ☎ +66(0)884907290, [26]. Sailing Yachts, Motor Boats, Bareboat or Crewed, Luxury Charters, Fishing Trips, Traditional Boat Tours.  edit

[edit][add listing]Buy

[edit][add listing]Eat

[edit][add listing]Drink

[edit][add listing]Sleep

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[edit]Lodging

There are both tents and bungalows available for rent. These are only available through the National Park headquarters in Taplamu or through agents.

[edit]Camping

Tents are available for rent. In addition, on Island #8 you can rent space and put up your own tent.

Your are not allowed to camp with your own tent on any island !(22.01.2013)

[edit]Stay safe

See the Stay safe section of the Scuba diving article for diving safety tips. Be aware that the islands are closed from mid-May to Early November of each year. Tour operators going to the islands during the closed times are not only risking your your comfort but safety.

[edit]Get out