Similan Islands from Phuket: The Ultimate Day Trip Guide
In our experience, very few places in the world can rival the natural beauty of the Similan Islands. The national park is home to 11 pristine islands all boasting shimmering turquoise waters, squeaky white sand, colourful coral reefs and gigantic granite boulders. Situated roughly 70 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga province, this archipelago makes for an incredible day trip or liveaboard experience from either Phuket or Khao Lak. Despite its popularity and the increasing crowds, it’s a place we still highly recommend for first-time visitors to Thailand.
The islands close every year between mid-May and mid-October, with controlled access aiming to protect the fragile ecoystem of the national park. But we view this as a good thing: it gives the islands time to recover and keeps it protected for future generations. There’s also no resorts or accommodation allowed on the islands, which prevents some of the worse aspects of mass tourism from occurring. We booked a Similan Islands tour from Phuket in February, and while it was a long day, we were rewarded with one of the most spectacular sights in all of Thailand.
View from Sail Rock, Similan Islands
Granite boulders at Similan Islands
Jungle-clad granite hills, Similan Islands
Setting Off from Phuket to the Similan Islands
We were inspired to visit the Similan Islands after seeing some incredible footage posted on social media. Normally, we’re pretty sceptical of “influencer-style” travel content but these islands definitely lived up to the hype. We booked a day tour with Love Andaman, an eco-tour company Kat was shown by her Thai friends. We’ve used them several times now, including to the Surin Islands, and can’t recommend them enough! Their Similan Islands day tour promised a stress-free and memorable experience, and that’s exactly what we received.
Our day began early in Phuket - a 5:30 AM alarm to get ready for our 6:00 AM pick-up. The drive to Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak took nearly two hours, which might sound long but everyone in the van went straight back to sleep for the drive anyway! When we arrived, all the guests were greeted to a light breakfast including sandwiches, pastries, fruit, juices, tea and coffee.
During the 45 minute breakfast, you’ll have enough time to prepare yourself and your belongings. There’s also a shop at the Love Andaman headquarters which sells beach items like towels, hats, Hawaiian shirts, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear. Cam picked up a wide-brim hat and some special reef-friendly sunscreen before we were given the program brief.
The tour guides were all very friendly and easy-going (how could you not be if this is your job)! They shared detailed info about the national park and gave us some helpful tips about the day’s itinerary. Then, before we knew it, we were boarding the speedboat and cruising off into the horizon.
What to Expect on a Love Andaman Tour
Like many entrance fees and tours in Thailand, there’s the dual pricing to factor in: one price for foreigners and a reduced price for Thai citizens. Cam (being from New Zealand) paid around 3,500 THB while Kat (being from Thailand) paid 2,500 THB. It wasn’t the cheapest island tour we’ve done in Phuket but not the most expensive either. Overall through, we think it’s good value for money.
Love Andaman are well organised and the many inclusions such as hotel pick-up and drop-off, breakfast, lunch, snacks, snorkeling gear and national park fees make it worthwhile. And to be honest, you can’t really put a price on visiting the Similan Islands - they are that beautiful!
Our group of around 40 travelers was split between English-speaking and Chinese-speaking guests, each with a tour guide who would translate the program as we went. The main guide was a young Thai man clearly passionate about his job and the Similan Islands National Park. He provided a plethora of information, cracked jokes and made sure everyone was comfortable throughout.
The speedboat ride from Thap Lamu Pier to the first stop of the day - Donald Duck Bay - took us just over an hour. There were parts of the trip that got a little bumpy but the speedboat sliced through the waves in a stable fashion. We’ve done slower, big boat tours before (like our trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui), and the boat rocked back and forth for hours. It’s an absolute no-brainer to book a speedboat for island tours in Thailand - it’s faster, more comfortable and you get to spend more time on the islands themselves.
Love Andaman speedboat
Friendly Love Andaman crew
Donald Duck Bay: The Highlight of the Similan Islands
Pulling up to Donald Duck Bay for the first time, on Ko Paed (Island #8), is a moment we’ll never forget. We were literally gobsmacked by the intense turquoise color of the water and the massive granite boulders stacked like marbles at each end of the beach. Then, when we hopped off the boat and walked onto the beach, things got even better. The sand was blindingly white and the backdrop of jungle-clad granite hills was the ultimate cherry on top.
The only downside is that we only had an hour allocated here (we could’ve stayed all day) and had to share the beach with several other boats. We didn’t let either of those things affect us though. We made the most of every second: diving into the crystal-clear waters, admiring the granite boulders and, of course, walking up the famous “Sail Rock” for sweeping views.
This short five-minute walk involves pulling yourself up a few ropes and climbing over a couple of boulders, but it’s easy for anyone with moderate fitness. From the top of Sail Rock, you’re afforded picture postcard views of the turqoiuse bay dotted with speedboats, the natural curve of the beach and the contrasting green forest.
Back down on the beach, we took turns swimming and taking photos. At one point, Cam turned to Kat and said: “This has to be the most beautiful beach in all of Thailand”. And upon further reflection, we believe this statement to be true. The water color changed from deep blue to emerald green to transparent in a matter of 20 meters or so. It was pure magic.
