Similan Islands travel

Similan Islands National Park is annually closed for five months from May 16, to rehabilitate the marine ecosystem. In the dry season (December – April), you can comfortably discover the islands with March being the best time for diving. While the rainy season (May – Nov) with the highest rainfall in September, is not the ideal time to travel here.

Overnight tour boat, diving liveaboard, bungalow and tents which the park management board provides are types of accommodation for tourists in Similan Islands. Travelers are allowed to stay overnight only on Ko Similan (Island no.8 – the largest one) and Ko Miang (Island no.4). There are only 25 bungalows, which cost about 70 USD and 40 tents each can lodge 2-3 people, which cost 20 USD per night. Boats that provide overnight service often sell a full package of services, including dining and scuba diving, lasting from 1 night to 3 nights.

You do not have many dining options in the Similan Islands. If you stay on the main island, there is a restaurant to try local dishes. In case you spend the night on board, they all have food service for you.

There is no means of transportation on the islands except for several picturesque trails for visitors to take a leisurely walk and contemplate the tranquil and captivating natural scenery here. Speedboat is the major vehicle to move between islands.

There are two easiest ways to reach Similan islands, both require you to take a flight to Phuket first. From Phuket, you can drive to Khao Lak (180km – 2 hours) then take a speedboat (67 km – 1 hour), or you can take a speed-boat direct from Phuket to Similan Islands (more than 100 km – 2 hours).