Similan Islands
หมู่เกาะสิมิลัน · Phang Nga Province
Best Season
February to April (calmest seas, best visibility)
Score
9 / 10
Area
140 km²
About Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are nine granite islands rising from the Andaman Sea, 60-70 km northwest of Khao Lak. Surrounded by coral reefs of extraordinary health and diversity, they are a day-trip or liveaboard destination with virtually no permanent development. All facilities are basic national park structures on Koh 4 (Miang). There is no town, no nightlife, no restaurants beyond park canteens.
Above water the islands feature white sand beaches backed by jungle, enormous smooth granite boulders — the signature landscape — and crystal-clear turquoise water. Below water, divers encounter manta rays, whale sharks during February to April, leopard sharks, barracuda, and an astonishing diversity of reef fish across sites like East of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, and Christmas Point.
Richelieu Rock, technically in the Surin Islands Marine National Park but included on most liveaboard routes, is considered Thailand's single best dive site, with regular whale shark encounters during plankton season. The park is strictly closed from mid-May to mid-October due to dangerous monsoon seas, with zero exceptions.
Historical Note
The Similan Islands were designated a national park in 1982 to protect their exceptional marine ecosystems. The name 'Similan' derives from the Malay word 'sembilan' meaning nine. The islands have remained uninhabited and undeveloped, with visitor facilities limited to basic park structures.
Best time to visit: February to April (calmest seas, best visibility)
At a Glance
Thai Name
หมู่เกาะสิมิลัน
Province
Phang Nga
Region
Southern
Area
140 km²
Elevation
0 m
Established
1982
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Similan Islands. Grouped by category.
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entrance (foreigner) | 500 | 500 |
| Day trip snorkeling from Khao Lak | 2,500 | 4,000 |
| Premium speedboat day trip | 4,000 | 6,000 |
| 2-night liveaboard diving | 12,000 | 25,000 |
| 4-night liveaboard diving | 20,000 | 50,000 |
| Single dive trip (2 dives) | 4,500 | 6,500 |
| Kayak rental on island | 200 | 500 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Tent rental on island | 500 | 800 |
| Park bungalow | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Khao Lak budget hotel | 500 | 1,000 |
| Khao Lak mid-range resort | 1,500 | 4,000 |
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Park canteen meal | 100 | 200 |
| Restaurant meal in Khao Lak | 60 | 200 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket Airport to Khao Lak transfer | 300 | 1,500 |
| 2-day camping trip package | 4,500 | 7,000 |
Weather & Climate
Open mid-October to mid-May only. February to April offers the best visibility (30-40m), calmest seas, and peak whale shark and manta ray encounters. December-January is high season with larger crowds. The park is completely closed May to October.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 24 | 20 | 73% |
| Feb | 33 | 24 | 10 | 70% |
| Mar | 34 | 25 | 20 | 72% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 80 | 76% |
| May | 32 | 25 | 300 | 84% |
| Jun | 31 | 25 | 280 | 84% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 290 | 84% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 310 | 85% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 380 | 87% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 330 | 86% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 180 | 80% |
| Dec | 31 | 24 | 60 | 75% |
Things to Do
Diving at East of Eden (Koh 7)
Stunning coral garden with gentle currents, great for wide-angle underwater photography.
Elephant Head Rock Dive
Massive granite boulder swim-throughs with strong currents. One of the Similans' most dramatic dive sites.
Sailing Rock Viewpoint (Koh 8)
Climb the iconic balanced granite boulder for panoramic views. The park's most photographed spot.
Snorkeling at Princess Bay (Koh 4)
Shallow reef right off the beach on the park headquarters island, with colorful hard corals and abundant fish.
Donald Duck Bay Beach (Koh 8)
Iconic boulder-framed beach with pristine white sand and decent snorkeling around the granite rocks.
Richelieu Rock Dive
Thailand's number-one dive site, a horseshoe-shaped pinnacle famous for whale sharks, mantas, seahorses, and soft corals. Included on most liveaboard routes.
Food Nearby
-
Park Canteen Thai Food
Basic Thai fried rice, pad thai, and curries served at the Koh 4 canteen. Adequate but not memorable.
100-200
Park canteen on Koh 4 (Miang)
-
Liveaboard Thai-Western Fusion
Premium liveaboard boats serve surprisingly good meals, ranging from Thai curries to Western dishes.
Included in package
Mid-range and premium liveaboard boats
-
Khao Lak Fresh Seafood
Fresh catches from the Andaman, grilled or in curries, at restaurants in the base town.
80-300
Seafood restaurants along Khao Lak beach road
-
Day Trip Beach Picnic
Included in tour price; usually rice, curry, and fresh fruit served on the beach.
Included in tour
Provided by tour operators during day trips
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
300 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,500 - 4,000
THB / night
Luxury
5,000 - 20,000
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Park bungalows on Koh 4 are very limited; book via DNP website months in advance. Most visitors stay in Khao Lak and do day trips or liveaboards.
Getting There from Bangkok
Fly to Phuket + transfer to Khao Lak
1.5h flight + 1.5h transfer
2000-5000 THB
Bus to Khao Lak
10-12 hours
500-800 THB
Festivals & Events
Park Opening
The Similan Islands reopen after monsoon closure. Exact date announced annually by DNP.
Peak Whale Shark Season
Best visibility and highest chance of whale shark and manta ray encounters at Richelieu Rock.
Practical Info
Hospital
Khao Lak local clinic (mainland); Phuket for serious issues
Best SIM Provider
AIS (mainland only; no signal on islands)
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Tour operators speak English. No services on the islands beyond park rangers.
Drinking Water
Bring water or buy at park canteen. No shops on islands.
Tipping Culture
Tip dive guides and boat crew 200-500 THB per trip
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Similan Islands open and close?
Typically opens October 15 and closes May 15, but exact dates vary by 1-2 weeks each year. Check the DNP announcement. There are zero exceptions to the closure.
Snorkeling or diving — which is better?
Both are world-class. The diving is among the best on Earth, but snorkeling is also spectacular with healthy shallow reefs and clear water. Non-divers will not be disappointed.
Can I stay overnight on the islands?
Yes, on Koh 4 (Miang) only. Book tents or bungalows via DNP website well in advance. Facilities are basic.
Will I see whale sharks?
At Richelieu Rock from February to April, sightings are common during peak plankton season. Not guaranteed but odds are good.
How far in advance should I book a liveaboard?
2-6 months for peak season (Feb-Apr). Premium boats sell out even earlier. November is easier to book last-minute.
Is it worth it if I don't dive?
Absolutely. The beaches are pristine and snorkeling is excellent. A day trip is sufficient for non-divers.
How does it compare to the Surin Islands?
Similans are better for diving with more sites and infrastructure. Surins are better for snorkeling and Moken cultural experience. Both are extraordinary.