The Similan Islands are often described as the most beautiful islands of Thailand. After spending a day there, I am sure you will agree that this is true. Crystal-clear turquoise water, powdery white sand, dramatic granite boulders and incredible snorkeling combine to create a true tropical paradise. If you’re staying in Phuket or Khao Lak, a Similan Islands day tour is one of the best experiences you can have in southern Thailand.
Located in the Andaman Sea around 70 kilometers west of the mainland, the Similan Islands are part of a protected national park. Access is restricted during the low travel season in Thailand, helping preserve the stunning marine environment and making the islands feel far less crowded than many other Thai island destinations.
Most tours begin early in the morning with hotel pickup from Phuket or Khao Lak before transferring to the pier. You could also drive yourself to the meeting point of the tour as will be communicated by your tour operator. After a light breakfast and safety briefing, you will board a speedboat for the journey out to the islands. The 90-minute boat ride is part of the adventure, with the deep blue Andaman Sea stretching endlessly into the horizon.
The highlight of any Similan Islands day tour is undoubtedly the snorkeling. The waters surrounding the islands are exceptionally clear, offering visibility that can sometimes exceed 20 meters. Even beginner snorkelers can enjoy colorful coral reefs filled with tropical fish. It’s common to spot clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish and occasionally even sea turtles gliding through the water.
One of the most famous stops is Island Number 8, also known as Koh Similan. This island is home to the iconic Sail Rock viewpoint, where enormous granite boulders overlook the dazzling bay below. The short hike to the top is worth the effort for the breathtaking panoramic views and some of the best photo opportunities around the islands. If you have time, since the stop at Island Number 8 can feel rushed and chaotic, there is even a small café at which you can buy a few essential supplies.
Another memorable part of the day tour is simply relaxing on the beaches. The sand is incredibly soft and white, while the surrounding water displays almost unreal shades of blue. Compared to busier Thai islands, the Similan Islands still feel relatively untouched and peaceful.
Most tours include lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, national park fees and multiple island stops throughout the day. While the tour can feel long and busy at times, especially during peak season, the scenery more than justifies the early start and full-day schedule. The tours are run on a very tight schedule, meaning that you have limited flexibility to do your own thing so you will have to decide what to do to make the best use of your time.
When considering a Similan Islands day tour, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. Seas can occasionally be rough, particularly outside of the peak tourist season, so if you are prone to seasickness may want to prepare accordingly. Our tour guide had seasickness tablets available for all passengers. It’s also a good idea to bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel and a waterproof phone pouch.
The Similan Islands are typically open from mid-October until mid-May, during the peak tourist season of Thailand, with the national park closing during the monsoon season to protect the ecosystem.
For travelers looking for stunning scenery, excellent snorkeling and a true postcard-perfect Thailand experience, a day tour to the Similan Islands is hard to beat. It’s one of those rare places that genuinely lives up to the hype.
I did my Similan Islands adventure from Khao Lak. When I visited Khao Lak, I stayed at the quite lovely Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak.
Consider reading other posts on Thailand by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in April 2026)