The Similan Islands are not in Phuket province, but in most cases you can reach them from Phuket. That is why we include them in this guide.

An archipelago of roughly a dozen small uninhabited islands located as the crow flies about 85km northeast of Phuket in the Andaman Sea.

Why visit the Similan Islands?

The archipelago officially consists of 9 islands, but only 8 are covered with green vegetation.

The islets have a very photogenic coastline made up of large rounded boulders that are a bit reminiscent of the Seychelles.

Because the islands are located far from the mainland and form many small bays with very calm, clear water, they are one of the most popular places to snorkel and dive in the whole of Thailand.

The largest islands also have beautiful beaches with snow-white sand that will make you feel like you are literally in paradise.

Also, because the Similan Islands are all a national park, there are strict regulations on what beaches can look like. So you won't find any big restaurants or bustling clubs, just impromptu food stalls provided by the tour operator you go with.

The Similan Islands are one of the few places around Phuket with truly unspoilt nature.

How to get to the Similan Islands?

No one lives on the islands, which is why there are no regular ferries to Similan Island.

You can only get to the archipelago as part of an organised trip by a local tour operator.

Travel agencies are literally on every corner in all resorts on Phuket, but also in Kao Lak on the mainland, which is the closest to the Similan Islands.

In total, a maximum of 3,325 people can visit the archipelago daily. Therefore, it is necessary to book a trip with local travel agencies at least 2-3 days in advance.

So if you want to visit the Similan Islands, for example on the 1st or 2nd day after you arrive, you must book your trip online.

We have personal experience with booking through phukettoursdirect.com/similan-islands-tours.

A copy of your passport must be sent when booking.

Cruise times to the islands are as follows:

Patong - Similan: approx. 90 minutes
Kao Lak - Similan: approx. 45 minutes

Prices for trips to the Similan Islands

Trips to the Similan Islands are always full day trips, with the van of your chosen tour operator picking you up directly at your hotel between 7:00 and 8:00am and returning you back between 6:00 and 7:00pm.

Usually the price includes 4 stops for snorkelling and 1 stop for lunch, which is included.

You can usually choose to snorkel or stay on the beach. Snorkel rental is included in the tour price with the vast majority of companies.

The usual price is between 2 500 thb and 2 900 thb. The price already includes the 500 thb fee to enter the national park.