Similan Islands Day Trip from Khao Lak

Similan Islands Marine National Park

The Similan Islands lie about 70 kilometres off the coast of Phang Nga province, a chain of granite islands draped in jungle and fringed by some of the whitest sand and clearest water in Thailand. Declared a national park in 1982, the area protects rich coral reefs and a remarkable variety of marine life, from turtles and reef sharks to manta rays in the deeper waters.

The islands are numbered from north to south as well as named, which is why guides often refer to Island No. 4 or No. 8. The park opens only during the calm season, usually from mid-October to mid-May, and closes during the monsoon to let nature recover. The best time to visit the Similan Islands is from December to April, when visibility is at its best.

Thap Lamu Pier and the Crossing

The day starts at Thap Lamu Pier, just south of Khao Lak, the closest departure point to the Similans. Here you enjoy a light breakfast with tea or coffee while the guide gives a safety briefing and explains the day's route and snorkelling tips. Life jackets and snorkelling equipment are fitted before you board.

The speedboat crossing to the islands takes about an hour and a half, depending on sea conditions, with spray and open-sea views along the way. Staying in Khao Lak is a real advantage for a Similan Islands tour, as the transfer to the pier is much shorter than from Phuket. If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy before departure and sit towards the back of the boat.

Ko Similan (Island No. 8) and Sail Rock

The largest island of the group, Ko Similan, is the first stop. Its curved beach of fine white sand, backed by jungle and huge granite boulders, is one of the most photographed scenes in southern Thailand. You can swim in the clear turquoise water or follow a short but steep trail up to Sail Rock, a giant balanced boulder shaped like a sail.

The climb takes about 15 minutes over rocks and wooden steps, and the reward is a sweeping view over the beach and the boats below. Wear sandals with good grip and bring water. Spend about an hour here in total, enough to enjoy both the viewpoint and the beach before moving on to the first snorkelling spot.

Snorkelling at Ko Ba Ngu and Ko Payu

Ko Ba Ngu, Island No. 9, has a sheltered coral bay where the water is calm and shallow enough for beginners. Hard and soft corals shelter parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and schools of fusiliers, and the visibility is often more than 20 metres. You spend about 40 minutes in the water with the guide nearby.

Later in the day, Ko Payu, Island No. 7, offers a second snorkelling stop of about 40 minutes over a colourful reef where clownfish live among anemones and sea turtles are often spotted feeding on the seabed. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included, and the guide helps first-timers. Please do not touch or stand on the coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

Ko Miang (Island No. 4)

Ko Miang holds the national park office and the main facilities of the Similans, with shaded areas, toilets and two lovely beaches. A Thai buffet lunch with fresh fruit is served here, followed by free time to swim, relax in the shade or walk along the sand looking for hermit crabs and the islands' friendly birds.

You have about an hour on Ko Miang, the most relaxed part of the day before the final snorkelling stop and the ride back to Thap Lamu Pier. Is the Similan Islands day trip worth it? For anyone who loves clear water and white beaches, it is one of the most beautiful days you can spend on the Andaman coast.