Similan Islands vs Phi Phi: Snorkel Trip Comparison

By HiThai Editorial ·

The water at Similan Island No. 9 is a clear turquoise. You can see coral reefs from the surface of your boat. Most travelers choose between these two famous spots when planning a trip to the Andaman Sea.

The Seasonal Reality of the Similans

The Similan Islands are strictly seasonal. The National Park office closes the area every year in May to prevent reef damage. You can only visit between October 15 and May 15. Because the monsoon season brings heavy swells to the Phang Nga Bay area, many boat operators cancel trips during the summer months.

Planning is essential here. Most tours depart from Khao Lak or Phuket. If you stay in Phuket, expect a long speedboat ride. A day trip from Patong might cost 3,800 THB in 2026. You will spend much of your morning on the water.

The islands feel different than the mainland. There are no permanent hotels on Similan Island No. 4 or No. 9. You cannot stay overnight unless you book a specific liveaboard vessel. These boats offer a more quiet experience for divers.

Phi Phi: The Year-Round Party

Phi Phi Islands never close. You can visit in July even if the waves are high. This makes them easier for travelers with tight schedules. While the crowds are much larger than in the Similans, the accessibility is better for families.

The main hub is Tonsai Village. You will find plenty of hostels and luxury resorts here. Most people take a ferry from Phuket's Rassada Pier or from Krabi. A standard round-trip ferry ticket costs roughly 500 THB in 2026. The boats arrive every hour.

Snorkeling options vary wildly. You can rent a longtail boat for 2,500 THB per day. This allows you to skip the massive crowds at Maya Bay. Many boats stop at:

  • Pileh Lagoon
  • Monkey Beach
  • Bamboo Island

The energy is high. It is loud. Tourists drink cocktails on the beach until midnight.

Water Clarity and Marine Life

Similan waters are superior. The visibility often exceeds 30 meters. You will see hawksbill turtles and small reef sharks near the rock formations. This is because the Similans sit further out in the deep Andaman Sea away from heavy silt.

Phi Phi offers decent snorkeling. You will see colorful fish and plenty of clownfish. However, the water can look cloudy after a heavy rain. The coral density is lower near the main tourist paths. Most people visit Maya Bay because it looks like a movie set, even if the actual reef health has struggled recently.

Divers prefer the Similans. The topography includes massive granite boulders. These rocks create complex habitats for larger species. If you want to see something special, go to the Similans.

Logistics and Budgeting

Your budget dictates your choice. Phi Phi is cheaper for a quick trip. You can grab a 60 THB Pad Thai on a side street in Tonsai. The Similans require more upfront investment. A high-quality liveaboard for three days might cost 22,000 THB in 2026.

Travel time is the biggest factor.

  • Similan Day Trip: 10-12 hours total.
  • Phi Phi Day Trip: 4-6 hours total.
  • Liveaboard: 3-7 days.

The Similans require more effort. You must wake up at 5:00 AM to catch the early boats. After you spend ten hours on a boat, you will feel exhausted. Phi Phi allows for a relaxed morning. You can sleep in and still make the noon ferry.

Crowd management is difficult. At Maya Phi Phi, you must follow strict paths. The park rangers enforce rules to protect the sand. In the Similans, the sheer size of the islands helps spread people out. You can often find a private cove if you walk away from the main beach.

Quick Reference

Use this list to decide your next move:

  • Best for Divers: Similan Islands (Liveaboard).
  • Best for Budget: Phi Phi Islands (Day trip).
  • Best Visibility: Similan Islands.
  • Best Nightlife: Phi Phi Islands.
  • Similan Season: Mid-October to mid-May.
  • Phi Phi Season: All year.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen. Most local shops in Phuket or Krabi only sell chemical sunscreens that harm the coral.