Visiting the Similan Islands, Thailand: A Complete Travel Guide
When I was planning my eight-month trip around the world, I knew Thailand had to be on my itinerary. What I didn’t know was that these stunning islands — the Similan Islands — even existed. When I stumbled across them while researching the best islands to visit in Thailand, I knew I had to go. How could I possibly skip what feels like a budget-friendly alternative to the Seychelles?
If you’re also planning which islands to explore in Thailand, you might enjoy my post on 4 Paradise Islands in Thailand – That Still Feel Peaceful for more inspiration 🌊
I’m a sucker for paradise islands, especially ones that don’t come with a luxury price tag. I spent countless hours figuring out how to get to the Similan Islands, whether it’s possible to stay overnight, the best times to visit, and so much more.
If you’re researching the same, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your visit to one of my absolute favorite places in Thailand — from snorkeling spots and day trips to insider tips that will make your experience unforgettable.
Why Visit the Similan Islands? 🏝️
Even after spending several months in Thailand and exploring some truly unforgettable paradise islands (looking at you, Koh Lipe 👀), the Similan Islands remain among my absolute favorites. Thailand is, of course, famous for its tropical islands and paradisiacal beaches, but the Similan Islands are on a whole other level.
First of all: they totally look like the Seychelles. I literally couldn’t believe my eyes when our boat arrived and I saw them for the first time. I still clearly remember the reactions of people all around me — everyone was in awe.
Can you believe the color of this water?
Even if you’re not blown away by the uniquely shaped granite boulders that give the islands their Seychelles-like charm, you will definitely fall for the incredibly turquoise waters. As a Portuguese beach brat, believe me when I say: these beaches are top-notch. I’ve been to the Caribbean and even the Maldives, and the water at the Similan Islands was at least as perfect — if not slightly better.
How can I not have unrealistic beach standards when I’ve seen a place like this?
Visiting the Similan Islands isn’t just about seeing another beautiful island — it’s about experiencing a tropical paradise in Thailand that still feels untouched, with crystal-clear water and landscapes that look straight out of a postcard. What makes the Similan Islands so special is that they are protected as part of a national park, which helps preserve their natural beauty.
So when you see pictures of the Similan Islands and they look absolutely pristine, it’s not just clever photography — that’s exactly what you’ll experience in real life. The Thai government actively protects these islands by limiting the number of visitors allowed each day, keeping the beaches, water and coral reefs as flawless as they appear in photos.
To protect their natural beauty, the number of day tours to the Similan Islands is limited each day. This measure helps preserve this pristine slice of paradise for future visitors 🌿
And if you’re wondering whether the Similan Islands are worth visiting, my honest answer is yes — without a doubt. Even after traveling to over 55 countries, the Similan Islands remain one of my absolute favorite places in the world. From the vibrant coral reefs and turquoise water to the untouched beaches, this is easily one of the most breathtaking island destinations in Thailand — and a place I would return to again and again.
Where Are the Similan Islands? 🗺️
When I discovered these unique islands, my first thought was, “Is this in the middle of nowhere?” I knew I really wanted to go there… but deep down, I hoped it wouldn’t take too much effort. Luckily, the Similan Islands aren’t as remote as I feared. This group of 11 small islands is located in the Andaman Sea, along the coast near Phuket and Krabi, which was perfect since it matched the area I was already planning to explore.
If you’re a beach lover like me and planning your Thailand itinerary, you can grab my FREE 2-Week Thailand Travel Guide for Beach Lovers 🌺 It’s packed with tips to make the most of your island-hopping adventure!
Slight warning: this archipelago actually lies about 70 km off the coast. So, while they’re not completely remote, it does take some time to get there. Don’t worry though — keep reading, and I’ll explain exactly how to get to the Similan Islands and make your visit as smooth as possible.
How to Get to the Similan Islands 🚤
Let’s get one thing clear right away: you can’t visit the Similan Islands independently. Since they’re protected as part of a national park, the only way to get there is by booking a guided tour or liveaboard trip with a licensed operator.
The good news? Getting to these beautiful islands is actually pretty straightforward once you know how it works.
