Main Similan Island

Only 84 km northwest of the deckchairs and the bustling crowds of Phuket's Patong Beach lies a gateway to another world. Koh Similan is one of the best-known island groups in the Andaman Sea! Koh Similan, or Similan Islands, in English, area natural wonder -  largely because of the wonders that wait beneath the clear blue waters that surround it. Similan Islands have been counted  amongst the 10 most interesting dive areas in the world. It’s a miniature archipelago and has also become a favourite destination for yachts and tour boats. You may enjoy the view and partake fo the diving when the Similan islands are officially open to the public from 15 October until 15 May. Always check as the dates may vary each year.

You must see it for yourself, but these islands are attractive and relaxing.  There is no comparison. The Similans aren't dramatically scenic. The diving is world class and the wildlife below the waters is waiting for you to see them in their most natural fashion shoot that will be sure to wow you.The most striking feature of these islands, at first glance, are the huge boulders that litter the western and southern shores on several of the islands. Another highlight, you will soon discover are the white coral-sand beaches, splendidly picturesque and often deserted. The place is all yours to enjoy! The most interesting sights and the best show of the year are to be found beneath the waves. Some of the most spectacular coral growths in the world can be found here - and the same boulders that scatter the shores have turned the waters around the Similans into an adventure playground for divers. Dive in!
Below in the waters all sorts of marine creatures have helped establish the reefs and the sandy beaches. When you climb up to Sailing Boat Rock you will be blown away by the brilliant white sand below. It is fascinating to think about, but this beach exists because of the diligent scraping and nibbling away by organisms such as the parrotfish - an average individual of which species may excrete more than 16 kilos of sand in the course of a year's lunching on hard corals. And there's plenty here to eat! Come and experience this natural phenomenon.

How to get to Similan Island

The Similan Islands are located 50 Km West of Khao Lak and 120 km Northwest Of Phuket. There is no airport on the islands. There is no pier on the Similan Islands.

The beautiful remote islands are home to a small group of National Park Rangers who live there to protect the reefs and islands. There are also a few people to run the government cafeteria, tents and bungalows.

The best way to arrive on Similan Islands is to obtain a travel agent in the region or with a diving or snorkeling company. Simply make certain that the diving or snorkeling company is certified by the TAT. This will include them being insured and actually have knowledge of the Similans. Please don’t try to save a few Baht when your safety and the well­being of the Similan National Park are at stake.

getting to the Similan Islands :

Khao Lak Taxi minibus ­ http://www.khaolaktaxi.com

Getting To the Similan Islands

It is rare that a company in Phuket will be able to offer direct travel despite them advertising it as such. Almost all companies transfer people 100 km via minibus to Taplamu pier. From there Taplamu is Khao Lak’s local pier. Contact Khao Lak companies for all your travel needs – they are cheaper and more knowledgeable about local conditions. To save time and money – simply stay in Khao Lak before and after your visit!

Taplamu to Similan Islands

You’re almost there! Thap Lamu Port is the main gateway to the Similans, as it is the closest point of land AND a deep water pier – home of the Thai Navy’s 3rd fleet. Island #4 is almost directly west of the port. It is approx 50km away. Traveling by speedboat, the journey is between 60 and 80 minutes. Larger boats and liveaboards take 3­5 hours to get there, so most of them depart at night.

The cost varies from 1000 baht for a space on the deck of a fishing boat to 5500 baht for guided diving trips. If you want a simple ride on a speedboat this is about 2000 baht. There are also other options for this. There is a boat owned and operated by the national park that takes 4 hours and costs 1500 baht. It leaves each day at 09.00. These services are not available after May 16th of each year, as the park shuts down for Monsoon season. Diving boats are the only way to get here from then until November 15th when the park reopens.

Taplamu is about 5km from the main North/South Route in Thailand, so getting there via bus is quite easy. The easiest way is to make your way to Khao Lak and get a taxi. If you have arranged a tour through a local company, they will offer transfer free of charge.

Daytrips to the Similan Islands: 

The world knows of the Similan Islands. The fame of the Similan Islands’ clear tropical waters, white sandy beaches and incredible marine life are legendary. We are glad that you will soon get to experience Similan Islands up close.

