Similan Islands
Mu Koh Similan National Park
This group of rocks and islands lies 90 minutes by speedboat off the coast of Phang-Nga, or eight or more hours by slow boat from Phuket. The area was declared a marine national park in 1982 and consequently remains largely undeveloped. Derived from the Malay term sembilan, meaning 'nine', Similan refers to the nine main islands in the group.
The waters surrounding the Similans are teeming with tropical fish, colourful coral, and offer exceptional underwater visibility. As a result, the diving is generally considered to be the best in the region, and compares favourably with some of the best in the world. (see more about diving here).
Part of the reason for this is the very interesting submarine topography, due in part to the huge granite boulders which not only litter the shorelines, but also lie in jumbled heaps beneath the waves to depths of 35 metres and beyond.
Similan Islands Snorkeling or Diving Day Trips
On surface the boulders, together with the lush rainforest and white sand beaches, provide a peaceful refuge. The islands attract an increasing number of visitors annually, particularly during the high season months between December to March, when the visibility of waters surrounding the islands is at its best.
Day trips to the islands for diving and snorkelling are popular, however serious divers are recommended to come on liveaboard trips to take full advantage of all the islands' have to offer in terms of diving opportunities. Dive companies operating from Phuket and Phang-Nga offer a number of tour itineraries with diving instruction for beginners. Inquire for more info
Similan Stopover by Speedboat
Similan Islands Overnight Snorkeling Tour
Nine densely wooded islands – fringed with rocky outcrops and gorgeous beaches of fine talcum powder-like sand – form the Similan Islands National Park. It's a great place for both diving and snorkelling in a pristine aquatic environment. Touring by speedboat allows you to reach the Similans (in the Andaman Sea north of Phuket) in 90 minutes, providing lots of time to explore the underwater scenery in one of the world's premier dive sites. November - April only. Touring by speedboat allows you to reach the Similans (in the Andaman Sea north of Phuket) in 90 minutes, providing lots of time to explore the islands. Two programs are available: 2 days/1 night and 3 days/2 nights.
06:00 - 06:30 | Transfer from your hotel in Phuket and Khao Lak area by air-conditioned vehicle to the Taplamu pier in Phang Nga Province. |
08:30 | Departure from Taplamu Pier to Similan archipelago by speedboat. |
10:00 | Snorkeling at Bangu island (#9). |
11:30 | Lunch and relax at your leisure on Similan island (#8). |
13:00 | Snorkeling in the area of the exotic coral and fishes at Payu island (#7). |
14:00 | Arrive at island #4 and check-in to tent accommodation. |
15:15 | Trekking along the trail to Laan Kha Luang viewpoint. |
19:00 | Dinner at national park restaurant. |
20:00 | Search the woods for nocturnal Chicken Crab. |
08:00 | Breakfast at national park restaurant. |
09:00 | Snorkelling nearby island by small boat. |
12:00 | Lunch at national park restaurant. |
14:00 | Departure for Taplamu Pier by speedboat. |
15:30 | Arrive Taplamu Pier and transfer to hotel. |
Note: | - The
itinerary may be may modified without notice according to changes in
the tides and weather. - Traveling time from Taplamu jetty to Similan Island will take about 1.15-1.30 hr. by speedboat . - Trips to the Similans operate from November through to the end of April, depending on weather conditions and National Park permission. |
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06:00 - 06:30 | Transfer from your hotel in Phuket and Khao Lak area by air-conditioned vehicle to the Taplamu pier in Phang Nga Province. |
08:30 | Departure from Taplamu Pier to Similan archipelago by speedboat. |
10:00 | Snorkeling at Bangu island (#9). |
11:30 | Lunch and relax at your leisure on Similan island (#8). |
13:00 | Snorkeling in the area of the exotic coral and fishes at Payu island (#7). |
14:00 | Arrive at island #4 and check-in to tent accommodation. |
15:15 | Trekking along the trail to Laan Kha Luang viewpoint. |
19:00 | Dinner at national park restaurant. |
20:00 | Search the woods for nocturnal Chicken Crab. |
08:00 | Breakfast at national park restaurant. |
09:00 | Snorkelling nearby island by small boat. |
13:30 | Lunch at national park restaurant. |
16:00 | Back to the island #4. |
19:00 | Dinner at national park restaurant. |
08:00 | Breakfast at national park restaurant. |
09:00 | Snorkelling nearby island by small boat. |
11:30 | Lunch at national park restaurant. |
15:00 | Departure for Taplamu Pier by speedboat. |
16:30 | Arrive Taplamu Pier and transfer to hotel. |
Note: | - The
itinerary may be may modified without notice according to changes in
the tides and weather. - Traveling time from Taplamu jetty to Similan Island will take about 1.15-1.30 hr. by speedboat . - Trips to the Similans operate from November through to the end of April, depending on weather conditions and National Park permission. |
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Includes • Land transfer by air-conditioned
vehicle |