TH · Phang Nga · 8.65°N 97.64°E

similan islands

Granite boulder beaches and some of the best diving in the Andaman Sea.

Best time
The park only opens from mid-October to mid-May and closes for the monsoon in between. Seas are usually calmest from December to April.
How long
A day trip, or 3–4 days on a liveaboard dive boat
Getting there
Fly from KL to Phuket (about 1.5 hours), then about 2 hours by road to the pier at Thap Lamu near Khao Lak. Speedboats take about 1–1.5 hours to reach the islands. Liveaboards leave from Khao Lak and Phuket.
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TH · Phang Ngasimilan islands8.65°N 97.64°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Granite boulder beaches and some of the best diving in the Andaman Sea.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSimilan IslandsTH, Phang Nga
KLsimilan islands
≈ 759 km from KL, as the crow flies
Whale shark at the Andaman sea

Photo: Abe Khao Lak · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A chain of small granite islands far out in the Andaman Sea, about 70 km off the Phang Nga coast. It's a national park with clear water, white beaches between giant boulders, and some of Thailand's best diving and snorkelling.

Things to do

  1. Sail Rock on Ko SimilanA short scramble up the balanced boulder on Island 8 for the classic view over the bay.Map ↗
  2. SnorkellingDay trips stop at several reefs where you can see turtles and plenty of reef fish.Map ↗
  3. Scuba divingGranite boulders, swim-throughs and big fish make it a favourite for liveaboard trips.Map ↗
  4. Ko MiangIsland 4, home to the park headquarters, a nature trail and sheltered beaches.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Book ahead. Daily visitor numbers are capped and you can no longer stay overnight on the islands.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
  • The speedboat ride can be rough, so take seasickness pills if you need them.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.