In our experience, there are few places in the world that can rival the natural beauty of the Similan Islands. This national marine park is home to eleven pristine islands with shimmering turquoise waters, powdery white sand, vibrant coral reefs, and gigantic granite boulders. Located about 70 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga province, this archipelago is perfect for a day trip or a multi-day diving safari from Phuket or Khao Lak. Despite their popularity and increasing number of visitors, we still highly recommend them to first-time visitors to Thailand.

The islands are closed every year between mid-May and mid-October. Access is controlled to protect the delicate ecosystem of the national park. We see this as a positive: it gives the islands time to recover and ensures their preservation for future generations. Furthermore, no resorts or accommodations are permitted on the islands, thus preventing some of the negative aspects of mass tourism. We booked a tour to the Similan Islands from Phuket in February, and although it was a long day, we were rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in all of Thailand.

View from Sail Rock, Similan Islands

Granite blocks on the Similan Islands

Departure from Phuket to the Similan Islands

We visited the Similan Islands after seeing incredible videos on social media. We're usually a bit skeptical of travel reports from influencers, but these islands definitely exceeded our expectations. We booked a day trip with Love Andaman, an eco-tourism company that Kat had been recommended by her Thai friends. We've used them several times before, including trips to the Surin Islands, and highly recommend them! Their Similan day trip promised a stress-free and unforgettable experience – and that's exactly what we got.

Our day in Phuket started early – the alarm woke us at 5:30 a.m. so we could be picked up at 6:00 a.m. The drive to Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak took almost two hours. That might sound like a long time, but everyone in the van fell asleep during the journey anyway! Upon arrival, a light breakfast awaited us, with sandwiches, pastries, fruit, juices, tea, and coffee.

During the 45-minute breakfast, you have plenty of time to prepare yourself and your belongings. Love Andaman's headquarters also has a shop selling beach items such as towels, hats, Hawaiian shirts, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear. Cam bought a wide-brimmed hat and a special reef-friendly sunscreen before we received the program briefing.

The tour guides were all very friendly and easy to deal with (how could they be otherwise, since it's their job!). They told us all about the national park and gave us helpful tips for our day's activities. And before we knew it, we were already on the speedboat, heading towards the horizon.

Read more: 20 top things to do in Phuket: Avoid the tourist traps

What you can expect on a Love Andaman tour

As with many entrance fees and tours in Thailand, there are different prices here: one for foreigners and a discounted price for Thai citizens. Cam (from New Zealand) paid about 3,500 THB, while Kat (from Thailand) paid 2,500 THB. It wasn't the cheapest island tour we did in Phuket, but it wasn't the most expensive either. Overall, we think it was good value for money.

Love Andaman is superbly organized, and the many included services such as hotel transfers, breakfast, lunch, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and national park fees make the trip worthwhile. And frankly, the beauty of the Similan Islands is priceless!

Our group of around 40 travelers was divided into English- and Chinese-speaking guests, each with a tour guide who translated the program during the tour. Our main tour guide was a young Thai man who was clearly enthusiastic about his job and the Similan Islands National Park. He provided us with a wealth of information, told jokes, and ensured that everyone felt comfortable at all times.

The speedboat ride from Thap Lamu Pier to our first destination of the day – Donald Duck Bay – took just over an hour. The ride was a bit choppy in places, but the speedboat glided smoothly through the waves. We've taken slower tours on larger boats before (like our trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui), and those boats rocked back and forth for hours. For island tours in Thailand, booking a speedboat is definitely worthwhile – it's faster, more comfortable, and you have more time to explore the islands yourself.

Friendly Love Andaman Crew

Donald Duck Bay: The highlight of the day trip

The first time we landed at Donald Duck Bay on Ko Paed (Island No. 8) was an unforgettable moment. We were overwhelmed by the intense turquoise of the water and the massive granite boulders piled up like marbles at both ends of the beach. And when we stepped off the boat and onto the beach, it became even more beautiful. The sand was dazzling white, and the backdrop of jungle-covered granite hills was the perfect finishing touch.

The only downside was that we only had an hour (we could have stayed all day) and had to share the beach with several other boats. But that didn't bother us. We enjoyed every second: we jumped into the crystal-clear water, admired the granite boulders, and of course hiked up the famous "Sail Rock" to enjoy the breathtaking view.

This short, five-minute walk requires pulling yourself up on some ropes and scrambling over a few boulders, but is easily manageable for anyone with average fitness. From the top of Sail Rock, there is a postcard-perfect view of the turquoise bay with its speedboats, the natural curve of the beach, and the contrasting green forest.

Back on the beach, we took turns swimming and taking photos. At one point, Cam turned to Kat and said, "This has to be the most beautiful beach in all of Thailand." And after a moment's thought, we completely agreed. The water color changed from deep blue to emerald green to crystal clear within just 20 meters. It was simply magical.

The hour spent in Donald Duck Bay was perhaps the most beautiful hour we've ever spent on a beach, and it has definitely made it onto our list of Thailand's most beautiful beaches. When we were called back on board the boat, we took our time, but were eager to see what else the Similan Islands had to offer.

