The Similan Islands are a line of granite islands in the open Andaman Sea, protected as Mu Ko Similan National Park. Their name comes from the Malay word for nine, after the original nine islands. The water is exceptionally clear, the sand is white and fine, and house-sized boulders are piled along the shores.
They are also the hardest of Phuket’s classic day trips: the park is open only in the dry season, and boats leave from Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak, on the mainland north of Phuket. From a west-coast hotel it is a very early start and a long day — and still, on a calm day, the best snorkelling you can reach.
Top things to do: Similan Islands
Sail Rock viewpoint
On Koh Similan (Island 8), a short scramble leads up to the balanced boulder above Donald Duck Bay, for the view that appears on every poster.
Snorkelling
Day trips make two or three snorkelling stops. Expect clear water, reef fish and, with luck, turtles.
Beaches
Koh Miang (Island 4) has two powder-white beaches linked by a short forest trail and is the usual lunch stop.
Diving
The Similans are among Thailand’s top dive areas. Most serious diving is done on multi-day liveaboard boats; day-trip diving is also possible in season.
How to get to Similan Islands
- By tour: hotel pickup from Phuket is typically before dawn, followed by a drive of roughly 1.5–2 hours to Thap Lamu Pier and about 1.5 hours by speedboat.
- Season: the park normally opens around 15 October and closes around 15 May. Outside those dates there are no trips.
- Fees and limits: a national park fee for foreign visitors (around 500 baht for adults at the time of writing) applies, and daily visitor numbers are capped, so book ahead in peak season.
Insider tips
- If the Similans are a priority, consider a night or two in Khao Lak, which halves the journey.
- The open-sea crossing can be bumpy even in season. Sit at the back of the speedboat and take seasickness tablets.
- Overnight stays on the islands have not been permitted in recent years; visits are day trips or liveaboards.
Best tours & tickets for Similan Islands
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Similan Islands:
Speedboat snorkelling day (in season) from €109 Similan Islands Early-Bird Tour from Phuket and Khao Lak
The best-reviewed Similan day trip, leaving early to reach the islands before the bulk of the boats. It is a long day from Phuket — expect a pre-dawn pickup — and it only runs while the national park is open, roughly mid-October to mid-May.
- Three snorkelling stops
- White-sand beaches
- An early start, ahead of most other boats
Dive trip from €74 Phuket: Scuba Diving at Maithon or Racha Islands for All Levels
Phuket’s nearest good diving. Racha Yai’s sheltered bays are where many people on the island make their first dive, and certified divers can add Racha Noi. A half-day option goes to Maithon Island instead.
- One to three dives
- Suitable for beginners and certified divers
- Racha Yai, Racha Noi or Maithon Island
