For six months every year, the Similan Islands welcome guests with beach scenes on par with anything the wildest of imaginations could invent. 90 minutes due west of Phang Nga by speedboat, the assemblage of nine islands appears incongruously in the middle of the sea like an aquatic Shangri-La. With little more than a few tents and bungalows, it’s nearly as natural as the day human eyes first set sights on it.

This group of rocks and islands was declared a marine national park in 1982 and consequently remains largely undeveloped. Derived from the Malay term sembilan, meaning 'nine', Similan refers to the nine main islands in the group.

The waters surrounding the Similans are teeming with tropical fish, colourful coral, and offer exceptional underwater visibility. As a result, the diving is generally considered to be the best in the region, and compares favourably with some of the best in the world.

Part of the reason for this is the very interesting submarine topography, due also in part to the huge granite boulders which, not only litter the shorelines, but also lie in jumbled heaps beneath the waves to depths of 35 metres and beyond. On surface, the boulders, together with the lush rainforest and white sand beaches, provide a peaceful refuge.

The islands attract an increasing number of visitors annually, particularly during the high season months between December to March, when the visibility of waters surrounding the islands is at its best.

Day trips to the islands for diving and snorkelling are popular, however serious divers are recommended to come on liveaboard trips to take full advantage of all the islands' have to offer in terms of diving opportunities.

Dive companies operating from Phuket and Phang Nga offer a number of tour itineraries with diving instruction for beginners. For budget travellers, the Similan Islands can be reached via national park service boat from the pier in Phang Nga at Thap Lamu or by boat from anywhere along the Khao Lak coast. Boat charters can also be organized. Costs depend on the quality and speed of the vessel and the number of persons to travel onboard.

Limited accommodation – in the form of tents and bungalows – is available on Koh Miang (Island 4), where the National Park headquarters are based. There’s also a small gift shop and restaurant, but it is advised to come prepared with a flashlight and bug spray if intending to stay overnight there. Contact the Similan Island National Park Offices at Moo 1, Tambon Lam Kaen, Thai Muang District, Phang-Nga. Tel. (076) 411913-4 for information and reservations.