Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for early mornings, a bumpy boat ride, and strict national park regulations.
Similan Islands speedboat day trips
Mu Ko Similan National Park, Andaman Sea, Phang Nga
GPS 8.65, 97.65
Open directionsGetting there
Most tours include hotel pickups, bringing you to Thap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Group speedboat or power catamaran tour from Thap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak (or with hotel transfers from Phuket). | 70-90 minutes from Khao Lak pier to the islands; add 1.5-2 hours for Phuket transfers. | 2,800 - 4,500 THB | Pickups in Phuket start as early as 5:30 AM. Choose a catamaran for a slightly smoother ride if you are prone to seasickness. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is exclusively open from 15 October to 15 May. The calmest seas and best snorkeling conditions occur from February to April. It is strictly closed the rest of the year.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding.
The 70-minute speedboat ride can be very choppy.
How the day runs
Typical tour schedules from mainland Thailand.
A full day of island hopping, snorkeling, and beach time.
- Hotel pickup
Pickups start early for Phuket guests; Khao Lak guests are picked up around 07:30.
- Pier arrival
Eat a light breakfast, check in, and receive a safety briefing at Thap Lamu Pier.
- Speedboat departure
The 70 to 90-minute crossing begins.
- Snorkeling
Stop near Koh Payu or Koh Ba Ngu for 45 minutes of snorkeling.
- Beach time
Visit Koh Miang or Koh Similan for a picnic lunch and swimming.
- Return journey
Boats begin the trip back to the mainland before the park closes at 16:00.
Important park rules
You cannot stay overnight on the islands. Single-use plastics are banned. You must bring a passport or a certified copy for national park entry checks.
Sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate is strictly prohibited. Violators face fines up to 100,000 THB. Drones require prior permission from park authorities.
Easiest way to do it
Khao Lak: Wow Andaman Snorkeling Trip to Similan Islands
8 h 30 min 4.5 (85)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Drinking water, soft drinks, coffee, tea & fresh fruits
- Basic accident insurance
- National Park entrance fee
From$109per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
When is the best time to visit the Similan Islands?
Visit between February and April. This period offers the calmest seas and the best underwater visibility for snorkeling.
Is it better to go to Similan Islands from Phuket or Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is much better. It is closer to the pier. Phuket requires an additional 1.5 to 2 hours of driving each way.
Which sunscreen is allowed in Thailand national parks?
You must use reef-safe sunscreen. It cannot contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC, or butylparaben.