The Beautiful Similan Islands

Located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga province, the Similan Islands are among the most stunning natural destinations in all of Thailand. Part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park, this protected archipelago comprises eleven islands, each with its own unique charm and ecological significance. With crystal-clear waters, unspoilt beaches and some of the best coral reefs in the region, the Similan Islands offer a rare glimpse of Thailand’s natural beauty, both above and below the waterline.

An Island Group Worth Exploring

The Similan Islands are renowned for their remarkable marine biodiversity, sculpted granite boulders, and pristine white coral-sand beaches. The name “Similan” originates from the Yawi word for “nine,” referring to the original nine islands that comprise the chain. Two more islands, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, were added later, each contributing unique characteristics to the archipelago.

Among the most popular islands are:

• Koh Similan (Island 8), the largest, is known for its sweeping beaches and the iconic Sailing Boat Rock viewpoint.
• Koh Miang (Island 4), where the National Park headquarters are based, offers forest trails and basic visitor facilities.
• Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, to the north, are favoured by divers for sightings of manta rays and reef sharks.
• Koh Bangu and Koh Huyong, less accessible, help preserve nesting grounds and coral-rich waters.

Every island is part of a carefully managed national park designed to protect one of the most delicate ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The Similan Islands are open to visitors from mid-October to mid-May, outside the southwest monsoon season. During this time, seas are calmer, visibility is excellent, and marine life is most active. From May to October, the park closes entirely to allow natural recovery and ensure visitor safety. Planning a visit during the open season helps preserve the fragile environment and provides the best possible conditions for snorkelling, diving and island exploration.

Travelling to the Similan Islands

Guests staying at our resort in Phang Nga are well placed to access the Similan Islands. Most tours depart from Thap Lamu Pier, located near Khao Lak, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from the resort by road. From there, it takes about 90 minutes by speedboat to reach the islands.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, liveaboard trips are available for diving and sailing enthusiasts, often spanning several days and featuring multiple island stops. Private charter tours can also be arranged for a more personal experience. The team at Aleenta is happy to assist with bookings, ensuring you travel with environmentally responsible and certified operators.

Above the Water

The scenery on the Similan Islands is nothing short of spectacular. The granite boulders, some the size of houses, lie scattered across both the beaches and the seafloor, creating dramatic landscapes and underwater passageways. Walking trails on islands like Koh Miang lead through tropical forest filled with native trees such as gum and ironwood, with undergrowth thick with bamboo and rattan.

Birdlife is abundant, and visitors may also spot dusky langurs, squirrels, fruit bats and the occasional crab-eating macaque, a reclusive primate that lives deep within the forest. Most beaches remain blissfully undeveloped, offering soft white sand and turquoise water with no visible footprints in sight.

Under the Surface

The waters surrounding the Similan Islands are among the clearest in Thailand, with visibility often exceeding 30 metres. This makes the area ideal for snorkelling and diving, both of which reveal a mesmerising world of coral gardens, large sea fans, caves, and reef systems teeming with life.

Snorkellers can expect to see parrotfish, butterflyfish, anemonefish (clownfish), moray eels and even the occasional reef shark. For divers, popular sites such as Elephant Head Rock and East of Eden offer dramatic topography and the chance to encounter manta rays, leopard sharks and whale sharks, particularly between January and March.

There are more than 200 species of hard coral found here, and the reefs are known for their health and resilience. The coral sand beaches themselves are often the result of natural coral erosion, with parrotfish playing a surprising role in breaking down the reef and contributing to the sand we see today.

Responsible Travel and Park Regulations

To maintain the natural integrity of the islands, Mu Ko Similan National Park enforces several strict rules. These include restrictions on where boats may anchor, limits on daily visitor numbers, and prohibited areas to allow for wildlife nesting and coral regeneration. Feeding wildlife, littering or using non-reef-safe sunscreen is discouraged.

Visitors must also pay a marine park entry fee, which supports ongoing conservation.

Booking the Right Kind of Tour

There are several ways to experience the Similan Islands, and selecting the right format can enhance your visit. Aleenta can assist with:

• Day trips for guests wanting a single-day adventure, including snorkelling and guided walks
• Liveaboard diving cruises for more immersive underwater exploration
• Private charters for couples, families or small groups wanting a custom experience
• Eco-guided experiences focused on marine education and low-impact travel.

Each option offers something different, and the right choice depends on your interest, schedule and how you like to explore.

After the Adventure

Returning from a day in the Similan Islands, guests choose to relax with a treatment at Ayurah Spa & Wellness Centre. Designed to restore balance, treatments include Thai massage, energy work, and post-travel detox rituals. For those staying longer, complete wellness programmes are available, offering the perfect pairing to a nature-focused experience at sea.

Enjoying a nourishing dinner at The Edge or unwinding beside your private pool completes the experience in a way that only Aleenta can offer.

Preserving a Natural Treasure

The Similan Islands represent one of Thailand’s most valuable ecological resources. The return of endangered leatherback turtles to nearby nesting beaches, including Natai Beach, is a sign that environmental protection efforts are working. Aleenta’s Pure Blue Foundation supports marine conservation across Phang Nga, including education, beach clean-ups and reef-safe initiatives.

By visiting with care and staying informed, travellers contribute to a future in which the Similan Islands remain as breathtaking and vibrant as they are today.

A Journey to Remember

The Similan Islands are more than just a destination. They are a reminder of how beautiful the natural world can be when it is protected and respected. Whether you visit for a single day, a weekend or a more extended sailing trip, the experience stays with you.

At Aleenta Phuket – Phang Nga Resort & Spa, we take pride in helping our guests explore this extraordinary part of Thailand with ease, comfort and purpose. From arranging eco-conscious tours to offering a tranquil space to return to, we are here to ensure your journey to the Similan Islands is one to remember for all the right reasons.

 

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