Similan Island

The Similan Islands is one of the best-known island groups in the Andaman Sea, largely because of the wonders that await beneath the clear-blue waters surrounding it. They’re around 84 km northwest of Phuket. This little archipelago is one of the most interesting diving areas in the world, as well as a favorite destination for yachters and boat tours.

What to see on the Similan Islands

The Similans aren’t as dramatically scenic as the limestone islands of Krabi or Phang Nga Bay, which many people have come to associate with the Andaman Sea. Instead, you find low-lying formations covered with thick forest.

Ironwood and gum trees are among the larger trees, while jackfruit, rattan and bamboo form part of the denser undergrowth. The islands are home to crab-eating monkeys, dusky langurs, squirrels, bats, lizards and a good variety of birds (though the monkeys are shy and rarely seen by the casual observer).

The most striking feature of these islands, at first glance, are the huge boulders that litter the western and southern shores on several of the islands. Another highlight is the white coral-sand beaches, splendidly picturesque and often deserted.

The most interesting sights, however, are to be found beneath the waves. Some of the most spectacular coral growths in the world can be found here – the same boulders scattering the shores have turned the waters around the Similans into an adventure playground for divers.

Sailing cruises to the Similan Islands

It’s best known as a diving and snorkelling destination, but the Similans’ scenic moorings have also become popular with the sailing fraternity. Every year, many yachts come to cruise the Similans during the northeast monsoon (November–May, with December–February being the peak of the high season). Many are drawn by the lovely anchorages, the beaches and forests, the clear waters, and teeming marine life.

You can book bareboat sailing charters and sailing-diving cruises from Phuket. If you’re on a yacht that doesn’t have scuba gear or a compressor, you can always hire what you need from the dive boats that regularly come out from Phuket. Aside from sailing and diving, more and more dayboats are coming out from Phuket and Phang Nga during the high season, bringing with them crowds of sightseers, picnickers, and snorkellers.

Getting to the Similan Islands

There is no regular boat service for visitors to the island. During the low season (May–October), boats may stop running altogether due to unfavourable weather conditions. Thap Lamu Pier, in the Thai Muang district of Phang Nga province, is the nearest launching point to the Similans, with boat trips taking about 3 hours.

More adventurous travellers may try to hitch a ride with some of the local boats heading out there – just be sure to allow lots of time since there’s no guarantee that there will be a ride back on any given day. Note that a park entry fee of around 500 baht is charged for foreign visitors.

Daytrips from Phuket and Khao Lak are also possible, with a travel time of around 45 minutes or up to 3 hours depending on the boat used. A popular way to go, especially for divers and game fishers, is by joining a liveaboard boat trip from Phuket, which usually runs for 4 days. Many Phuket-based liveaboard operations offer varying levels of luxury and facilities.

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