Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are an incredibly beautiful archipelago in the Andaman Sea, located about 100 km northwest of Phuket. UNESCO has recognized the archipelago as one of the most beautiful places on Earth and a popular excursion destination from Phuket.

The name “Similan” means “nine” in the Malay dialect, reflecting the original number of islands in the archipelago. Today, the Similan Islands also include two additional islands, Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, bringing the total to 11.

The Similan Islands are a popular excursion destination from Phuket, open to visitors only during the high season, typically from October 15 to May 16.

How to Get to the Similan Islands

How to get to the Similan Islands from Phuket? You can take a speedboat or a small vessel as part of a guided tour. The trip usually takes around 2.5 hours. Independent trips to the Similan Islands are now prohibited, and overnight stays on the islands are not allowed — only day tours are permitted. These measures aim to reduce tourist impact on the environment and preserve the islands’ pristine condition.

Each island has its own number and name:

• № 1: Ko Huyong
• № 2: Koh Payang
• № 3: Koh Payan
• № 4: Ko Miang
• № 5: Ko Ha
• № 6: Ko Payu
• № 7: Ko Hin Pousar
• № 8: Ko Similan
• № 9: Ko Ba-ngu, also known as Ko Bayu
• № 10: Ko Bon, also known as Ko Talu
• № 11: Ko Tachai

Tourists are only allowed to disembark on a few islands. One such island is No. 4, Ko Miang, which spans approximately 1.5 km². It has the most developed infrastructure, including cafes, bungalows, showers, and restrooms. Visitors can stroll around the island and enjoy snorkeling.

Another accessible island is No. 8, Ko Similan, which is 5 km². It features two beaches — Donald Duck Beach and Beacon Beach — and the island’s highest point, Sail Rock, a 25-meter-high rock with a viewing platform. There’s also a campsite and a café on the island.

No. 11, Ko Tachai, is also open to visitors. Here, you can relax on the beach and snorkel in the surrounding waters.

On the remaining islands, activities like diving and snorkeling are permitted, but disembarking is not allowed. However, the list of accessible and restricted islands may vary depending on how well the ecosystem recovers from tourist visits.

Why Visit the Similan Islands

Beaches. The Similan Islands are often referred to as the “Thai Maldives” for good reason. With powdery white sand, coral-rich shores, turquoise seas, and secluded beaches, they are a paradise. The volcanic origin of the islands ensures crystal-clear waters and excellent visibility.

Nature. The lush flora includes eucalyptus, jackfruit, bamboo, and rattan, while the fauna features monkeys, squirrels, langurs, flying foxes, and exotic birds.

A unique feature of the Similan Islands is the presence of giant boulders on the southern and western shores. On Island No. 8, you’ll find a famous 25-meter-high landmark called “Sail Rock”, which has a viewing platform. Climbing it is easy, and the breathtaking views from the top make it worthwhile. This rock is miraculously balanced on a single edge, leading to a fun tourist tradition of placing small branches underneath for support.

Snorkeling and diving. The underwater world of the Similan Islands is incredibly vibrant, boasting stunning coral reefs that are particularly appealing to divers. The Similan Islands are also considered one of the best places for snorkeling. Here, you can swim not only among schools of colorful exotic fish but also alongside sea turtles — a rare and unforgettable experience.

Typically, tours to the Similan Islands follow a standard itinerary. They include visits to the Similan National Park (with an entrance fee of 500 THB per person), stops at picturesque lagoons, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the guidance of a professional tour leader.

The untouched nature of the Similan Islands is their greatest treasure, offering a true glimpse of the beauty of the wild. Be sure to visit the “Thai Maldives” and explore other exciting tours in the Excursions, Fishing, and Diving section.