Similan Islands, Thailand 2025 — Things to Do, Hotels, How to Get

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Elephant Head Rock

activities

World-class dive site with giant granite boulders, swimthroughs, and 40m depths.

Koh Similan (Island 8)

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Largest island with Sail Rock viewpoint, white beaches, and jungle trails.

Koh Miang (Island 4)

beach

Park headquarters island with beautiful Ao Kao beach and visitor center.

Christmas Point

activities

Exciting dive site with currents, arches, tunnels around granite boulders.

Ko Ha & Ko Hok (Islands 5-6)

beach

Best snorkeling location in the park with shallow reefs and abundant fish.

Donald Duck Bay

beach

Scenic beach on Koh Similan with boulder shaped like Donald Duck, great snorkeling.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands: Dream Snorkeling (With Some Caveats)

If Phi Phi is a postcard, then the Similans are desktop wallpaper dreams. Nine islands with water so clear boats appear to float in mid-air. The Similan Islands rank in the world's top 10 diving and snorkeling destinations.

Important: Islands open only October 15 to May 15. Closed during monsoon season.

How to Get There from Phuket

Similans are 140km from Phuket. Route: minivan to Khao Lak, then speedboat from Thap Lamu Pier. Day trip: pickup 06:00, arrive at islands 10:15, back to hotel 18:00-19:00. About 4 hours total travel. From Khao Lak it...

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October 15 to May 15. Park is closed the rest of the year due to monsoon. Best period: February-April (clear water, calm seas).

Minivan transfer to Khao Lak (2 hours, pickup 6:00-6:30 AM), then speedboat from Thap Lamu Pier (75 min). Islands are 140 km from Phuket.

From 2200 THB. Includes transfer, boat, lunch, equipment. National park fee paid separately: 500 THB adults, 300 children.

No commercial hotels. Options: national park tents (book in advance at dnp.go.th) or multi-day liveaboard diving trips.

Both are great! Snorkeling: vibrant reefs, turtles, clownfish. Diving: February-March chance to see mantas and whale sharks. For serious diving, liveaboard is better.

Risky. Sea can be rough even in early December. Some operators don't recommend it. Better to wait until mid-December.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Similan Islands

Book tour in advance - visitor numbers are limited to protect the ecosystem. Spots fill up quickly in high season

Early wake-up required! Departure from Phuket at 6 AM. But you'll return by 6 PM with amazing memories

Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory. Regular sunscreens kill corals. Check ingredients before the trip

Don't miss Sail Rock viewpoint on Island #8 (Koh Similan) - panoramic view of turquoise waters, best photos

Weather

Average temperature by month

Now

27°

74%14 м/с

Today

28°26°

Tomorrow

28°27°

Thu

28°27°

Fri

28°27°

Sat

28°27°

Sun

28°27°

Mon

28°27°

32°

24°Jan

33°

25°Feb

34°

26°Mar

34°

26°Apr

32°

26°May

31°

25°Jun

31°

25°Jul

31°

25°Aug

30°

24°Sep

30°

24°Oct

31°

24°Nov

31°

24°Dec

Water temperature

28°

29°

30°

29°

28°

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NATIONAL PARK - CASH ONLY! No ATMs on islands. Tab Lamu Pier has ATMs before boat departure. Park fees, diving, liveaboards mostly cash. Credit cards 3% surcharge. Bring sufficient baht!

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Baht (THB). Similan Islands: PROTECTED NATIONAL PARK - pristine diving! Open Oct-May only. CASH CRITICAL! NO ATMs on islands! Tab Lamu Pier (departure point from Khao Lak) has ATMs - withdraw before boarding! National park entrance fee 500 THB (foreigners) cash. Day trips mostly prepaid online but final balance often cash at dive center. Liveaboard trips accept cards with 3% fee, cash preferred. No shops, no facilities on islands - untouched nature. Pack everything needed. World-class diving - whale sharks, manta rays! Remote paradise!

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Tipping not expected. Small tips for dive guides appreciated 100-200 THB per day.