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Similan islands review
Similan Islands national park is considered one of the best places for diving and snorkeling in Thailand. Imagine a dreamy chain of eleven remote islands tucked away in the Andaman Sea, incredibly beautiful, with a coral reef that’s 5000 years old. Covered in jungle and grandeur rocks, with remarkable beaches and marine life unmatched in Thailand, the Similan Islands tour promises perfect images of paradise from any angle.
The Similan Islands have initially been nine small islands (similar saying in Malay “Sembilan,” which means nine). But recently, two new islands were included in the group (Koh Bon and Koh Tachai). The islands are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park, and we can only get close to 6 of them (Koh Similan, Koh Miang, Koh Bangu, Koh Ha, Koh Payu, Koh Bon). The other islands are fully protected since their beaches are usually used by turtles to lay eggs.
The Similan Islands national park is a world-famous diving playground. The best diving sites are Koh Bangu, Koh Bon, and Koh Tachai, while the best snorkeling is around in Koh Ha and Koh Payu. With crystal clear 50 meters visibility, the snorkeling around the Similan Islands is remarkable because you can view the underwater paradise here without diving deep enough.
The most famous island of the Similans is Koh Similan (Island #8) with its terrific Donald Duck and Sail Rock viewpoints. The second best of the Similans is Koh Miang (Island #4). You will find gorgeous powder-soft whitest sands in Koh Miang, where Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay are among the top things to explore. With resident manta rays, reef sharks, and turtles, the Similans is a paradise destination not to miss.
- AIRPORT Phuket
- BEST TIME TO VISIT Nov - May
Snorkeling
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Day Trip
Similan islands day trip
How to reach Similan Islands
Similan Islands are in the Andaman Sea of Thailand in front of the Khao Lak coast. You can reach Similan Islands from Khao Lak by speed boat within an hour or so. The Similans are also easily accessible from Phuket and Krabi, requiring a 2-hour drive to Khao Lak prior. Alternatively, you can charter a private boat tour from Phuket to Similan Islands with Islander to zoom you around the stunning Similans in exhilarating style and comfort.
Similan Islands open season
Similan Islands are open for visitors from October 15 until May 15 each year. Do note that December through February is a high season with lots of tourists island hopping to Similans daily. The most popular option of exploring the Similan Islands is on a private boat tour, either for a day trip or staying onboard overnight. November through May is also the best season weather-wise in this part of southern Thailand.
Similan Islands closed
Similan Islands are closed from 15 May until mid-October because the monsoon season brings the rough sea and regular heavy rains to this part of the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands tour from Phuket resumes on October 15.
Similan Islands overnight
It is no longer allowed to spend the night on any of the Similan Islands. The visit to Similans is only possible for day-trippers staying in Phuket, Krabi, or nearby Khao Lak. With Islander, however, you can still enjoy this unspoiled paradise by staying overnight in Similan Islands onboard our private yachts and catamarans in absolute privacy and most comfort. There is so much to discover above and underwater in the Similans, and even more of idyllic islands nearby (Surin Islands) that staying overnight onboard is worth it.
Similan Islands or Surin Islands
With exceptional marine life and the crystal clear waters throughout the archipelago, the Similan Islands tour offers an unmatched experience in Thailand. Yet still, Surin Islands will impress Thailand adventurers indeed. In addition to terrific snorkeling and diving, Surin Islands serve home to a community of sea gypsies, known as Moken. This authentic cultural immersion makes for a wholesome island-hopping experience. The good news is, you can still take the Similan Islands tour from Phuket, and continue to Surin Islands overnight.
Similan Islands or Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands day trip is arguably the main competitor to the Similan Islands tour from Phuket. And while Phi Phi Islands are fantastic, we recommend Similan Islands day trip for its superlative diving and snorkeling. Similan Islands are remote and take much longer to reach from Phuket (yet pretty accessible from Khao Lak). You will likely see larger crowds on Koh Phi Phi because it is a developed tourist destination. Nevertheless, the stunning scenery of the Phi Phi Islands will leave an everlasting impression, similar to the Similan Islands tour.
Similan Islands or Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe boasts more islands than Similans, and these are larger too. That means more snorkeling, more diving, and more tropical paradise. After all, they call Koh Lipe ‘the Maldives of Thailand’ for a reason. You can also stay in Koh Lipe as it is a developed tourist island, while the Similan Islands are suitable for a day trip only. For travelers staying in either Phuket or Khao Lak, we recommend adding the Similan Islands tour to their vacation.
