Attractions
Ko Similan (Island 8)
Similan Islands
Largest island with boulders, a viewpoint trail and clear shallows.
Thailand · Phang Nga · Andaman Sea
Similan Islands
A national-park archipelago of granite boulders and clear water off Khao Lak, open roughly mid-October to mid-May.
Clear-water divingGranite boulder islandsOctober–May season
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11 placesSimilan Islands & nearby
Attractions
Ko Miang (Island 4)
Similan Islands
Park headquarters island with beaches, ranger station and campsite.
Attractions
Ko Ba Ngu (Island 9)
Similan Islands
Small island with the Sailing Rock dive site.
Attractions
Ko Bon
Outer islands · north of the Similans
Outer island with clear water and manta sightings in season.
Attractions
Ko Tachai
Outer islands · north of the Similans
Remote island with a wide sandbank; open in season.
Attractions
Elephant Head Rock
Dive site · between the islands
Submerged boulder dive site with swim-throughs.
Beaches
Donald Duck Bay
Similan Islands
Boulder-framed bay with a short climb to the viewpoint rock.
Beaches
Island 5–6 snorkelling reefs
Similan Islands
Shallow coral reefs between Ko Ha and Ko Miang.
Beaches
Ko Miang camping beach
Similan Islands
Campsite and canteen beach; book overnight park stays ahead.
City life
Khao Lak dive shops & restaurants
Mainland · Khao Lak
Dive centres, tour desks and restaurants serving the island trips.
Transport
Thap Lamu Pier
Mainland · Thap Lamu, Khao Lak
Main mainland departure pier for speedboats to the Similans.
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Map locations are approximate. Nearby excursions are labelled; check venue access, opening days and sea conditions before visiting.
Don’t miss
Top 10 attractions in Similan Islands
The largest island, with boulder beaches, a viewpoint trail and clear shallows.
The park headquarters island, with beaches, a small canteen and an overnight campsite.
A boulder-framed bay on Ko Similan with a short climb to the viewpoint rock.
A small island with a distinctive tilted rock and a popular dive site.
An outer island with clear water and a chance of manta rays in season.
A remote island with a wide sandbank; access depends on park rules.
A submerged boulder dive site with swim-throughs, for certified divers.
Shallow coral reefs between Ko Ha and Ko Miang, popular with snorkellers.
Most visitors dive or snorkel the islands on a day boat from Khao Lak.
A limited national-park campsite; book ahead and expect basic facilities.
Heritage & traditions
Top 10 culture in Similan Islands
The islands were named one to nine in Malay, so boats still call them “Island 4” or “Island 8”.
Protected since 1982; park rules and rangers govern every landing and dive.
Turtles nest on park beaches; nesting areas can close and lights are restricted at night.
No-anchor zones and diver briefings protect the reefs; follow your guide and the rangers.
A naval unit keeps a station in the park and helps with protection and rescue.
The mainland piers around Khao Lak grew from fishing communities that still work these seas.
Sea-nomad families have long used the Andaman islands seasonally; their main village today is in the Surin Islands.
Khao Lak’s dive industry grew around these islands; the boats are the islands’ lifeline.
Khao Lak’s restaurants serve Andaman fish, crab and southern curries after a day on the water.
No litter, no feeding fish, no collecting shells or coral, and no drones without permission.
Geography
The park islands
Mu Ko Similan National Park covers nine main granite islands about 60 km west of Khao Lak, with the outer islands Ko Bon and Ko Tachai further north.
Season & access
The park closes in the monsoon, roughly mid-May to mid-October. Even in season, landings and dives depend on sea conditions.
No island infrastructure
There are no hotels, shops or roads: limited shade, no fresh water and everything carried out again. Facilities are only the Ko Miang campsite and ranger areas.
Culture & heritage
Protect the reef
Do not touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen and take rubbish back with you.
A protected marine park
The Similans are one of Thailand’s best-known reef systems; visitor rules exist to keep them that way. Pack out all rubbish and use reef-safe sunscreen.
City life: bars & restaurants
Food & facilities
Food is limited to the Ko Miang canteen and what your boat brings. Carry water, use reef-safe sunscreen and take every piece of rubbish back to the mainland.
Evenings
The islands go quiet when the day boats leave; overnight visitors camp at Ko Miang. Most visitors base themselves in Khao Lak, which has bars and restaurants along its main road.
To, from & around Similan Islands
Boats from Khao Lak
Speedboats and dive boats leave mainly from Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak; tours usually include hotel transfer, gear and food. Expect 1.5 hours or more each way.
No island terminals
There are no terminals on the islands. For mainland coach connections, Khao Lak is the practical hub, with VIP buses to Bangkok and Phuket.