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.