Multi Day Similan Islands Tour

Multi-day Similan Islands trip, what to expect?

Overnight stays on the Similan Islands have been prohibited since 2018 to protect the environment. It is no longer possible to sleep in a bungalow or tent, as you can on the Surin Islands. The only way to stay overnight near the Similan Islands is by joining a multi-day tour, often called a “liveaboard.” In that case, you don’t sleep on Koh Similan or Koh Miang but on the tour operator’s boat, which is allowed. During these multi-day tours, you visit the same islands as the snorkeling trips, but usually at different (more quiet) times. Plus, you get to explore some islands that you don’t have time for on the snorkeling tours or because they’re less suitable for snorkeling.

Marine life Similan Islands

Turtles, whale sharks and manta rays!

The waters around the Similan Islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Underwater visibility often reaches up to 30 meters! Some islands are mostly just rocky outcrops without beaches, but they offer fantastic snorkeling and diving spots. Around the Similan Islands, you can spot beautiful and unique fish. Some islands seem to have their own “specialty,” where certain fish species are seen more frequently than at other islands.

Fish you might encounter around the Similan Islands include clownfish (Nemo), sunfish, moray eels, seahorses, squid, turtles, various types of rays, reef sharks, barracudas, whale sharks, manta rays, and many more colorful tropical fish.

Originally, the Similan Islands consisted of 9 islands. The name “Similan” comes from Malay and means nine. In 2014, the islands Koh Bon and Koh Tachai were added to the Mu Ko Similan National Park. Now, the Similan Islands consist of eleven islands, but the name has remained the same. To keep things organized, the islands have been assigned numbers in addition to their names.

Explore the stunning Similan Islands

The three southernmost islands—Koh Hyong, Koh Payang, and Koh Payan (numbers 1 to 3)—are part of the Similan Turtle Reservation Center and are off-limits to visitors. Turtles come here to lay their eggs in the sand. None of the islands are inhabited; only the park rangers stay here year-round.

Koh Miang (island no. 4) – Beaches & Relaxation

Koh Miang is a beautiful green island with two pristine white beaches—one on the north side and the other on the south. You can easily reach both beaches by taking a short walk across the island.

Both beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxing. The island also has a visitor center with information, as well as outdoor showers and toilets.

Lunch is served on the island, offering a variety of Thai dishes, including vegetarian options. Water, soft drinks, and fruit are included. We all really enjoyed the food! Since many other tours stop here for lunch, it can get a bit busy. But if you walk a little further away from the boats on the beach, you’ll quickly find yourself with plenty of space to enjoy in peace.

Koh Ha (Island No. 5)

Just east of Koh Miang lies Koh Ha, a small island where you can see plenty of beautiful sights while snorkeling and diving. Colorful fish are commonly found here, along with stunning hard and soft corals. The name Koh Ha isn’t random—“Ha” means five in Thai

Koh Payu (Island No. 6) Deep Six Dive Site

Koh Payu is also called Koh Hok, which means six in Thai. It’s a rocky island with a narrow strip of sand on the east side. Snorkeling around the island is beautiful. The average depth around Koh Payu is about 20 meters, and the water is crystal clear. Besides impressive rock formations and coral clusters, sea turtles are often spotted in the shallow areas.

Koh Payu is well known among divers for the nearby dive site called Deep Six, located just north of the island. Deep Six features a steep wall covered with various hard and soft corals. Barracudas, leopard sharks, and reef sharks are regularly seen here.

Koh Hin Pousar (Island No. 7) – For Experienced Divers

Koh Hin Pousar is also known as Elephant Rock because someone once thought a rock there looked like an elephant’s head. This spot is more popular for diving than snorkeling. Experienced divers can swim through tunnels beneath the rocks to see fish that usually stay hidden. Here you might spot lionfish, large spider crabs, and leopard sharks! Not for the faint-hearted!

Koh Similan (island nr. 8) – The Largest Island & Viewpoint

Koh Similan is the largest island in Similan National Park, and it’s absolutely stunning! With its beautiful beach, lush hilly interior, and crystal-clear waters, this island feels like a little piece of paradise.

Sail Rock Viewpoint on Koh Similan

From the Sail Rock Viewpoint on Koh Similan, you get an incredible view of the bright blue sea and Donald Duck Bay. The trail to the viewpoint is well-marked and takes about 15 minutes to hike. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it for the amazing scenery!

Koh Bangu (island nr. 9) – Turtle Island Dive Spot

Koh Bangu, also known as Koh Ba Ngu, is mostly made up of rocks. You’re not allowed to set foot on the island itself, but it’s one of the best spots for diving and snorkeling in the Similan Islands. Around the island, you’ll find popular dive and snorkel sites like Turtle Rock (also called Black Rock) and Christmas Point. The island’s nickname is Turtle Island because if you use your imagination, the group of rocks in the sea looks like a turtle. Plus, real turtles are often spotted there too! The underwater visibility around Koh Bangu is usually excellent.

At Koh Bangu, you’ll often spot sharks and blue-spotted stingrays resting on the sandy bottom. Garden eels, which look like thin eels, live here too, tucked away in narrow holes in the sand. When they see you, they quickly disappear into their burrows and only come out once they feel it’s safe again.

Koh Bon (Island No. 10) – Shark and ray sightings

Koh Bon, along with Koh Tachai (No. 11), is the newest addition to the Similan Islands. Various shark species can be seen here, including the beautiful leopard shark. The island also has colorful hard and soft corals to admire.

Koh Tachai (Island No. 11) – Whale sharks and manta rays

Koh Tachai is the northernmost island of the Similan Islands, situated between Koh Similan and the Surin Islands. The island boasts pearl-white beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for snorkeling. There’s also a small chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays here

Koh Tachai is usually not included in standard Similan Islands day tours due to its distance, but you can easily book a separate tour to Koh Tachai from Khao Lak.

Booking and pricing for overnight tours

2-day, 1-night diving tour:

The prices are just estimates and come from: Go2similan.com

• 4 days / 3 nights: 27,900 Baht, 14 dives

• 2 days / 1 night: 16,900 Baht, 6 dives

• 3 days / 2 nights: 22,900 Baht, 10 dives

Not included: dive insurance, dive computer and National Park entrance.

Where to book a tour

You can reserve a tour through any travel agency in Phuket, Khao Lak, or online. Just make sure to read the company’s reviews beforehand. Prices can differ, so doing some research might help you save money. Don’t wait too long in high season like Christmas and New Year because there is a limit to the number of divers per day.

Best time to visit Similan Islands

Each year, the Similan Islands close from May 15th to October 15th for the monsoon season, allowing nature to restore itself.

The Similan Islands are at their most beautiful when the sun is shining and the sea is calm. From December to April, you’re most likely to experience dry, sunny days and calm waters.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is from March to April, as it is less busy compared to December and January. March and April are also the best months to see manta rays and whale sharks.

The average air temperature is 27°C (81°F), with peaks up to 36°C (97°F) during the hottest months of April and May. The water temperature stays pleasantly warm year-round, around 27°C (81°F), feeling like a warm bath. See also our post about the weather and climate in Thailand for more detailed month-by-month information.

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