Step 1: Get to Southern Thailand
Most travelers visit the Similan Islands from Khao Lak, Phuket, or Krabi, as all three destinations offer access to day trips during the open season.
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Khao Lak: The closest and most convenient starting point for visiting the Similan Islands, with the shortest and smoothest boat ride.
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Phuket: Well-connected with international and domestic flights and a popular base for island hopping in southern Thailand.
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Krabi: While farther away, it’s still possible to book Similan Islands day trips from Krabi. These tours usually include an early-morning transfer to the pier near Khao Lak before heading out by speedboat.
👉 If you have the choice, I recommend staying in Khao Lak — the journey to the Similan Islands is shorter, more comfortable and much less exhausting than coming from Phuket or Krabi.
Step 2: Book a Similan Islands Day Trip (or Liveaboard)
I visited the Similan Islands on a day trip from Phuket, which is also the most popular way to experience this incredible destination. Most travelers choose a Similan Islands day tour, as it’s easy, well-organized, and lets you see the highlights in just one day.
A typical Similan Islands day trip usually includes:
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Hotel pickup and drop-off 🚐
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Speedboat transfers to and from the islands 🚤
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Snorkeling equipment 🤿
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National park entrance fees 🎟️
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Lunch and refreshments 🍽️
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Stops at several islands and snorkeling spots 🏝️
Day tours to the Similan Islands usually leave early in the morning and return in the late afternoon, making them perfect if you’re short on time or staying in Phuket or Krabi.
There are also liveaboard trips to the Similan Islands, which allow you to stay on a boat for several days and explore the islands and coral reefs at a much slower pace. While I haven’t personally tried this option, I can only imagine what an unforgettable experience it must be to spend multiple days snorkeling or diving in one of Thailand’s most beautiful marine environments.
👉 Are you trying to decide which tour to take to the Similan Islands? Keep reading for more details about the day tour I took — which I absolutely LOVED and would happily recommend.
Which Tour to Take to the Similan Islands 🚤🏝️
Since you can’t visit the Similan Islands on your own, you’ll need to find a tour to take you there. That’s easier said than done, because there are so many options — which can make choosing the right one feel a little overwhelming.
I wanted to visit these islands so badly, and I had such high expectations that I spent hours being paranoid about which tour to choose. I wanted to make sure I took the absolute best one. In the end, I booked this top-rated tour with Love Andaman, and I was SO happy with my choice!
From start to finish, this tour was so seamless. The (very early) hotel pickup in Phuket was on time, and the van that drove us to the pier was comfortable and air-conditioned — a small but important detail for a long day trip.
Once we arrived at the pier, there was a welcome center where everyone checked in for their tour. This was perfect because you really felt taken care of by the staff. Even though there were lots of people, everything felt extremely organized.
After checking in and being directed to our group, we could even take breakfast from the buffet! It’s not a cheap tour, but these small touches really make the price feel reasonable.
Then the staff gathered everyone in small groups for a briefing, explaining how the day would go and sharing important safety information. Again: extremely organized and efficient!
Love Andaman will make your trip to the Similan Islands so smooth! Their level of organization was honestly impressive.
Then it was time for the speedboat 🚤 ride to the islands, which I had been slightly nervous about. I had a terrible experience on a speedboat from Koh Lipe to the Phi Phi islands, but thankfully this ride was smooth and comfortable. You could tell the skipper was experienced, and the staff were always friendly and helpful — especially with people who were worried about seasickness.
The first stop of the tour was the absolute highlight of the Similan Islands: Koh Similan — the largest island, home to the iconic Sail Rock viewpoint and the scenic Donald Duck Bay. As soon as we arrived, everyone was in awe — myself included! I had seen so many pictures of this place, but nothing prepared me for the view in real life.
The tour’s first stop was absolutely unreal
We had some free time on the island, and a major highlight was climbing up to the viewpoint. The panoramic view from above was absolutely unforgettable, and I didn’t regret a single step. I even had time to take a swim at the beach, which felt like a dream.
