In February in the Similan Islands, the near-perfect weather continues, enticing guests to escape the cold and wet winters elsewhere around the world. Not only are the temperatures warm and the rainfall chances low, the seas are the calmest you'll see all year long, making this the ideal time to visit for scuba diving. The area is known for its amazing dive sites. The average daily temperature is very slightly warmer this month compared to January, up to 28°C (about 83°F).
With those pleasant and moderate temperatures, you'll want to spend as much time outside as possible, exploring all the islands that are part of Thailand. At night, the lows drop down to 24°C (around 75°F), still a great temperature for enjoying time outside, sipping on a drink or enjoying a meal. In the heat of the day, the highs jump all the way up to 33°C (about 91°F), feeling pretty steamy. Bring along the short-sleeved shirts, tank tops and shorts to stay cool during those hot afternoons.
If you're a beach-goer, you're in luck; the average sea temperature this time of the year is 28°C (about 82°F), plenty warm enough for enjoying the water and spending time in the sand.
With nine hours of sunshine each day on average, you'll get some of the longest days the area sees all year round. Bring along the sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong UV rays and a vacation-ruining sunburn.
The dry season continues into this month, so you won't need an umbrella or poncho, with only 20 mm of rain across the entire month. That amount falls over only three days, so you may luck out and not get any rainy days at all during your holiday. The chance of rain on any given day is 20 percent, as is the chance of a cloudy day.
Where to Stay
Providing you don't get seasick, another option for accommodations that keep you close to the islands is a live-aboard diving trip. Wicked Diving offers several travel packages that includes accommodations on the boat and scuba diving at the numerous sites around the islands. Each package comes with full room and board, including snacks and all meals. In the evenings, the crew and passengers enjoy downtime together, chatting, drinking and playing games.
With stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the white sand beach, Bangsak Village offers luxurious accommodations for couples, singles and families. Accommodations include chalets, cottages and two-story bungalows with plenty of room to spread out. All of the rooms have soaking tubs, huge windows overlooking the sea or the hotel property, and tasteful decorations. Hotel amenities include outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, tour desk, library and free Wi-Fi.
For a peaceful and relaxing February holiday near the Similan Islands, stay at Moracea by Khao Lak Resort. Numerous free-form swimming pools flow through the property, right next to the gorgeous beach. As a guest, you'll also have access to a spa, fitness center, snooker game room, pool bar and several on-site restaurants. All of the rooms are spacious and have a private balcony, air-conditioning, mini-bar, television, and private bathrooms.
Hit the Beach
On the largest island of Ko Similan, the horseshoe-shaped bay, Hideaway Bay, is surrounded by white sands ideal for soaking up the Thai sun. With an average sea temperature of 28°C (about 82°F) in February, the water feels refreshing. The beaches of Ko Similan can get busy between the months of October and May, when the monsoon rains leave the area. A small area for tents is located just off the beach and the island also houses one restaurant for snacks and meals.
Eating and Drinking Out
When you dine at the Hill Tribe Restaurant, you'll be surrounded by gorgeous green plants, palm trees and huge ferns. Part of the dining room is open-air, allowing you to feel the warm breezes blowing in from the Andaman Sea. Some of the specialties on the varied Thai menu include the prawn soo sa hot plate, banana flower tempura, seafood cake and pork in chili powder. The presentation is just as amazing as the food, making it look almost too pretty to eat.
Set right on the beach in Khao Lak, the Boom Boom Restaurant is the ideal place for a casual and laid-back meal and amazing views. You'll dine right on the beach, with your feet in the sand, and chow down on authentic Thai dishes. Throughout the week, the restaurant hosts fire shows, where traditional Thai fire-breathers show off their skills to the diners. This is also a great place to grab a cocktail and watch the sun set over the sea.
For a change of pace from the Thai cuisine found all around the area, head over to La Piccola Maria Pizzeria. The restaurant sits right on Nang Thong Beach and gives diners amazing views of the Andaman Sea. You can dine inside with several televisions showing various sporting events, or head outside and soak up the sun and warm breezes. Specialties on the menu include seafood pizza, bruschetta and buffalo mozzarella cheese.
Things to Do
If scuba diving isn't your thing but you still want to enjoy the amazing waters around the islands, try a snorkeling tour with Oktavia Dive Center. The tours are open to people of all skill levels and including children. Depending on the tour you choose, you'll get breakfast, lunch and snacks as part of your package. On the tours, you'll see everything from reef sharks to manta rays to sea turtles. You might even spy a wild dolphin!
The main attraction of the islands, besides diving, is the Similan Islands National Park. The headquarters for the national park are located on Ko Meang, the second largest island in the group. The park stretches across several of the islands, but visitors are not allowed on Ko Hu Yong, Ko Pa Yang or Ko Pa Yan because they are turtle sanctuaries. Ko Similan is the only other island besides Ko Meang with activities for visitors like bird-watching and hiking.
Get your tires muddy on an ATV trekking adventure through the Khao Lak jungles with Khaolak 2k Discovery. You'll travel through the dense jungles outside of Khao Lak on ATVs, getting to see everything from mountains to the sea. The tour includes a stop at a palm oil garden and free time for swimming in the river afterward, cooling off from the hot February sunshine. Your tour package also includes coffee, soft drinks and snacks after your ride.
