The trip people dream about: the finest white sand beaches, clear sea and some of the best diving water in the world.
+ 32 more photos in the gallery below
The best of the marine park.
The Similans are the sea people dream about: an archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean, far from the mainland.
It is easy enough to get to, thanks to the Love Andaman boats, which leave
Thap Lamu pier every day for a comfortable crossing to the Similans.
The word Similan comes from Yawi and means nine, which is the number of islands stretched over more than 20 kilometres
and more than 70 kilometres from shore — which is why the ecosystem here is as clean and as striking as it is.
From the treetops to the water, and full of remarkable scenery. Both viewpoints have rocks in
strange shapes. The beaches are white and soft underfoot. Turquoise sea and a fine underwater world
are why visitors and divers from all over the world fall for the Similan Islands.
The things you will remember:
Sail Rock: the symbol of the Similans. It stands at the top of Laem Hin on Island 8, in Kueak Bay, and there is
a trail up to it with a view from the summit that is hard to put into words.
Hotel pick-up — the van collects everyone.
From your accommodation in Phuket or Khao Lak to the Thap Lamu pier in Phang Nga province, safely and in good company.
Check-in at the pier. A light breakfast: sandwiches, juice, tea and coffee.
Meet your guide and get ready to board — a guide who cares about the reefs.
The guide explains the programme, how to travel without damaging the coral, and where to sit on the boat for safety.
Departure from the pier for the Similan Islands national park, on a safe speedboat with life jackets and equipment on board.
Similan Island — we reach Island 8, or Similan itself, home of the famous Sail Rock viewpoint.
From here you can look over Keak Bay, also known as Donald Duck Bay, ringed by large and unusual rock formations. There is swimming and sunbathing on the white sand beach.
Ba Ngu Island — the first snorkelling stop at Island 9, where you find both rare species and large shoals of fish.
It is also a favourite place for photographs of the deep blue water against those striking rocks.
Lunch — a set lunch at the Similan Islands National Park office, and free time afterwards.
Koh Miang — Island 4, with two beautiful beaches you can walk between.
Time for whatever you like on the beach: a walk, or photographs.
Back in the water — the famous snorkelling site at Island 7, Koh Bayu, home to sea turtles, which are seen often and have a habit of coming over to say hello.
Time to say goodbye and leave the Similan Islands, heading back to the pier.
Back at the pier, and the van takes you safely to your hotel.
See also
Full day
Koh Hong has a beautiful sandy beach and is made for a relaxed day out. You can walk up to the 360-degree viewpoint.
4 days, 3 nights
Koh Lipe is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand — a corner of paradise in the southern Andaman Sea, in Satun province, known for crystal-clear water, untouched white sand and an extraordinary underwater world. Pattaya Beach: the popular one, white sand and lovely sea. Sunrise and Sunset beaches: quiet places to watch the day begin and end. Snorkelling around the island: Jabang channel, Koh Hin Ngam and Koh Ravi.
A trip for anyone after a bit of adventure: white water, a bamboo raft and jungle scenery all around.
