How to vacation and what to do in the Similan Islands

Similan Islands are called Mu Ko Similan in Thai. They occupy a relatively small area in which all the touches of the local underwater environment are concentrated. The archipelago is considered the most beautiful corner of Thailand. To its lands come connoisseurs of natural luxury and lovers of scuba diving (diving). For a night out, it is better to choose Miang and Similan. On these islands, tourists will find shelter in nice houses and reinforce their strength in the coastal restaurants and bars.

Natural features of the Similan IslandsThe Mu Ko Similan complex is composed of 10 islands surrounded by the waters of the Andaman Sea. They have a total area of 142 square kilometers. To relax on Similan Islands in Thailand, the tourist must travel 69 kilometers along the west coast of the country. Cozy holiday area belongs to the province of Phang Nga, which lies in the district of Phrathong. 94 kilometers south of the archipelago is Phuket Island – a major tourist destination closest to all other pieces of land. The islands are protected by the King himself, who has seen fit to designate them a National Marine Sanctuary. They have been in this honorary status since 1982.
The coastal waters of the Similan Islands are a network of caves, stone mazes and coral reefs. The eastern side is particularly rich in coral – there, the hard natural formations have piled up into amazing sea gardens. In contrast, the western side is lined with soft corals, evenly covering the underwater cobbles. Those who repeatedly dive to the bottom can admire not only the corals numbering more than 500 units, but also valuable exotic creatures. If a tourist does not want to dive into the abyss of the sea, he can see the amazing wildlife through the water surface – its purity and transparency allows to look down to a depth of almost 35 m.
Similans has its own animal life. It is represented by reptiles (25 species), mammals (30 families) and birds (40 different specimens). Of the rare specimens that are striking in their appearance, it is worth noting the leatherback turtle, horned heron, a crab with fur, a blue lizard. Long and fascinating sea excursions to the Similan Islands are among the Top 10 best Phuket excursions!”
Lots of shopping and noisy nightlife is not the archipelago. It is an ideal place for those who want to get complete privacy and get acquainted with the unspoiled tropical landscape. By agreeing to tours to the Similan Islands, the traveler knows firmly that he expects a beautiful tan and the opportunity to dive into the picturesque depths of the sea. The sunset in the area creates a romantic setting. The solitude is achieved by the absence of crowds. The vacationer only has to enjoy the sounds of nature, the whiff of a pleasant breeze and the beauty of the tropical belt. In the rainy season in Thailand, lasting from May to October, tourists are not allowed into the national park. During the rest of the months, the area is open for sightseeing.

Beach vacations

Some of the land areas that make up the Similan Archipelago in Thailand are protected by the state-their ecosystems are subject to protection. Some of the islands resemble rocky massifs with a bare coastline without sand. Bask in the sun and have a nice dip in the water on the islands of Miang and Similan. The first is famous for the beaches Hat Yai and Hat Lek, the other – Beacon Beach and Donald Duck Bay with Sail Rock. The four share the white sand by the clear water and the general beauty of the area.

Entertainment in similans

The main activity for vacationers is diving (diving in Phuket). For the sake of it foreigners come to the archipelago in their thousands. They give the second place to the traditional bathing and taking air baths. For fans of ecotourism, Thailand has limited opportunities for this hobby, because the protection of ecosystems on the islands is considered a holy cause. Snorkeling is not a problem for vacationers.

There are no other activities on Mu Ko Similan, there is simply nothing to do. There are no roads that allow riding bikes (by the way, do you know how to properly take a bike rental in Thailand? ). And the so-called hotels in the Similan Islands are tents, standing simply on the shore.

Climatic features

The weather in the area is set by a tropical humid climate. The dry season in Similan reigns from November to early May. Rains are considered a rare occurrence at this time. During the day the thermometer stays at + 30 ° C, at night – around 25 degrees. Sea water temperature reaches 27°C.

The beginning of May the weather in the Similan Islands takes a turn for the worse. The noise of torrential rains is diluted by gusts of strong wind. Swimming in the raging sea can be dangerous, so you have to endure until late October. See our Thailand Weather Forecast.

Lodging

The vacationers can choose tents or bungalows as their place of residence. The second type of accommodation is equipped with air conditioning or fan, electricity, and rooms for hygiene and natural needs. Tents in Similan is available at a price of 600 baht, but the facilities are waiting for tourists outside. A camera is available to store valuables.

Lodging is available on the islands near Miang or Similan. There are cheap cafes on their territory. It is recommended to book suitable accommodation (read more about how to book a hotel in Thailand) in advance when buying a tour at an agency or through National Reserve website.

Video tour of the Similans

How to get to the Similan Islands?
To get to Similan, you have two options:
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Tour agency services. To make the journey really easy and enjoyable, it is better to trust the experts. They will organize transfer from the hotel to the pier and the transfer between the islands, take care of the food and the timely return to the hotel. If the trip is made for the purpose of familiarization, then one day will be enough. But if you want you can stay longer, which we strongly advise you to do.
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Self-trip. If you want to travel on your own, you should first go to Thap Lamu Pier, and then take the ferry (you can book your ferry ticket in Thailand through the 12 Go Asia website). Being in Bangkok or in Phuket, the tourist should take a bus to Phang Nga or Kao Lak and from there get to the pier. To this end, you can take a cab. When Similan Islands is open to explore the territory of the national park, ferries run daily. The trip lasts from 90 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the speed of the boat.

How to get to Similan from Phuket Island Airport

Similan Islands on map of Thailand

Use the arrow keys to navigate.