Similan Islands

Island Group · Phang Nga, 🇹🇭 Thailand

The Similan Islands are a group of granite islands in the Andaman Sea, protected as a marine national park. They are known for clear water, white beaches and some of Thailand's best diving.

Most visitors come on day trips or liveaboards from the Khao Lak area.

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When to visit

The islands are generally open to visitors in the dry season, roughly from mid-October to mid-May. During the rainy season the park is normally closed because of rough seas.

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Typical weather in January

Good

28° (feels like 30°) · extremes 26°–29°
27° at night
11 rainy days
20 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in February

Good

29° (feels like 31°) · extremes 26°–30°
27° at night
7 rainy days
21 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 11 · extreme

Typical weather in March

Fair

29° (feels like 32°) · extremes 27°–30°
28° at night
14 rainy days
20 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
30°C · warm for swimming
UV index 12 · extreme

Typical weather in April

Poor

29° (feels like 33°) · extremes 27°–31°
29° at night
22 rainy days
13 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Calm winds
30°C · warm for swimming
UV index 11 · extreme

Typical weather in May

Poor

29° (feels like 33°) · extremes 27°–31°
29° at night
29 rainy days
6 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
30°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in June

Poor

29° (feels like 31°) · extremes 27°–30°
28° at night
28 rainy days
7 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
30°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in July

Poor

29° (feels like 31°) · extremes 27°–29°
28° at night
30 rainy days
6 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in August

Poor

28° (feels like 30°) · extremes 27°–29°
28° at night
29 rainy days
7 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in September

Poor

28° (feels like 30°) · extremes 27°–29°
27° at night
29 rainy days
6 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in October

Poor

28° (feels like 31°) · extremes 26°–29°
27° at night
30 rainy days
7 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in November

Poor

28° (feels like 31°) · extremes 26°–29°
27° at night
26 rainy days
10 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in December

Fair

28° (feels like 30°) · extremes 26°–29°
27° at night
17 rainy days
14 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Oppressive humidity
Light breeze
29°C · warm for swimming
UV index 9 · very high

Climate data: NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5 · 1996–2025

Top sights

Ko Similan is the largest island in the group, with a beach and a viewpoint.
Elephant Head is a well-known dive site with large granite boulders.
Shark Fin Reef is a dive site known for marine life.
Koh Tachai Pinnacle is a dive site near Koh Tachai.

Featured Lists

Varakorn Kuldilok / CC BY-SA 3.0

Similan Islands Unmissables

The Similan Islands are an archipelago of eleven islands in the Andaman Sea, protected as a national park. This collection highlights the region's distinct granite rock formations and underwater biodiversity. Key locations include the iconic Sail Rock on Island No. 8 and diverse dive sites like Elephant Head and Shark Fin Reef. Visitors find white coral sand beaches and clear waters with visibility often exceeding 30 meters, supporting sea turtles and vibrant reef ecosystems.

10 places

What to experience

Diving: Dive among granite boulders.
Snorkeling: Float over clear water.
Beach time: Relax on white sand.

Tours & Activities

Similan Islands — Map

Day trips

Day boat trips: speedboats run from the mainland.
Liveaboard trips: multi-day diving cruises.

Where to explore

Khao Lak is the main mainland base.
Phang Nga Bay is a limestone bay to the east.

Getting there

By boat: Boats leave from piers near Khao Lak.
By air: Fly to Phuket and continue by road.

Getting around

Boat: The only way between islands.
Walking: Short trails on some islands.

Driving

Is a car worth it?: Not on the islands, but useful for reaching the pier.
Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.

Food & drink

Meals on boat trips are usually simple Thai dishes. Restaurants in Khao Lak serve fresh seafood.

Lunch

Pad ThaiStir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and tamarind sauce, topped with crushed peanuts.

Som TamSpicy shredded green papaya salad with lime, chili, fish sauce, and peanuts.

Boat Noodles Kuay Teow ReuaSmall, intensely flavored bowls of noodle soup, traditionally served from boats along Bangkok's canals.

Dinner

Tom Yum Goong Tom Yum KungHot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.

Green Curry Gaeng Keow WanCoconut-milk curry with green chilies, Thai basil, and meat or tofu, served with rice.

Massaman Curry Gaeng MassamanMild, rich curry with Persian and Indian influences, typically made with beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts.

Snacks & street food

Satay SateGrilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut dipping sauce.

Mango Sticky Rice Roti RotiCrispy pan-fried flatbread, often served sweet with condensed milk and banana, or savory.

Sweets & desserts

Mango Sticky Rice Khao Niao MamuangSweet sticky rice served with fresh mango slices and coconut cream.

Drinks

Thai Iced Tea Cha YenStrong black tea sweetened with condensed milk and served over ice.

Singha / Chang Beer Beer Chang / SinghaPopular Thai lagers widely available at bars and restaurants.

Safety & health

Sea conditions: Check weather before sailing.
Reef care: Do not touch coral or wildlife.
Sun: Bring sunscreen.
Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.