Most people choose to Visit the Similan Islands for a single day trip. This is typically done via speedboat. While tours can be arranged from Phuket. It is rarely mentioned that in order to visit there is a 90 minute ride in a minibus to AND from the pier.

In Khao Lak you can choose from many companies that operate to the Similan Islands. Remember to only choose companies that are insured, certified with the TAT and carry safety equipment. You can choose Snorkeling only boats, diving boats or ones that cater to both.

Getting To Similan Islands via Bus:

Never! It’s islands! You can, however you can reach either Khao Lak or try to reach Tablamu and then get a boat to the Similan Islands :) 

There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Khao Lak (approximately 750 total kilometres), air­conditioned bus fee is 460 Baht, and VIP air­conditioned bus fee is 896 Baht. These leave from Bangkok at approx. 06.00 and 18.00 each day. The VIP takes 12 hours, and the Regular bus takes 14­15 hours. WARNING: do not purchase a ticket from the travel agents in the tourist areas. They sell tickets to Surat Thani and then put you on a local bus which adds several hours to the journey and lots of inconvenience. You want to enjoy more than riding on a bus, so we want to be sure to warn you. Instead, purchase your tickets from the Government Bus Station – Southern Terminal.

From Phuket:

Almost all buses heading North (Bangkok, Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumphon, Takuapa) will pass through Khao Lak. The 1st class buses will take 90 minutes, the 2nd class can take three hours. They will depart about every hour. Make your way to the Bus station at Phuket Town.

Getting to Similan Islands by Air

The nearest airport to the Similan Islands is Phuket International Airport. It is about 70km south of the pier. There are buses, and a confusing system of Taxis. We recommend using Khao Lak Taxi Service. Reliable, safe and secure. They are also quite affordable. It is possible to get to Khao Lak/Tap Lamu via bus from the the airport. We only want to warn you that this is time consuming. But if you are determined to get to Similan Islands in this manner, make your way to the main road (about 5km East). This can be done by taxi or a new public bus. The bus stop is on the opposite side of the road, heading North. It is about 600 Meters South of the crossroads. Every bus will stop there. Please ask the driver if they are heading to Khao Lak/Tap Lamu. The total trip should take about 3 1/2 hours.

Phuket Airport is serviced by several international airlines and a great many regional

airlines. More airport details here.

Here are just a few Airlines:

Airasia (regional)

Bangkok Airways (regional)

Nokair (within Thailand)

Tiger Air (from Singapore)

Fireflyz (from Penang)

Getting To Similan Islands by Taxi

From anywhere in the region you may also order a taxi to pick you up or drop you off. It can be a fun outing with a group of 3­5 people. This is a wise choice which is also economical and saves some time so that you can hurry to enjoy the Similan Islands.

If you are in a hurry, this is the best choice as buses (and people) tend to work on “Thai time”, which can be subjective and truthfully, can be skipped with this choice of a taxi. Please check out Khao Lak Taxi Service for a price list of places served and prices for those services.

Similan Dive Center

No other region offers what the Similan Islands offers. It is the best in diving pleasure for the beginner and the novice diver. The mix of great sites and a wonderful scuba diving experience are all found in this protected national park. As a chain of 9 tiny and verdant islands, the Similan Islands pack a big punch filled with white sand beaches and surrounded by some of the area’s richest waters.
There is no substitute for a  liveaboard  on Similan Islands. When choosing your Similan scuba diving trip there is really no substitute for a liveaboard. There is no other way to visit all 25 or so scattered sites at your leisure. The range of liveab oards in the area you will find that there is something to suit every taste and budget.

Seeking a rough and ready backpacker trip? Then choose the Similan Island liveaboard to suit your tastes. The accommodation of your budget is easily obtained. Would you prefer to have a delux 5 star cruise? Then you will find that too in our Similan Island liveaboards section. Trips range from a standard 4 night cruise to 9 or 10 night safaris that visit Burma too.This tropical paradise is designed for the diver – all nature made and waiting for you to explore. There are dozens of dive sites, gentle currents, reefs, and marine life. It’s a sight to behold and you must see it.
This is also only a 1 hour speedboat ride away from Khao Lak! With more than 2 dozen Similan Dive centers to choose from, we are here to help you choose! Another morsel of Similan Islands is that the 1 hour speedboat ride can be a one day trip too. Snorkeling with the family has never been easier to allow for more of a break for the little ones. Still, you may join a liveaboard. We have left the choices open for your convenience.
Insert yourself in to the Similan Islands picture: incredible beachfront resorts, delicious fresh food from dozens of restaurants, 40 kilometers of white sand beaches, warm tropical waters, magnificent marine life, trekking, jungles and dozens of dive sites within 1 hour! All that is missing is you.The dive and snorkel operators with the black water tanks are the better option when deciding to explore the waters. In an effort to maintain the integrity of the Islands please ask to see the responsible tourism policy of any operator before departing on a trip. This will aid in less harassment of marine life, throwing waste in the water, and respecting the best of what mother nature has to offer all of us. A Park Ranger is also nearby to assist.