Next, we went to two snorkeling spots 🤿. I enjoy snorkeling, but beaches are really my thing — so while the snorkeling was beautiful, I was eager for another beach stop. Luckily, the tour delivered: we went to another island in the archipelago where lunch was served. But honestly, the beach was so mesmerizing that I couldn’t resist skipping lunch and just swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise water. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen — completely empty, pristine and unforgettable.
I’ve been to some of the World’s best beach destinations, like the Caribbean and the Maldives. But honestly, this is one of the best beaches I’ve seen in my life.
Eventually, it was time to head back to Phuket and I felt a mix of sadness and gratitude. I was sad to leave this paradise, but so happy I chose this tour — it gave me the absolute best memories from the Similan Islands. A light meal was even provided before the transfer back to Phuket, which was the perfect final touch.
I can’t recommend Love Andaman enough — if you’re wondering which Similan Islands tour to take, this is the one that will give you unforgettable memories, smooth logistics and the best experience possible.
Can You Stay at the Similan Islands? 🏕️🌙
This was by far one of the most confusing parts of planning my trip — and if you’re wondering whether you can stay overnight at the Similan Islands, you’re not alone. I went down a serious Google rabbit hole trying to figure out if there was any kind of hotel, resort or accommodation on the islands themselves.
So let’s clear it up right away: no, you cannot stay overnight at the Similan Islands. There are no hotels, resorts, bungalows or campsites on the islands — and overnight stays are no longer allowed at all.
The Similan Islands are part of a protected national park, and in recent years the Thai government has taken even stricter measures to preserve their fragile marine ecosystem. This means all accommodation on the islands has been removed, and visitors are only allowed to explore the Similan Islands on day trips or liveaboard boats.
So, where should you stay when visiting the Similan Islands? Since there’s no accommodation on the islands themselves, your best bases are Khao Lak, Phuket or Krabi. I visited the Similan Islands on a day tour while staying at Hugger Hostel in Phuket, which I absolutely loved and found to be a great base for the trip ✨
If you’re hoping to spend more than just a day at the Similan Islands, your only option is to join one of the liveaboard boats I mentioned above. These multi-day trips let you explore the islands and surrounding dive sites at a slower pace, while staying overnight on the boat — not on the islands themselves.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Similan Islands? ☀️🌊
I spent so long planning my Thailand itinerary, and visiting the Similan Islands was one of the spots that required the most careful timing. Getting it wrong would mean rough seas, closed parks or missing out on those iconic turquoise waters — and I was not willing to risk that.
I quickly realized that timing is everything when planning a visit to the Similan Islands. The islands are only open during the dry season, from mid-October to mid-May, as the national park closes completely during the monsoon months to protect the environment.
During this period, you can expect:
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Calm seas and smooth boat rides 🚤
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Excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving 🤿
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Bright sunshine and vibrant turquoise water 🌊
In short, this is when the Similan Islands look exactly like the photos — and why it was so important for me to plan my trip carefully.
Peak Season vs. Shoulder Season
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Peak season (December to February) ☀️
I visited the Similan Islands in December, and honestly, the weather was perfect. Yes, there were several tours, but the islands never felt overcrowded — I still got that dreamy, untouched paradise vibe I was hoping for. The waters were crystal clear, the beaches pristine, and it was everything I imagined. -
Shoulder season (October–November & March–May) 🌤️
I can imagine this period sees even fewer crowds, so if avoiding other tourists is your top priority, shoulder season might be a good option for you. The weather still seems fantastic, the sea is calm and the turquoise water is just as incredible.
When You Can’t Visit the Similan Islands 🚫
Did you know that the Similan Islands actually close for half the year, from May 15th to October 15th? If you’re planning a visit, you really need to be careful about this. It’s not just about dodging bad weather — if you go during this period, the islands are completely off-limits and you’ll miss the whole experience.
My Honest Recommendation
I went to the Similan Islands on December 16th, and I honestly couldn’t have been happier with my timing. The weather was perfect, the seas were calm and the islands felt like paradise. Especially if you want to ditch the European winter and holiday stress, having a sunny break in Thailand in December is absolutely amazing — turquoise waters, pristine beaches and all the relaxation you could hope for.
