ASEAN Heritage Parks

Unique Flora: Typical tree species include dipterocarps, several species of rattan, and mangrove species such as Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza.

Unique Fauna: The islands support rich avifauna including the white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, terns, hornbills, drongo, babblers, sunbirds and flower peckers. Mu Ko Surin is just about the only place in Thailand where the beach thick-knee (Esacus giganteus) can be found. This rich marine life includes many species of fish, whales, whale sharks, hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and green sea turtles. Another interesting species located in Similan is the hairy leg mountain land crab, which is found in large numbers.

Habitat Types: Ao Phang-Nga-Mu Ko Surin-Mu Ko Similan National Park encompasses coastal mangrove forests and a series of karst limestone hills flooded by the sea to form 42 sheer islands with high cliffs, rock overhangs and formations caves, coral gardens, and scrub. The Park has the features of typical small island environments with few water reserves. Terrestrial vegetation is mainly beach forest, which steadily becomes tropical forest further inland.