Donald Duck Bay, Similan Islands

Sail Rock, Similan Islands

Kat is swimming in Donald Duck Bay

How snorkeling in the Similan Islands is

From Donald Duck Bay, we headed to Island No. 9 to begin the snorkeling portion of our tour. While smaller, this island offered the same turquoise waters and impressive rock formations. Our boat crew provided us with snorkeling gear, and we plunged into the Andaman Sea to discover parrotfish, schools of small reef fish, and pink and purple coral. The underwater visibility was incredible.

Next on the itinerary was Island No. 7 (Koh Payu), which our guides enthusiastically dubbed "Finding Nemo"! The island is famous for its clownfish, and we were lucky enough to see many of them peeking out from among the sea anemones. Koh Payu is also considered a hotspot for sea turtles, although unfortunately we didn't spot any. After snorkeling, it was time for lunch. We went to another island and enjoyed a buffet with Thai curry, fried chicken, rice, and fruit. While it wasn't the best Thai food we've ever had, it filled us up and gave us the energy for a relaxing afternoon.

We spent the rest of our time on Island No. 4, home to the twin beaches of Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay. A short jungle path connects the two beaches, and each had its own unique charm: one was relatively quiet and untouched, while the other was much busier with beachgoers. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable day in the Similan Islands.

Snorkeling in the Similan Islands

Exploring the different islands

Secluded beach on the Similan Islands

How to get to the Similan Islands

Most tours to the Similan Islands depart from Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak. Both day trips and multi-day dive safaris are available. If you're staying in Phuket, like we were, you'll easily find tour operators that offer hotel transfers. Here are the most common departure points for Similan Islands tours:

  • From Phuket: This is the most popular starting point, especially for tourists. Expect a pickup around 6:00 AM and a return to your hotel around 7:00 PM. It's a full day, but in our opinion, absolutely worth it. We stayed in the Old Town, which is quite far south in Phuket. Even if you're staying a bit further north, for example at Bang Tao Beach, the journey to the pier and back will be shorter.
  • From Khao Lak: Book your Similan Islands tour directly from your accommodation in Khao Lak – this will make your day much more relaxed. The journey to the pier takes a maximum of 20 minutes, and the area is much quieter than busy Phuket.

    • Many tour operators offer similar itineraries to the Similan Islands, but not all are created equal. Based on our experience, we highly recommend Love Andaman. The organization was seamless, the guides were friendly, and their approach was environmentally conscious. You can book the tour directly here: Love Andaman Tour.

    Best time to travel to the Similan Islands

    As mentioned previously, the Similan Islands National Park closes from mid-May to mid-October to allow the ecosystem time to recover and avoid rough seas. Outside of these months, tours to the national park are regularly offered. The best time to visit the Similan Islands is generally from November to April. However, depending on your priorities—for example, consistently good weather or fewer tourists—you might want to consider a different month.

    The best weather window for snorkeling is in December, January, and February. We were there in February and couldn't have asked for better conditions. However, it's also significantly more crowded then, as many more boats compete for the best spots in Donald Duck Bay, and the snorkeling areas are packed.

    Another way to avoid the tourist crowds is to visit in early November when the national park opens. You'll find significantly fewer visitors and, with a bit of luck, enjoy equally fantastic weather. If you have the time and budget, a diving safari or a private charter trip is the ultimate Similan Islands experience. These excursions will take you to hidden islands, secluded bays, and pristine beaches where you'll likely encounter almost no other soul.

    Similan Islands in February

    Stay in Khao Lak vs. Phuket

    By limiting accommodation and human impact on the Similan Islands, Thai authorities are helping to keep the beaches clean and the coral reefs intact. If convenience is important to you, Khao Lak is the closest mainland location from which to book the tour, and its beachfront resorts and boutique hotels offer wonderful accommodation options. Here are some of the best hotels in Khao Lak:

  • The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani

    • If, like us, you have to stay in Phuket, plan as little as possible for the next day. Definitely don't book another island tour. Instead, treat yourself to a massage or simply relax by the pool. The Similan Islands tour from Phuket takes over 12 hours in total, so you can sleep in the next morning.

    What you should know before your trip

  • Don't forget sun protection: The Andaman Sea is a hot part of Thailand all year round. Be sure to pack all essential sun protection items, such as a wide-brimmed hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • Waterproof everything: A waterproof dry bag and a waterproof phone case are practical items to have on board. Your belongings can quickly get wet with constant getting in and out of the boat.
  • Enjoy the moment: Most itineraries allocate about five hours in the national park. So make the most of your time. Don't spend half the time on your phone! Take time to admire the surroundings, because the Similan Islands are a truly unique experience.
  • Book an early bird tour: Some tour operators offer early bird deals where you are picked up from your hotel in Khao Lak around 5:00 am and depart from the pier at 7:00 am. This way, you reach the famous Donald Duck Bay before the main wave of boats arrives at 10:00 am.

    • Read more: 15 of Thailand's most beautiful islands: The ultimate travel guide to paradise

    Unique rocks of the Similan Islands

    Pure paradise, Similan Islands