Similan Dive Centers

The list is many for dive centers. We’ve made it even easier with our list of safe dive centers to assist you at Similan Islands. The dive centers located in Phukett are not listed due to their distance being further away. We did not think you would want to spend so much time on a boat going and coming, so we have conveniently omitted that information.
Khao Lak is the closest point of land to the Similans and with a selection of 30 dive centers and dozens of great resorts, there is no need to stay anywhere else.  Visit the Similan Islands but also the nearby Surin Islands, expeditions to Burma can be arranged as well as Khao Lak’s local dive sites and the nearby caves and lakes. Tech Diving, Instructor Courses, Dive Medical Courses and even beginning diving are all easily arranged in Khao Lak.

Similan Island Weather

If you have not visited the Similan Islands, then you must. The Similan Islands offer the best diving waters of Thailand. You will not find such wonderful scuba diving as can be found in this national park. You will also enjoy the view along the way because the Simlan Islands are a chain of 9 tny and verdant islands with white sand beaches.
Every taste and budget is satisfied with these islands. You can choose from the lowest amount to a more luxury accommodation – both will give you memories to speak of for years. There is no substitute for a liveaboard. You can visit all 25 or so scattered sites at your leisure.
Rough and ready backpacking trip or a deluxe 5-star cruise, you choose and let nature take it’s course. Find what you want in our Similan Island liveaboards section. The trips range from a standard 4 night cruise to 9 or 10 night safaris that visit Burma too.
Enjoy more of the Similans by choosing one or more day trips from  Khao Lak or Phuket.  Although the journey times are greater (45 or 90 km away, respectively). This is recommended  if you are short on time or don't fancy staying on a boat for a few nights, then this may be the choice for you. You can also check out our day trip packages, which can be both with or without accommodation, in our Khao Lak day trip and Phuket day trip pages.

Diving Season

Liveaboards come alive from early November to early May. Enjoy a day trip and an overnight trip from October through to May. We have found that the most constant weather patterns, and therefore, the most stable conditions, tend to be between February and April.  Diving during this time of the year is a diver’s dream come true. The visiibility is always between 25-40m, and calm seas are the norm. The clouds even disappear during this time and all you see if blue. The Similans are only 8 degrees north of the Equator and therefore exhibit a tropical climate, including a water temperature that usually ranges between 26-29°C, being warmest towards the end of the season (February-May). Even at depth, the water is usually only 1 degree less than at the surface.  Imagine having good light conditions as you descend to depth – then that, during this time, is the Similan Islands.
As per our weather updates and tracking  the currents tend to be stronger towards the end of February. That means that drives dives will become more interesting and also attract more pelagics such as manta rays and whale sharks. Green and hawksbill turtles are often seen at the dive sites. Their breeding season is from November to February.

Constant diving can have some effects on an area. The dive sites for this area are closed for 6 months in order to allow mother nature to recuperate and be ready for your dive accordingly. This closed rainy season fortunately co-incides with a period of spawning for many of the fishes.

Similan Island Best Diving

The Similan Islands are the best diving that can be done in Thailand. The number of excellent sites and scuba diving can be found in this protected national park. The Similans are a chain of 9 tiny and verdant islands fringed with white sand beaches and surrounded by some of the area's richest waters.

A liveaboard is the only way to enjoy a Similan scuba diving trip. This way you can visit all 25 or so cattered sites, at your leisure. The range of liveabopards in the area is so great that it can suit every taste and each budget.

`So whether you are seeking a rough-and-ready backpacker trip or a deluxe 5 star cruise then you will find what you want in our Similan Island liveaboards section. Trips range from a standard 4 night cruise to 9 or 10 night safaris that visit Burma too.

