With diving season in full swing between November and April, many dive enthusiasts are booking boat trips from Phuket to Similan Islands National Park. The diversity of marine life is a strong draw at the Similan Islands, which are protected by the Thai government to preserve the otherwise fragile ecosystems within.
Aside from being one of the best diving spots near Phuket, the Similan Islands also holds delights for island-hoppers as well, such as pristine beaches, thrilling nature trails, and camera-ready views of the Andaman Sea. We present to you a handy guide on what to expect when visiting Similan Islands National Park.
Phuket is one of the most popular and breathtaking diving destinations in the world. Read Bali and Phuket Named as Top Scuba Diving Destinations for more information.
An Overview of The Similan Islands
“Similan” means “nine” in the native Yawi language of the area, but there are eleven islands in Similan Islands National Park, thanks to an expansion of the protected areas in 2014. Koh Similan is the largest island and is popular among divers and hikers, while the newly added islands Koh Bon and Koh Tachai boast diving spots and secluded beaches.
Marine life is one of the biggest attractions for divers and snorkelers in Similan, which includes manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish. Deep-sea divers are also in for a treat thanks to underwater views of the coral reefs and granite formations where marine life can be found.
Hikers are also welcome at the Similan Islands, as hiking trails can be found on the islands. Koh Similan and Koh Tachai, in particular, have trails that lead to stunning Andaman Sea views and glimpses of native birds, reptiles, squirrels, and other wildlife.
No trip to Similan is complete without a rest stop at the beaches, and the islands have white-sand beaches on their shores. Because of the protected state of the islands, tourist traffic is minimal, and the beaches have maintained their pristine conditions.
Visiting the Similan Islands is one of many ways to avoid crowds in Phuket. Read on for Phuket Travel Tips: How to Escape The Crowds and Enjoy a Relaxing Vacation.
Tips for Enjoying the Similan Islands
Since the Similan Islands are a protected area, responsible tourism must be practiced as much as possible when visiting. Swimming and snorkeling outside designated areas of the island are prohibited, and care must be taken when interacting with the local flora and fauna. This is to ensure that the native ecosystems are maintained and protected.
For hikers interested in exploring the trails on Koh Similan and other islands, enlisting the services of a guide or park ranger is recommended, as they are qualified to answer questions about the wildlife and native plants, as well as guiding tourists to designated areas where the picturesque views are best enjoyed.
The good news for visitors staying at Phuket luxury villas is that they can charter a boat for an island-hopping ride to the Similan Islands with guidance from Guest Experience staff. Speedboats and select yachts can be chartered for day trips to Similan but note that national park fees are often charged separately from boat rental fees.
Chartering a yacht in Phuket for island-hopping is a luxurious experience on its own. Find out how to Indulge in Style: Elevating Your Getaway With Unforgettable Luxury Experiences.
A Note About the Closures
Similan Islands National Park is closed during the low season, often between May and October. During this time, the park and its surrounding waters are completely closed off to give the islands’ ecosystem time to recover from the impacts of tourism and fishing.
The closure is not just due to tourists, however. Even though commercial and sport fishing are prohibited at the Similan Islands, illegal fishing has done significant damage to the coral reefs. In addition, some beaches and islands are completely restricted year-round to protect the islands’ unique sea turtle species who nest on them.
Apart from Similan Islands National Park, other destinations that close yearly include Mu Koh Surin and Maya Bay in Phi Phi Leh island. For guests who are interested in island-hopping from Phuket, locations such as Phang Nga Bay and select islands in the Phi Phi archipelago are open year-round.
More information about the Similan Islands National Park closures can be found in Similan Islands National Park Re-Opens for 2024-2025 Season.
Experience the Beauty of The Similan Islands
All in all, Similan Islands National Park is one of the best places to visit in Phuket, not just for the beaches and the diving but also for the wildlife, hiking trails, and amazing views. The best times to visit are during the times when it’s open to the public, so it’s recommended for guests to schedule their day trips to Similan during these times.
For the ultimate luxury experience in the Similan Islands, Guest Experience services at Phuket’s most luxurious private villas can recommend boat and yacht charters that can take guests to the island-hopping destinations of their dreams. Find out more about island hopping in Phuket by contacting the Guest Experience staff at any Phuket villa.
Read more from our Phuket Travel Guide.
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Featured Image: Tripadvisor
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