That hour at Donald Duck Bay might be the best hour we’ve ever spent at a beach, rivalled only by the spectacular Main Beach on Koh Ngai. When we were called to board the boat again, we certainly didn’t rush back but we were looking forward to what else the Similan Islands had in store.
Donald Duck Bay, Similan Islands
Sail Rock, Similan Islands
Emerald waters of Similan Islands
Kat swimming at Donald Duck Bay
Having fun taking photos
Snorkeling Among the Similan Islands
From Donald Duck Bay, we cruised to Island #9 to start the snorkeling section of the tour. This was a smaller isle, but it still boasted the same turquoise waters and impressive rock formations. Our boat crew provided us with snorkeling gear and we plunged into the Andaman to spot parrotfish, schools of tiny reef fish, and pink and purple corals. The visibility underwater was incredible.
Next up was Island #7 (Koh Payu), or Finding Nemo as the tour guides exclaimed! This island is known for its clownfish and we were fortunate enough to spot many of them peeking out from sea anemones. Koh Payu is also recognised as a sea turtle hotspot, although we didn’t have any luck sighting them. After snorkeling, it was time for lunch. We headed to another island and enjoyed a buffet-style meal of Thai curry, fried chicken, rice and fruit. It wasn’t the most glamorous food in the world but it certainly filled us up ready for a lazy afternoon.
The rest of our time was spent at Island #4, home to the twin beaches of Honeymoon and Princess Bays. You could walk between the beaches via a short jungle trail and each one had its own charm: one was relatively quiet and untouched, while the other was busy with more people swimming. It was the perfect end to what was an unforgettable day at the Similan Islands.
Snorkelling in the Similan Islands
Exploring the different islands
Secluded beach in the Similan Islands
How to Get to the Similan Islands
Most tours to the Similan Islands depart from Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak, including both day tours and multi-day liveaboard trips. However, if you’re staying in Phuket like we did, it’s easy to find tour operators that will include hotel pick-up and drop-off as part of the experience. Here are the most common departure points for tours to the Similan Islands:
From Phuket: This is the most popular starting point, especially for tourists. Expect a 6:00 AM hotel pick-up and a return time to your hotel at around 7:00 PM. This makes for a full-on day but it’s absolutely worth doing in our opinion. We were staying in the Old Town which is quite far south on Phuket Island. Even if you’re staying slightly more north, like in Bang Tao Beach, the drive to the pier and back will be quicker.
From Khao Lak: It’s a much more stress-free day when you book your Similan Islands tour from your Khao Lak accommodation. The drive to the pier is no more than 20 minutes, and the area has a more relaxing vibe than Phuket’s hustle and bustle.
Many tour companies run similar itineraries to the Similan Islands but not all are equal. Based on our experience, we couldn’t fault Love Andaman. They had smooth logistics, friendly guides and an eco-friendly approach. You can book their tour directly here: loveandaman.com/similan-islands/
Best Time to Visit the Similan Islands
As already mentioned, the Similan Islands closes its gates from mid-May to mid-October to allow for ecosystem recovery and to avoid rough seas. Outside these months, tours run regularly to the national park. By and large, the best time to visit the Similan Islands is from November to April. But you might want to aim for a different month depending on what’s more important to you: reliably good weather or fewer crowds.
The most reliable weather window falls in the months of December, January and February. We visited in February and couldn’t have asked for better conditions. But the counter-argument is the crowds are larger, with many more boats competing for space at Donald Duck Bay and filling up snorkeling spots.
Another option, to avoid the crowds, is to go in early November, when the national park first opens its gates. You’ll definitely find fewer crowds and if you’re lucky, equally gorgeous weather. If you have the time and budget for it, the ultimate experience in the Similan Islands is going on a liveaboard trip or private charter where you’ll be taken to hidden islands, remote bays and untouched beaches with barely another soul in sight.
Similan Islands in February
Shade under the trees
Where to Stay Near the Similan Islands
By restricting accommodation and limiting the human footprint on the Similan Islands, the Thai authorities help keep the beaches clean and the coral reefs thriving. If convenience is a priority to you, Khao Lak is the closest mainland town to book the tour from - and it’s beachside resorts and boutique hotels make for a wonderful overnight stay. Here are some of the best hotels in Khao Lak:
If you need to stay in Phuket, like we did, block out the next day to do as little as possible. Certainly don’t book another island tour. Instead, get a massage or just relax by the pool. The Similan Islands tour from Phuket has a total duration of over 12 hours, so you’ll relish a sleep-in the next morning.
Tips for Visiting the Similan Islands
Bring Sun Protection: The Andaman Sea is a hot part of Thailand year round. Be sure to pack all the essentials for sun protection like a wide-brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Waterproof Everything: A dry bag and waterproof phone case are handy items to have onboard. Your belongings can easily get wet with all the hopping on and hopping off the boat.
Live in the Moment: Most itineraries allow for about five hours in the national park. So you’ll want to make the most of your time. Don’t spend half the time on your phone! Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings because it’s not everyday you get to visit the Similan Islands.
Book an Early-Bird Departure: A few tour companies offer early-bird deals where you get picked up at your Khao Lak hotel at around 5:00 AM to leave the pier by 7:00 AM. This means you’ll arrive at the famous Donald Duck Bay before the main wave of boats arrive at 10:00 AM.
Hat is a must bring
Unique rocks of Similan Islands
Pure paradise, Similan Islands
