Similan Islands Tour

The Similan Islands Tour is a full-day trip from Phuket to Mu Ko Similan National Park, 85 kilometers northwest of the island: minibus pickup from 05.30, a 70-minute speedboat crossing from Thap Lamu Pier, four island stops including the Sail Rock viewpoint, and return to your hotel by about 18.30. National park fee, lunch and snorkeling gear are included — arranged by our TAT-licensed family agency at Chalong Circle.

First, the honest part: seasons and the early start

Two facts we tell every guest before they book, because finding out later ruins holidays. One: the park is closed from 16 May to 14 October every year — no boats, no exceptions. If your holiday falls in that window, the Similans are simply off the menu and we will suggest year-round islands instead. Two: pickup starts at 05.30 and the road transfer to Thap Lamu takes up to two hours before you even board the boat. The reward is the clearest water reachable on any Phuket day trip; the cost is a long day. Both are true.

Which islands do you visit?

• 05.30–07.00: Minibus pickup from your Phuket hotel.
• 08.00: Thap Lamu Pier, Khao Lak — briefing, bread, tea and coffee.
• 09.00: Speedboat departure; about 70 minutes to the park.
• 10.00: Donald Duck Bay, Koh Similan (Island No.8) — trek to the famous Sail Rock viewpoint for the postcard shot of the archipelago.
• 11.00: Snorkeling at Coral Bay, Koh Bangu (Island No.9).
• 12.00: Thai lunch buffet back on Island No.8, plus beach time.
• 13.00: Snorkeling at Koh Payu (Island No.7) — the stop where sea turtles and clownfish are most often sighted.
• 14.00: Swimming and relaxing at Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay, Koh Miang (Island No.4).
• 15.15: Depart for Thap Lamu; hotel arrival 17.30–18.30.

Included: national park fee, hotel transfer from the main areas, injury insurance, mask, snorkel and fins, life jacket, lunch and an English-speaking guide. Note the paperwork rule: a passport copy for each passenger must be emailed no later than the day before the tour — a regional government requirement, not ours.

Day trip or liveaboard — which do you need?

Divers and hardcore snorkelers sometimes agonize over this. Our counter answer: a liveaboard earns its cost only if you want dawn dives and multiple days in the park. For snorkelers and first-time visitors, this day trip covers the signature stops — Sail Rock, Coral Bay, the turtle reef at Payu — and you sleep in a real bed. Guests who want more Similan than one day usually book this trip twice before they book a liveaboard once.

Is this tour right for you?

Snorkelers, swimmers and viewpoint-hikers who can handle an early alarm and a 70-minute open-sea crossing. It is not the right pick for guests who mainly want a lazy beach day — for that, see Coral Island, 15 minutes offshore instead of 85 kilometers. Pregnant women, children under 1 and guests over 70 cannot join. For other Similan departures compare the private charter by Blu Seasons Marine and the Smile Tour route.

What should you bring?

Swimwear worn from the hotel, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, dry bag, a seasickness tablet at breakfast, and your emailed passport copies sorted the day before. Water shoes help on the Sail Rock scramble. The park is a protected area — take everything you carry in back out with you.

Honest advice from our counter in Chalong

Book the Similans for the front half of your holiday: seats sell out in high season and weather closures do happen, so you want rebooking room. December to March gives the flattest crossings and the best visibility. We are a family-run shop near Chalong Circle, TAT licence No. 34/03373 — visit us or compare all departures on our Similan Islands tours page. Boat prices in Phuket change daily; message us for today’s price.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Similan Islands park open?

From 15 October to 15 May. It closes completely from 16 May to 14 October for the monsoon season, with no boat access.

Is the national park fee included in this tour?

Yes — this program includes the Similan National Park entrance fee, along with transfer, lunch, snorkeling gear, life jacket, insurance and guide.

Why do you need my passport copy?

Regional government rules require a passport copy for every passenger entering the park, emailed no later than the day before the tour.

How rough is the boat ride?

The crossing takes about 70 minutes over open sea. In the December–March window it is usually comfortable; sensitive travelers should take a seasickness tablet before boarding regardless.

How do I book and get today’s price?

Message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999. Boat prices change daily and Similan seats are the first to sell out in high season, so we confirm rate and availability in one quick chat.

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