10 things you need to know about the Similan Islands

1. The Similan Islands need to remain protected and preserved. This is one of the few archipelago's of Thailand that remain virtually untouched by development and the year-round tourism.
2. The Similans are only open to the public for 7 months a year, between November and May.
3. The Similan archipelago which includes Richelieu Rock, forms probably the best dive site in Thailand, and one of the favourite dive sites in the world.
4. There is government accommodation only on 2 of the Similans and it is very expensive by Thai standards.
5. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the Similans from the nearest mainland pier by a tour speedboat.
6. The Similans are very busy with tourists for the entire time the archipelago is open each year.
7. The Thai Princess owns island number 3, Ko Hu Yong.
8. It is illegal to fish in the Similan Islands and it's outer territories. However, a few selected Thai locals are permitted by government to carry out controlled subsistence fishing only.
9. The Similans are home to the Hairy-Legged Mountain Crab that is a unique curiosity in Thailand, and the Nicobar Pigeon, the populations both of which have dwindled in recent years due to over-farming by locals.
10. 7 people died during a freak bout of stormy weather on the crossing from Similan Islands to Phuket earlier this year. It was alledged that the skipper lost control of the boat and it eventually capsized.