The Similan Islands are a marine national park in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. The park opens for only seven months a year, and you can’t stay overnight on the islands, so most visitors go on a day trip. Here is what you need to know before you book.
At a glance
- Season: 15 October 2026 – 15 May 2027 (the whole park is closed outside these dates)
- Departure pier: not Phuket, but Tap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga — about 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Phuket Town, so hotel pickup is early. Staying in Khao Lak puts you much closer.
- Staying overnight: not allowed on the islands. Choose a day trip, or sleep on board a liveaboard dive boat.
- Park fee: 500 THB per adult, 250 THB per child (foreign visitors) — included in all three TripRAON Similan tours.
- The park has a daily visitor limit, so peak dates can sell out early.
Which islands will I visit?
- Island 8 (Koh Similan): home of the Sail Rock viewpoint — the view in most Similan photos. A short nature trail and a beach.
- Island 4 (Koh Miang): lunch and rest stop, with a restaurant and toilets.
- Around Islands 5, 6, 7 and 9: snorkelling spots (varies by tour).
- Closed: Islands 1–3 (sea turtle nesting sites) and Koh Tachai (closed since 2016 for nature recovery).
How to choose a tour
All three tours include round-trip hotel pickup, the park fee, lunch, snorkelling gear and insurance.
| Sea Star Full-Day Snorkelling | Sawanu Speed Catamaran Full Day | Sea Star Overnight Fun Dive (2D1N) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat | Speedboat or speed catamaran | Speed catamaran | Speedboat + liveaboard MV KOON 1 |
| Departure | 09:00, or “Lazy” 10:30 | 07:30 (hotel pickup around 06:00) | 09:00 |
| Islands | 4 · 5 or 6 · 8 · 9 | 8 · 9 · 4 · 7 | Snorkelling at 5 & 6 · 4 · 7 · 8 (4 dives incl. a night dive) |
| Back at the pier | 17:00–18:00 | around 19:00 | Day 2, 16:30–17:00 |
| Best for | A later start · families with children (“Lazy”) | More time on the islands | Certified divers · anyone who finds one day too short · groups of divers and non-divers |
TripRAON tip
- Worried about seasickness? Choose a catamaran — it rocks less than a speedboat.
- Not a morning person, or travelling with kids? Sea Star’s “Lazy” 10:30 departure is easier. If you’d rather reach the islands before the crowds, take the earlier boat.
- With an Open Water certification or higher, the overnight trip shows you the Similans underwater. Non-divers in your group can snorkel at the same sites.
Before you go
- Sunscreen: sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC or butylparaben are banned in Thailand’s marine national parks. Use a reef-safe product or cover up with a rash guard.
- Protect the coral: don’t stand on or touch coral. Don’t feed the birds or fish. Take your rubbish back with you.
- Weather: the route and stops may change with the weather and tides. Safety comes first.
- Minimum group size: Sea Star may cancel a tour with fewer than 10 participants — you’ll receive a full refund.
- Large suitcases: bags over 20 inches cost 200 THB each, paid on site when loading the pickup vehicle (Sea Star).
- Take seasickness tablets about 30 minutes before departure.
FAQ
Can I stay overnight on the Similan Islands?
No. Overnight stays on the islands are not allowed. For a night at sea, choose the overnight liveaboard dive trip.
Do I pay the park fee separately?
No. All three TripRAON Similan tours include the national park fee.
Can I visit between 16 May and 14 October?
No. The whole park closes for the monsoon season and nature recovery. Try Phi Phi or Racha Island tours instead.
Related tours
Photos: Sea Star Andaman