Enjoy a taste of the Similans by going on one or more day trips from Khao Lak or Phuket. The journey times are greater (45 or 90 km away, respectively),  but ths is perfect if you are short on time or don't fancy staying on a boat for a few nights. You can check out our day trip packages, which can be both with or without accommodation, in our Khao Lak day trip and Phuket day trip pages.

Diving Season

Get your diving in during the season. Early November to early May is the period during which liveaboards operate at the Similan Islands. Day trips and overnight trips run from October through to May. The most constant weather patterns, and therefore the most stable conditions, tend to be between February and April. The diving at this time of year is great as the visibility is always between 25-40m, and calm seas are the norm as the monsoon winds cease to blow. Clouds are rarely seen in the sky – so that’s nice, blue skies to enjoy your diving experience.

The Similans are only 8 degrees north of the Equator and therefore exhibit a tropical climate, including a water temperature that usually ranges between 26-29°C, being warmest towards the end of the season (February-May). Even at depth, the water is usually only 1 degree less than at the surface. Similarly, the light conditions are good as divers descend to depth.

If you are looking for interesting drift dives, then you could dive towards the end of February. This time of the year yields more  pelagics in the area, such as manta rays and whale sharks. Green and hawksbill turtles are often seen at the dive sites. Their breeding season is from November to February.

The dives sites are closed for 6 months of the year, the dive sites. Mother nature needs a rest so during this period we allow recuperation from the effects of constant diving and boats operating in the area during the main season. This closed rainy season fortunately coincides with a period of spawning for many of the fishes, however, our science has proven that to give a much needed rest will reap longer rewards for years to come for your diving experiences.

Similan Island

If you are looking to stay on Similan Islands there are three ways to enjoy your stay. Tents and bungalows are provided by the Similan National Marine Park. If you have chosen a diving liveaboard or an overnight tour boat, this does not require overnight equipment, however, we try to make the day trip as comfortable as possible.  As the only place to stay ON the Similans are run by the National Park system, bookings can be a challenge to obtain. Booking now and early is the best approach. If you decide to stay in Khao Lak, then a day trip is best.

Similan Islands Accommodation

Please take a moment to look at the map to find island #4 and Island #8. The only bungalows available for rent are on Island #4. If you are diving it is best to visit on either an overnight boat or a liveaboard. For Snorkelers you can choose between overnight trips, camping or simply enjoying daytrips from Khao Lak.


Booking Similan Island Accommodation:
You may contact the National Parks directly here: 
(+66) 25620760
National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department. “
The official name of the Similan Island park – Mu Ko Similan”
Booking Similan Islands Bungalows:
If you have trouble booking or cannot complete the reservation – we recommend our friends at Khao Lak Life – they are happy to do it for you (They just go in person the the headquarters and arrange everything that way). They do, however, charge a small fee for this service.

If you wish to have the easiest transportation to and from the Similans – we recommend staying in Khao Lak before and after your visit!

Similan Islands Tents

Similan Island Tents are large and simple. Included are sheets, pillows and a floor pad. The tents have a mosquito net. You will happily sleep the night away listening to the waves of the beach. The tents are placed about 1-1.5 meters apart in one central area quite near the beaches. The tents are currently 570 Baht per night and reservations are recommended, especially during Holidays.
At this time the park is NOT allowing private tents, you may only use the tents provided by parks. Please note that this policy was different in the past and may change again in the future.
Currently you can only reserve tents through agents, as the Similan National Park online system only works for bungalow reservations.

Similan Island Bungalows

As noted earlier, Island #4 is where you may rent the bungalows. Currently there are 20 bungalows available for rent. Each bungalow features air-conditioning and attached bathrooms. Most have a view of Princess bay. The view and the surroundings are simple and clean. If you want a nice place to stay on the Islands, this is it! the cost is 2000 Baht per night and reservations are recommended at all times.


Diving Liveaboards


There are many liveaboards to choose from and you stay on the boat. These are meant for the diver and rarely cater to snorkelers or non-divers. With over 40 different boats traveling along the Similan and Surin islands you have a wide variety of selections. Some may say that the selections are too many. We will recommend to you to try Wicked Diving’s ecologically friendly Similan Diving Liveaboard