How to Visit the Similan Islands:
Ultimate Travel Guide
Explore the untouched beauty of the Similan Islands: Your essential travel guide
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Hidden in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are Thailand’s ultimate tropical dream: a cluster of nine pristine islands famed for their powdery white beaches, turquoise lagoons and world-class diving spots. Located 60km off Thailand’s west coast, these islands are protected as a national marine park, with an unparalleled blend of untouched beauty and underwater adventure. Want to explore this isolated corner of Thailand? This travel guide to the Similan Islands will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this tropical paradise.
How to Get to the Similan Islands, Thailand
The easiest way to reach the islands is from Khao Lak, on Thailand’s west coast. Speedboats usually depart from Tab Lamu Pier and take around 90 minutes to reach the islands. Organised day trips and liveaboard diving excursions regularly depart from both Khao Lak and Phuket. They are an easy day trip option, but many people choose to extend their stay on liveaboard boats to experience the islands more intimately.
When to Visit the Similan Islands, Thailand
The Similan Islands can only be visited between October and May, as the park closes during monsoon season (June–September) to allow marine life to recover. The best conditions – with calm seas and optimal visibility for diving – are typically between December and April.
Experience the Similan Islands: Day Trips vs. Liveaboards
Day Trips
Ideal for those short on time, day trips usually offer visits to multiple islands, snorkelling stops, lunch on the beach and hiking trails. For most, this is ample time to experience and witness a truly magical corner of Thailand, especially if you don’t plan on diving. For those who want to immerse themselves in the magic of the Similans a bit longer, or for those who want to dive the rich waters here, a liveaboard is a popular and highly recommended option.
Liveaboards
Many liveaboard trips are tailored to divers but most are there to explore the Similans at a slower, more immersive pace. Multi-day boat trips allow you to explore remote dive sites, witness the otherworldly sunrises and sunsets, and dive or snorkel in pristine waters before day trippers arrive. Most trips range from two to five nights, with accommodation and meals included.
Koh Miang, Similan Islands
Highlights of the Similan Islands
Island No. 4 (Koh Miang)
This is home to Park Headquarters, with basic accommodation, dining options and two spectacular beaches.
Island No. 8 (Koh Similan)
Famous for its iconic “Sail Rock” viewpoint, this has breathtaking panoramic views over Donald Duck Bay’s turquoise waters and dramatic granite boulders.
Sail Rock, Similan Islands
Island No. 7 (Koh Payu)
This is a popular snorkelling site with abundant coral reefs easily accessible from the beach.
Island No. 9 (Koh Ba-Ngu)
Home to excellent diving sites such as Christmas Point, known for its underwater arches, swim-throughs and marine life.
Best Diving & Snorkelling Spots in the Similan Islands
The Similan Islands rank among the top diving destinations in the world, drawing divers from across the globe to explore the crystal clear waters and the marine life here – you’ll likely see everything from turtles and rays to black-tip reef sharks.
Richelieu Rock
This is often considered Thailand’s best dive site. Richelieu Rock is renowned for its colourful soft corals, enormous schools of fish and the occasional whale shark sighting. Diving here is like diving in an aquarium.
Elephant Head Rock
This dive spot is known for its underwater granite pinnacles, swim-through tunnels, and bucket-list marine life including reef sharks, barracuda and turtles.
Christmas Point
Here you’ll find impressive rock formations, excellent visibility and rich, alive coral gardens.
It goes without saying that the snorkelling in the Similans is world class too. Even if you aren’t diving, there’s no better place in Thailand to get up close and personal with marine life.
Donald Duck Bay (Island No. 8)
Calm, shallow waters ideal for beginners, with colourful fish and coral easily reached from a powdery, white sand beach.
Princess Bay (Island No. 4)
Swim amongst parrotfish, clownfish, and sea turtles in the beautiful coral reef here.
East of Eden (Island No. 7)
Particularly renowned for its stunning coral gardens, this is one of the most beautiful snorkelling experiences in the islands – hence the name.
Wildlife
Thanks to their protected status, the Similan Islands are home to a variety of wildlife both above and below the waterline. Find monitor lizards sunning themselves on rocky shores and beaches, keep an eye out for fruit bats in the trees and see if you can spot the iridescent, rainbow coloured Nicobar pigeon. Both green and hawksbill turtles nest here, and you’ll likely spot one of these while snorkelling and diving.
Where to Stay on the Similan Islands
Accommodation options within the Similan Islands National Park are limited, designed to minimize ecological impact. You can find basic bungalows and tents on Island No 4 (Koh Miang), which are perfect if you want to experience the islands after day trippers depart, but don’t want to stay on a liveaboard.
Liveaboard boats are however the most comfortable and popular options for overnight stays on the islands. Most will have private cabins, hot showers, excellent meals and the opportunity to wake up to pristine ocean views every day – as well as experiencing the islands at a slower, more immersive pace.
Where to Eat on the Similan Islands
Most meals will be provided for you during organised trips and liveaboard cruises. Expect fresh seafood, traditional Thai curries and tropical fruit platters. If you’re staying overnight on Koh Miang, the national park’s restaurant has simple yet tasty dishes.
Explore Beyond the Similans
After exploring the islands, you might want to extend your visit in this corner of Thailand. It’s a little more off the beaten path than Phuket and Krabi, giving you some unique experiences you find elsewhere.
Khao Lak
As the gateway to the Similans, this charming coastal town still has a gentle buzz to it, with laid-back vibes, great restaurants and quiet beaches to unwind.
Surin Islands
North of the Similans, these islands have even more pristine reefs, abundant marine life, and most importantly, unique cultural experiences with the local Moken (sea gypsy) communities. See our Guide to Visiting the Sea Gypsies of Thailand here.
Khao Sok National Park
Tired of white sand beaches and turquoise seas? Happens to all of us! Combine your island escape with jungle adventures in one of Thailand’s oldest rainforests.
Travel Responsibly
The Similan Islands are delicate ecosystems that must be protected. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect these fragile reefs from harmful chemicals. Don’t touch or collect the coral here – hefty fines are in place and this is a national marine park. Avoid single-use plastics – bring refillable water bottles and reusable bags.
The Similan Islands remain one of Thailand’s last untouched paradises. From the impossibly perfect beaches to the aquarium-like underwater ecosystems, visiting here is like stepping into a National Geographic scene.
Things to Do
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