What to Pack for the Similan Islands 🎒🏝️
Packing for the Similan Islands doesn’t need to be complicated — especially if you’re doing a day trip. Bringing the right things makes your day on these paradise islands smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.
Here’s what I recommend:
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Swimwear & quick-dry clothes 👙🩳
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Towel & flip-flops (or even better, a pareo!)
One of my favorite backpacker hacks: I use a pareo instead of a regular towel, and it’s such a game-changer. It doubles as your skirt, cover-up or towel, and it dries super fast. With just a swimsuit and a pareo, you don’t even need extra clothes or a real towel. -
Snorkeling gear 🤿
Most tours provide equipment, but if you have your own mask and snorkel, it’s worth bringing — especially if you want the perfect fit. -
Waterproof bag / dry bag 💧
Keep your phone, camera and valuables safe from splashes or sudden rain. -
Sunscreen & hat ☀️🧢
The sun is intense, so reef-safe sunscreen is a must — for your skin and the coral! -
Light snacks & water 💦🍎
The tour I took provided lunch, fruit snacks and water, which was great. But when we stopped at one of the islands, I decided to skip lunch so I could enjoy the beach completely to myself while others were eating — and I was so grateful I had brought some extra snacks with me! -
Underwater camera / GoPro 📸
The Similan Islands are unbelievably photogenic, both above and below the water. Trust me — you’ll want underwater pictures there. -
Optional: motion sickness meds 🤢
If you get seasick, a little precaution goes a long way — even calm seas can feel a bit bumpy on the speedboat.
Tips for Visiting the Similan Islands 🏝️✨
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Book your tour in advance 📅
I was so indecisive about which tour to take that I actually booked this tour with Love Andaman the day before — and got lucky that there was still a spot! Honestly, it worked out perfectly, but I highly recommend booking early if you can. Knowing your spot is reserved ahead of time takes away all the stress and lets you focus on enjoying the islands instead of worrying whether you’ll get on a boat. -
The early morning is worth it ⏰
I’ll be honest — I wasn’t thrilled about the super early hotel pickup in Phuket, and it’s a long drive to the pier. But honestly, it was completely worth it. The boat ride was smooth, the islands were quiet in the morning, and you get the absolute best light for photos. Plus, the van ride gave me a chance to catch a bit of extra sleep before the adventure began. -
Bring cash for souvenirs or small fees 💵
Some islands have tiny souvenir stalls or snack vendors. Card machines are rare, so having cash on hand is handy if you want a memento or a quick drink. -
Use reef-safe sunscreen 🌞
Protect your skin and the coral reefs. This is one of the easiest ways to be eco-friendly while enjoying paradise. -
Pack light — and strategically 🎒
I recommend just your swimsuit, pareo, flip-flops, water, and a camera. Leave bulky bags at the hotel. Also, don’t bring expensive items you’ll be paranoid about all day — you want the freedom to swim and relax on the beach without worrying about fancy sunglasses, bags or other valuables. -
Consider seasickness precautions 🤢
Even calm seas can get a little bumpy on a speedboat. Bring meds or ginger chews if you’re prone to motion sickness. -
Plan for photos 📸
The Similan Islands are insanely photogenic — both above and below water. An underwater camera or GoPro is perfect for capturing the snorkeling highlights. -
Respect the environment 🌿
Don’t litter, don’t touch the coral and leave the islands as pristine as you found them. -
Skip the lunch for a private beach moment 🏖️
The tour I took provided lunch, but I decided to skip it so I could have the beach entirely to myself while others ate. Having some snacks with me meant I could relax and enjoy a quiet, private paradise moment — pure bliss.
After visiting 55 countries, I’m convinced that Thailand is one of the World’s best beach destinations, and the Similan Islands are the perfect proof of that. When I finished my day tour to the Similan Islands, I thought to myself, “I wonder if I’ll ever return to this piece of paradise.” I hope so. Thailand is full of hidden gems and breathtaking islands, and I have an endless list of other Thailand islands I still want to explore — but I still hope to return to the Similan Islands someday. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful island destinations in Thailand I’ve ever seen, with turquoise waters, pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs that make it a must-visit for anyone looking for paradise. 🌊☀️
Do you need more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check my other posts:
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