The Similan Islands: Tours from Phuket, Season and Snorkelling

About the islands

Similan is a group of nine islands: the name means “nine” in Malay. The waters around are suitable for diving, and for certified divers there are multi-day programmes with accommodation on a boat. The park is open only in season, roughly from mid-October to mid-May. The sand on the beaches is soft and light.

How to choose a tour

From Phuket, day tours to Similan go on a speedboat, a motor boat or a catamaran, and some of them also start from Khao Lak. The selection marks the different types of boat, Russian-language options and whether the entrance fee to the islands is included.

What is where: islands No. 4, No. 8, No. 9 and Sail Rock

Each island of the archipelago has a number. For day trips people most often choose island No. 4, Koh Miang, with Ao Mai Nam beach and a viewpoint, island No. 8, Koh Similan, with Sail Rock by Donald Duck Bay, and island No. 9, Bangu. Boulder-like rocks rise above the water, and under it are coral reefs and turtles. Visibility is usually best in January to March.

How to get there and when to go

Tours run to Mu Ko Similan National Park only in season, roughly from mid-October to mid-May; the exact opening and closing dates are announced each year by the park authorities. From Phuket to Thap Lamu pier in Phang Nga province it is a 1.5–2 hour bus ride, then about another hour and a half by boat, so you wake at 5 a.m. and return in the evening, around 6–7 p.m. From Khao Lak the road is shorter, and you can get up later. On a speedboat you arrive sooner, on a catamaran it is calmer and roomier.

• What is included. Usually a transfer, lunch, equipment and snorkelling; the park fee is not always included, so check in the ticket.
• How many stops. In a day you manage two or three islands. Plan on snorkelling at two or three stops, with an hour or two left on shore.
• For divers. For certified divers there are multi-day boats with accommodation; such a tour includes dive sites around the whole archipelago.

Which tickets and tours are available

Prices are as of 10 October 2026. See the content, language and terms on the page of the chosen offer.

Limits and tips

• The season is strictly limited. Out of season the park is closed and the boats don’t run. Don’t book a trip for May to October.
• Sun cream. Only mineral and without filters harmful to corals: others are prohibited in marine parks. It is better to wear a long-sleeved rash guard.
• Seasickness. The journey is long, and a speedboat rocks a lot; take a pill an hour before departure.
• What is not allowed. Don’t take anything away from the islands (shells, corals, sand), don’t touch the reefs and don’t feed the fish; drones are prohibited.
• Passport. Take your document for registration in the park, and waterproof cases for your phone.

How much does a trip to the Similans cost

In the table above, “from” prices are per person on the day of the check; the final amount depends on the date, the type of vessel (a speedboat, a motor boat or a catamaran), the guide’s language and whether the national park entrance fee is included. If the fee is not included, it is paid separately on site, so compare offers by the “what is included” line, not only by price.

The cheapest options are usually large groups on speedboats; a catamaran and a small boat cost more, but are calmer and roomier. You can pay for the tour online in advance: that way you fix the price in roubles and don’t look for a ticket office on departure day.

From Phuket or from Khao Lak: what to choose

A tour “from Phuket” is longer because of the bus transfer to Thap Lamu pier: a wake-up before dawn and a return in the evening. From Khao Lak the road is shorter and the day is easier, especially with children and elderly parents. If Similan is the main goal of your trip, it is easier to move to Khao Lak for the night beforehand.

Where to stay before an early departure

For leaving for the islands, accommodation in Khao Lak is more convenient: Kalima Resort and Villas, Eden Beach Khao Lak, Khaolak Merlin Resort — resorts south of the centre, from where it is closest to Thap Lamu pier. A detailed guide to the islands, park rules and routes: The Similan Islands: when to go, how to get there and a day trip or a liveaboard.

The description is based on Trip.com listings; opening hours and the contents of offers may change.