A few years ago, I got into an argument with a Sardinian friend. "I'm sorry to say this," she concluded shortly after the discussion began, "but Thailand's beaches can't hold a candle to those of Sardinia."

At that time I hadn't yet been to Sardinia, but I have since visited the island. And despite their claim to the contrary, I didn't find the Sardinian beaches particularly special compared to my favorite beaches and islands in Thailand.

Even if one accepts that the average beach in Thailand isn't as beautiful as the average beach in Sardinia, there are still some Thai beaches that are simply incomparable. The Similan Islands, for example, which I will describe in more detail in the following sections.

How to get to the Similan Islands

If you'd like to visit the Similan Islands, the best place to start your trip is in Phang Nga province – the islands are located just off the coast. The problem is, however, that many travelers don't make it to Phang Nga, even though they absolutely should. Fortunately, the Similan Islands are also accessible from Phuket, although the journey takes considerably longer and you'll have less time to spend on the islands.

Are you planning to spend some time in Phang Nga or be there before your boat departure? Then book a tour like this one, which starts in Khao Lak National Park and takes advantage of its proximity to the Similan archipelago. If you're starting your trip in Phuket, this could be a good option for you, unless your hotel offers a better alternative.

This is how your day trip to the Similan Islands will go.

Departure at dawn!

Whether you start your trip in Phuket or Phang Nga, you'll need to get up early. Hotel pick-up (included in almost all Similan tours) is usually around 5:00 AM. However, your vehicle should be comfortable enough for you to get some sleep during the journey if you'd like to sleep a little longer on the way to the port.

Take a trip to the islands

Unfortunately, even after boarding the boat, there's still one more step required before reaching the paradisiacal beaches of the Similan Islands. You have to take a boat there, which takes about 90 minutes from Phang Nga and at least two hours from anywhere in Phuket. This journey is probably too choppy for sleeping, but to be fair, you'll be far too excited to drift off anyway.

Take a Similan Islands crash course

Most Similan Island tours visit several islands in quick succession. They typically begin on Koh Miang (also known as No. 4), whose pristine beaches are characterized by their gentle, almost delicate beauty. Next, you'll make a brief stop on Koh Ba Ngu (No. 9), where you can snorkel, subject to availability. Finally, you'll reach the main island (No. 8), whose Sailing Rock viewpoint offers arguably the most famous view in the archipelago.

Dive into the sea

To be honest, snorkeling was never really my thing, even though my diving experiences were absolutely fantastic. Nevertheless, most travelers (whether on Koh Ba Ngu or elsewhere) put on a diving mask and dive when visiting the Similan Islands from Phuket, even though the extent of the underwater world you get to see depends heavily on the quality of the dive guide.

Lunch amidst monitor lizards

Koh Similan (No. 8) offers more than just the view from Sailing Rock. Here you can also eat at simple picnic tables – with… interesting fellow diners. I'm talking about monitor lizards, which you might have also seen in Lumphini Park in Bangkok. Honestly, these animals don't bother me, even though their Thai name (เหี้ย or hîa) is considered quite offensive!

Is it possible to stay overnight on the Similan Islands?

Before Covid-19, during the "open" months between October and May, there was only one hotel on Koh Similan – actually a lodge – offering accommodation. It was very basic and usually only allowed one-night stays, but it offered adventurous travelers the chance to wake up in what was arguably Thailand's last true paradise.

Unfortunately, this place was closed during the pandemic, and there were apparently no plans to reopen it in early 2023. Therefore, a day trip to the Similan Islands is your only way to visit this pristine part of Thailand. The only solution is to start your trip in Phang Nga instead of Phuket to maximize your time on the islands.

More FAQs about the Similan Islands

Is a visit to the Similan Islands worthwhile?

The Similan Islands are undoubtedly the most beautiful and pristine islands in Thailand. From the color and clarity of the water to the dramatic scenery of the surrounding landscape and the powder-soft sand – a visit to the Similan Islands is like stepping into a postcard scene.

How do I get to the Similan Islands?

There are two ways to reach the Similan Islands. Most travelers take a day trip from Phuket, which is convenient but doesn't allow much time for an extended stay on the islands due to the distance. The optimal way to visit Koh Similan is a day trip from Khao Lak National Park in Phang Nga Province. Regardless of how you reach the Similan Islands, you're sure to enjoy your stay.

How long should one stay on the Similan Islands?

Since the beginning of 2023, overnight stays on the Similan Islands have no longer been possible. Therefore, the islands can only be visited as part of a day trip from Phuket or Khao Lak. While it's theoretically possible to book several day trips to explore different parts of the Similan Islands, I'm not sure if that's ultimately worthwhile.

Conclusion

I hope my Similan Islands travel guide was informative and inspiring for you. While the beaches aren't comparable to those of Sardinia or other islands, Koh Similan is an archipelago of breathtaking beauty and undoubtedly worth a visit. Overnight stays are prohibited, but it's precisely the lack of permanent residents that makes the islands so stunning. Want to make your Thailand island tour unforgettable? Then let me create your personalized Thailand trip today.