Similan Islands: day trip and diving from Phuket, season and prices
The Similan Islands, in the Andaman Sea, form a marine national park known for white-sand beaches, rounded granite boulders and some of the best snorkelling and diving in Thailand. They lie northwest of Phuket, level with Khao Lak, and can only be visited in the dry season. From Phuket it is a long day: you travel by road to a pier on the Phang Nga coast, then by speedboat. The prices below are ranges found on booking sites and with operators in October 2026: confirm the season and the price before booking.
Highlights
Donald Duck Bay
A sheltered white-sand bay, one of the classic stops of day trips for swimming and beach time. The water is very clear and fish are plentiful near the rocks.
Snorkelling on the reefs
Snorkel stops are over coral drop-offs, with parrotfish, butterflyfish and sometimes turtles. Mask and snorkel are usually provided; certified divers book separate dive trips.
The Sailing Rock viewpoint
On island no. 8 (Ko Similan), a trail leads to a viewpoint on the rock known as "Sailboat Rock", overlooking the bay and the granite boulders. It is the most photographed panorama in the park.
Practical info
Tips
- The national park fee is about 500 THB per adult (some offers state 250 THB per child), paid extra or included depending on the operator. According to a local source in 2026, an all-inclusive speedboat trip costs about 3,700 to 4,200 THB from Khao Lak, and online offers from Phuket range from about 80 to 110 USD per adult; the crossing takes about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 from Thap Lamu pier. Daily visitor numbers are capped and weekends from December to March fill first: book early. There is no accommodation on the islands any more (bungalows and campsite closed in 2018): you come for the day or on a diving cruise. Plan a very early start and a late return, seasickness tablets, reef-friendly sunscreen and cash.
How to get there
By boat from the Phang Nga coast (Thap Lamu, near Khao Lak). Phuket operators collect you at your hotel and drive you by minibus to the pier, which makes the day much longer. If you are staying in Phuket, compare with departures from Khao Lak, which avoid the long road transfer.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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