Why people make the effort
The water is the reason. On a good day you can see the bottom several metres down, and the snorkelling straight off the beach is excellent, with reef fish, coral and often sea turtles. The islands are numbered, and day trips usually visit the same few.
Island no. 8, Koh Similan, has Sail Rock, the boulder that has become the symbol of the park. A short, steep path climbs to a viewpoint over the bay, so wear proper shoes. Island no. 4, Koh Miang, is home to the park office and a sheltered beach. Island no. 9, Koh Ba Ngu, is known for its rock formations and snorkelling spots.
The park season
Mu Ko Similan National Park normally opens around mid-October and closes around mid-May. The exact dates are announced by the park each year. The park also limits the number of visitors per day, so in peak months, December to March, it is worth arranging your trip early. Outside the season, no tourist boats go to the islands at all.
What to expect on the day
- Early start: from Phuket, pickups are often before dawn, because the drive to Thap Lamu takes around two hours.
- The crossing: speedboats from Thap Lamu usually take over an hour each way, across open sea.
- Stops: typically islands 4, 8 and 9, with two or three snorkelling stops and lunch.
- Back on land: most trips return in the late afternoon, so you will reach a Phuket hotel in the evening.
- Park fee: a national park fee is charged, and it may be paid separately.
Who it suits
It suits confident swimmers, snorkellers and anyone who loves clear water and doesn't mind a long day. Children who are good swimmers usually enjoy it, but the early start and the open-sea crossing are hard on very young ones.
This is the roughest of the main day trips. If you are pregnant, have back or neck problems or have had recent surgery, a long speedboat ride on open water is not advisable, and Phang Nga Bay is a gentler choice. If you are staying in Khao Lak, the day becomes much shorter.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard. Many snorkellers burn their backs.
- Shoes with grip for the climb to the Sail Rock viewpoint.
- Motion-sickness tablets, taken before the boat leaves.
- A light jacket for the pre-dawn drive, when the car is cool.
- Cash for the park fee if it is not included.
Getting to Thap Lamu pier
Thap Lamu is about 85 km from Phuket Airport, in Phang Nga province, and further from the southern beaches. Many Similan trips include a minibus pickup from Phuket hotels, which collects several groups on the way. If yours doesn't, or you would rather travel privately, we drive you there and back. Tell us the boat's check-in time and we will plan the start time with you.
If you don't have a boat ticket yet, ask us and we can recommend a licensed local operator. If you'd rather spend a night near the pier, our Phuket to Khao Lak guide covers the drive and where to stay.
Questions
When are the Similan Islands open?+
Usually from mid-October to mid-May. The park announces the exact dates each year, and it is closed to tourist boats the rest of the year.
How early do Similan day trips start from Phuket?+
Often before dawn. The drive to Thap Lamu pier takes around two hours, and boats leave in the morning.
Can I see turtles at the Similans?+
Often, yes. Sea turtles are seen regularly on snorkelling stops, but nobody can promise it. Never touch or chase them.
Do you sell Similan tours?+
No. We drive you to Thap Lamu and back. If you don't have a ticket yet, ask us and we can recommend a licensed local operator.
