Similan Islands Excursion

Similan island

The Similan Islands are a continental archipelago in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga province in the south of Thailand. Occupy one of the 10 best places in the world for recreation and scuba diving.

The complex consists of several islands, for tourists are open 2: Ko Similan and Ko Miang.

The mesmerizing underwater realm attracts not only experienced divers who have been coming here for many years, but also ordinary tourists, snorkeling enthusiasts. You will be amazed by the underwater biodiversity, and you may even get the chance to swim alongside a huge sea turtle. Divers from all over the world look forward to seeing the stunning whale shark, the largest fish on Earth. There’s no need to be afraid of it – it’s quite harmless. Some people even manage to ride this fish.

Advantages of visiting the location:

Snow-white beaches and turquoise water.
Here is one of the most recognizable symbols of Thailand Sail Rock.
Rich fauna. There are whales, dolphins, and large turtles.
Pleasant places for diving attracted Jacques-Yves Cousteau himself. Under water there are canyons, corals, caves, grottos.
Night diving opportunities. During dives you can see crabs, crayfish, lobsters.
Interesting color of the sea: the islands are located between the Indian and Andaman Seas.
Pristine nature, untouched by civilization. It is forbidden by law to build tourist facilities here. But there is an opportunity to spend the night right on the shore in a tent.

Nuances

The Similan Islands Park is the most crowded Thai national park. During the open season from mid-October to mid-May, five to six thousand people a day visit the islands. The park is closed during the rainy season from May 16 to October 15 annually.

It is mandatory to go barefoot during the tour.

The best time to visit is from January through April: not as hot and humid.

Day on a private yacht: Phuket to the Similan Islands and back

Embark on a serene and revitalizing journey around the islands on a luxury yacht – the perfect complement to the thrill of exploring Phuket. This excursion is the epitome of a luxury island vacation: a short trip that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the island from a distance. By including this excursion in your traveler’s schedule, you can further immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Thailand.

Distance and travel time from Chalong Pier

In a straight line it is about 119 km (64 nautical miles) from Chalong Pier to the Similan Islands. This is an approximate straight-line distance, not an exact navigational figure — the actual route on the water is always somewhat longer.

For a motor yacht, a crossing of this length typically takes about 3–4.5 hours, depending on the yacht, the weather and the state of the sea. The departure pier is also chosen to suit the route and the vessel, so we confirm the exact timing and departure point when planning your trip. Given the distance, this is not a standard one-day round trip: the schedule and format are agreed individually when booking.

When planning a longer day on the water, this trip is often combined with the Surin Islands or Phi Phi and Bamboo Island.

Where are the Similan Islands located?

The Similan Islands are a continental archipelago in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga province, and are considered one of the top 10 places in the world for diving and recreation.

Which islands can visitors access?

Of the whole complex, only two islands are open to tourists: Ko Similan and Ko Miang.

When are the Similan Islands open to visitors?

The park is open from mid-October to mid-May, when up to five to six thousand people visit per day. It is closed during the rainy season, from May 16 to October 15 each year.

What marine life can I see at the Similan Islands?

The underwater world includes canyons, corals, caves and grottos, along with sea turtles, whale sharks, and, on night dives, crabs, crayfish and lobsters.

What should I know before visiting?

It is mandatory to go barefoot during the tour, and the best time to visit is from January through April, when it is less hot and humid.