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Dive into the Similan Islands' utopia, a diver's heaven and a nature lover's haven. Explore our full travel guide, which includes information on diving tours, marine wonders, and stunning beaches. Plan your island vacation with ease.
Similan Islands
Similan Islands are a group of nine Andaman Sea islands with amazing scenery and marine life. You can only visit the Similan Islands for a day, as there are no hotels or resorts on the islands. But you can still enjoy the crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and colourful coral reefs by snorkelling or diving. Some people even sleep on a boat near the islands, to get the full experience of this paradise.
The Similan Islands are a stunning destination for anyone who loves the ocean. The islands are famous for their crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. They are part of the Mu Koh Similan National Park, which protects the islands and their surroundings. The park is only open from October to May, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly. Many tours take you to the islands, but they can be very hectic and crowded. If you want to really enjoy the beauty of the islands in Thailand, you might want to spend more than a day on an island. However, if you have already seen the islands before and just want a quick getaway, a day tour might be enough for you.
You can get here by boat or speedboat ride from Phuket, which is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. This will take you about 3:30 to 4 hours, but you'll get to enjoy the views of the Andaman Sea along the way. You can also book a tour that includes lunch and snorkelling equipment.
Another option is to go from Thap Lamu Pier, in Phang Nga province. This is closer to the Similan Islands, so the boat ride will only take about 3 hours. You can also find tours that offer diving.
A third option is to depart from Kaoh Lak Tab Lamu Port, which is a great choice if you're staying in the resorts in Khao Lak. You can choose between a slow boat or a speedboat, depending on how much time you have and how adventurous you are. The slow boat will take about 3 hours, while the speedboat will take only 70 minutes. Either way, you'll have a blast snorkelling in the crystal-clear water, where you can see hundreds of fish and coral species.
You can dive or snorkel in the crystal-clear water and see amazing creatures and corals. The Andaman Sea has great water conditions that make the visibility very high and perfect for underwater adventures. The Similan Islands diving is one of the top dive destinations in the world and you don't want to miss it.
Donald Duck Bay, owes its name to a rock formation that resembles the head of the famous cartoon character. The rocks, which are a popular attraction for visitors and photographers, can be accessed by hiking, but only the adventurous should attempt it, as it is quite dangerous. The best view of the rocks is from the east side of the bay, looking inward.
TRANSPORT
How to get there
A 3:30-4-hour boat or speedboat ride from Phuket
or
From Thap Lamu Pier, in Phang Nga province. The tour is also by boat, and the journey lasts 3 hours.
or
From Kaoh Lak, you will need to take a 1.5-hour boat ride. To get to Kaoh Lak, take a bus or minivan from Phuket or Krabi.
Most tours will pick you up from your hotel, so basically booking a hotel in Khao Lak would be your best bet, and a tour will pick you up from there; if not, a taxi will be cheap and can be organised from the hotel.
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ACCOMMODATION
You can't stay on the island, but you can spend the night in Khao Lak before heading to the pier. Many tour providers offer hotel pickups in Khao Lak to take you to the pier.
Khao Lak offers diverse stay areas with unique features:
- Nang Thong Beach: Main beach with various accommodations and proximity to the town centre for convenience.
- Bang Niang Khao Lak: Ideal for families/couples, featuring mid-range to luxury hotels and a spacious, beautiful beach.
- White Sand Beach: Quieter area with luxury and budget options, offering a wide, peaceful beach.
- Pakarang Beach: Secluded and tranquil, suitable for a peaceful getaway with a few luxury resorts.
- Laem Pakarang: Great for snorkelling/diving, boasting luxury resorts and dive sites nearby.
Khao Lak accommodates all preferences, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Prioritize your preferences when choosing your stay area.
TOURS
You can explore the islands by snorkelling, diving or hiking and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife. You can choose from different departure points, such as Phuket, Khao Lak, or Krabi. No matter what option you pick, you will have an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful places in Thailand.
Hua Hin
Chumphon
Ranong
Khao Lak - Koh Surin - Similan Islands
Phuket - Koh Phi Phi
Starting in Hua Hin, a popular beach town known for its stunning beaches, upscale resorts, and traditional Thai architecture, the tour will take you to Ranong, a province in southern Thailand known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and lush jungle landscapes.
Next, you'll explore the stunning beauty of Khao Lak and the nearby Koh Surin and Similan Islands. With crystal-clear waters, lush coral reefs, and abundant marine life, this area is a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Your journey will then take you to Phuket, Thailand's largest island, where you can experience a mix of beautiful beaches, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. Finally, you'll head to Koh Phi Phi, a breathtaking archipelago known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Throughout this tour, you'll have the opportunity to experience the best of Thailand's coastal destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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