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)
Before you go
Good to know
Prone to seasickness?
Take a tablet ~30 min before departure, sit mid-boat, keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid heading out on an empty stomach.
Beat the crowds
Iconic spots like Maya Bay are far calmer early in the day. Our morning departures get you there before the midday ferry rush.
National park fees
Some sites sit inside a national park, so an entrance fee may apply. Check the “Not included” list above so there are no surprises.
Sun & reef care
The tropical sun is strong — bring a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water. Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Thai marine parks.
What to pack
Swimwear under your clothes, a towel, a dry bag for your phone, and a change of clothes for the trip back.