The jewel of the Andaman Sea
The 9 Similan Islands have been protected since 1982. Strictly regulated access, no hotels authorized, daily attendance capped. Result: one of the best preserved coral reefs in Southeast Asia.
The waters there are a particular cobalt blue color, due to the depth (the islands drop abruptly to 30-40 m). Underwater visibility regularly reaches 25-30 meters — this is rare in Thailand.
What you need to know before booking
- Mandatory season: November to mid-May. Park closed the rest of the year.
- Long day: 12 hours in total, including 3 hours of land transfer and 3 hours of boat travel. Children < 8 years old rarely hold.
- Advance booking: daily quotas fill 3-7 days in advance during high season. Block your place at least a week before.
Our tip: if you can, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday — fewer boats than on weekends when Phuket expats also come.
Detailed programme
6h30
Phuket hotel pickup
Road to Khao Lak (1h30).
8h30
Ponton Tap Lamu — breakfast + briefing
Coffee, pastries, program presentation.
9h00
Speedboat departure
1h30 of navigation towards the archipelago.
10h30
Snorkeling island 7 (Koh Payu)
Turtle reef, tropical fish.
12h00
Buffet lunch island 4
Thai lunch on the beach.
13h30
Island 8 (Koh Similan) — beach + viewpoint
Ascent to Sail Rock (20 min one way, legendary panorama).
15h00
Snorkeling island 9
Honeymoon Bay, often stingrays.
16h30
Return speedboat
Heading for the pontoon.
18h00
Return to Phuket hotel
Hotel drop-off.
Included / Not included
Included
- Phuket hotel transfer ↔ Khao Lak pontoon
- Comfortable speedboat
- 3 snorkeling stops + island visit 8
- Similan National Park Fees (required)
- Breakfast, buffet lunch, fruit, coffee/tea/water
- Snorkeling equipment + vests
Not included
- Scuba diving (option + 2,500 THB / 2 dives with diveshop)
- Crew gratuities
- Personal travel insurance (recommended)