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pdro
longtail driver
Posts: 8
I wanna know some information about the National Park. I'm going to Thailand on the ending of August and I've heard that the Park is closed from may until november because of the weather conditions. Is it true !? Is possible going in this period of the year? thanks
#1 Posted: 7/7/2010 - 09:52
tezza
under-employed
Posts: 904
The place usually opens up sometime in November although I heard it was late Oct last year.
Google Similans Nation Park to get their website which should have this year's opening date.
I suppose it would be possible to charter a boat and go out to camp there before that - but it would be very expensive (it is a loooong way out) and a bout of wet season crap weather could make the crossing hairy and the stay not so great.
One island National Park which is open late August is Ang Thong Marine Park near Samui-Phangan-Surathani. This has spectacular landscape/seascape over dozens of islands (the book THE BEACH was based in this area - but not the movie) and you can camp or stay in longhouses at the NP HQ island. Wet season over there usually doesn't kick in until Oct. Snorkelling is ok but no match to the Similans.
#2 Posted: 7/7/2010 - 10:21
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Lots of beaches and islands info - http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
yogakhaolak
noodle lady
Posts: 45
The Similans close from mid-May to mid-Oct every year. This is done to protect the coral. There is too much traffic in the high season, and the coral needs a rest.
#3 Posted: 9/7/2010 - 10:04
similandiver
newbie
Posts: 3
Located in:
Private message
The above is partly true. The Similan (and Surin) National parks are closed from May 1st to November 1st. The reason for this is not because of the coral (I wish that were true) but simply because of the weather. The monsoons are pretty heavy in this are - among the two wettest provinces in Thailand.
There are certainly some rogue operators that try to run during this time, but several speedboats and at least one liveaboard has sunk during this time.
It is illegal to camp or visit the islands during this time aside from being dangerous.
However, Koh Lipe is still open and you are able to visit.
#4 Posted: 9/7/2010 - 13:35
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Similan Diving