Similan Islands Thailand Tourism (2021) Travel Guide

"It's what's beneath the waves"

Similan Islands Tourism

Similan is an archipelago of 9 small islands which has Malay roots. The Similan islands national park is a UNESCO World heritage site. These are one of Thailand's most stunning places with beautiful marine life underwater and also great birds in the air. There are splendidly pictursque white sand beaches with pristine blue waters. The islands also have many hiking trails for the adventurous soul.

The Similan islands are an archipelago of nine islands (as translated in the local Moken language) which are Ko Bn, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The Similan islands are considered to be the best diving spot in Thailand with coral reefs over 5000 years old and extensive marine life including sea turtles, rays, moray eels and whale sharks and a large community of tropical fish. In the air too, the Similan boasts of birds like sea eagles, kingfisher, nicobar pigeon. It is also known to have a great range of trees in the thick forest like ironwood, gum, jackfruit, bamboo. These islands were free of commercialization, but with increasing visitors and competition from Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe, there is toursim pressure here too. Out of the nine, visitors are only allowed on two, Ko Miang and Ko Similan. As a National park, there is a 500 Baht entry fee for adults and 300 Baht for children.

1. Diving and Snorkelling

One of the renowned and top diving areas in Thailand, Similan Islands attracts flocks of divers from all across the world because of its spectacular underwater scenery and abundant marine life. The be (Read More)st part about diving here is the water conditions that the Andaman Sea creates, making it visible and perfect for snorkelling and diving. The temperatures underwater reach up to 25 degrees Celsius, which makes it easier to dive even without the wetsuits on. The diving season at Similan Island goes from October through May.

Diving and Snorkelling

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Shopping in Similan Islands

There is only one souvenir shop on Ko Similan operated by the National park itself, selling very limited prodcuts.

Similan Islands Tour

Boasting nine densely forested islands with pristine beaches and rocky formations, all situated within a national park, the Similan islands are an amazing destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. And touring the islands via speedboat gives one a chance to see the real beauty of Similan Islands and underwater scenery in 90 minutes.

Please note that Similan Islands are open for tourists from November to April, as the weather gets harsh and rough during the offseason and monsoon season.

The tour highlights include -

Exploring the beautiful Similan Islands
Relaxing and unwinding on the beaches
Enjoying Thai meals
Round trip transfers included

Tips While Visiting Similan Islands

Plastic bags are not allowed inside the National Park.
Carry all the diving or snorkeling equipment before indulging in the activity.
Drink 3-4 liters of water before diving.
It is advisable to invest in Travel insurance if you are diving. It is better to be secure.
Use lots of sunscrenn to protect yourself from the harsh sunlight.

Suggested Itinerary for Similan Islands

There are multiple tours organized from many tour companies, either it is a day tour, 2 nights one-day tour, 3 nights 2 days tour, or more.

Here is what a typical 2 day tour would look like -

Day 1

Most of the tours have round-the-trip transfers and traverse through Ba Ngu Island on a speedboat, which is great for diving, snorkelling, and swimming.
Post this activity, visitors can enjoy a Thai lunch at any of the restaurants nestled on the islands.
After savouring a delicious meal, head to Miang Island, which is an amazing site for witnessing wildlife and also for snorkelling and diving.
After an eventful day, end the day by witnessing a stunning sunset, following up with a nice dinner.

Day 2

On the second day, visitors can either relax by the beach, sipping tasty drinks, or go dive and snorkel again on the islands via speedboats.

Best Time to Visit Similan Islands

Commuting within Similan Islands

Similan Islands Photos

Diving on the Coral Reef, Similan Islands

Magnificent Sunrise View, Similan Islands

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FAQs on Similan Islands

What is famous about Similan islands?

It has some of the best Snorkelling and scuba diving spots in the country.
Scuba Diving is quite affordable compared to the rest of Thailand.
There are many dive sites to choose from. Some dive sites even offer divers to go to below 30 meters.
As these islands are otherwise known as the rainforest of the sea world, divers can expect to see abundant marine life that is sure to stun every sea explorer.

What is not so good about Similan islands?

Because of climate change and pollution, corals are deteriorating quicker than ever.
The island shuts down from May until mid October.
Because of the new rules assigned on Similan Islands, entry-level courses for diving such as Discover Scuba Diving or Open Water courses have been banned. The divers must be certified way before they enter the park.

What is the best time to visit Similan islands?

The best time to visit the Similan Islands is from December to early January. The park remains closed from May 16th till 14th of October and in any case, travelling to the place during this time is a big no-no for the rough weather conditions. The least number of rains and the smoothest ocean is found during late-February and mid-March.

Temperature, although, starts to rise, but the sea remains calm and the evenings are balmy and pleasant. During the summer months, snorkelling and diving is a great idea. However, during monsoons, i.e., in September, there will be no day trips to the island because of the weather conditions and if any agency promises you the same, be very wary of it! Once the monsoon is over, the island is open for the tourists. So, you need to be sure of its timings before booking your holiday.
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What is the local food in Similan islands?

Only two small islands being available to visitors, the tourist options in the Similan islands are very less. The mass tourism pressure is increasing, but there is hardly any space. There are very few restaurants on Koh Miang and Koh Similan that serve seafood and some fast food.
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What is the best way to reach Similan islands?

There are daily dive trips to Similan islands from Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong.
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What are the places near Similan islands?

The top places near to Similan islands are Khao lak which is 67 km from Similan islands, Phuket which is located 109 km from Similan islands, Krabi which is located 152 km from Similan islands, Phi phi islands which is located 159 km from Similan islands, Surat thani which is located 192 km from Similan islands

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