Similan Islands from Phuket 2026: season, prices and what to bring
When the Similan Islands national park is open, how an early-bird tour differs from the standard one, and how much a day on one of Thailand’s cleanest archipelagos costs.
Updated: 2026-08-19 · 6 min read · AURA Phuket
The Similan Islands are nine granite islands in the middle of the Andaman Sea, with water so clear the seabed is visible at 15–20 metres. The national park is closed for part of the year, so trip dates need planning ahead.
Key facts
- The national park is closed to visitors until 14 October 2026 — an annual rainy-season closure, not a one-off exception.
- The standard tour from Thap Lamu pier starts from 2,600 ฿ per person.
- The Early Bird tour from Sarasin pier starts from 2,800 ฿ — the earliest departure to the islands, before other boats fill the bays.
- The drive from Phuket to the pier takes about 1.5–2 hours each way, so the day runs long, from around 6am to evening.
- There is no built-up infrastructure on the islands — just nature, so water, reef-safe sunscreen and a light snack are essential.
When to go
The Mu Ko Similan national park closes every year during the rainy season to let the reefs recover, and in 2026 it reopens only on 14 October. If planning a trip before that date, it is worth having an alternative — Racha or Coral Islands, for example, which stay open year-round. Once the park reopens, the best window is the dry months from November to April, when the sea is calmer and underwater visibility is higher.
Standard tour or Early Bird
- The standard tour departs from Thap Lamu pier at a regular morning time and suits most visitors — prices start from 2,600 ฿.
- Early Bird departs ahead of the other boats from Sarasin pier, so it reaches the most popular spots — Donald Duck Bay, Sail Rock — first, before the water is churned up by dozens of boats.
- An extra fee is usually charged for mask and snorkel rental if you do not bring your own, and the national park entrance fee is sometimes paid separately on site.
- Seasickness is a real risk on the long crossing — take medication in advance, not once the boat is already rocking.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth going to the Similans right after the park reopens?
Yes, it is often the best time — the reefs have rested during the closure and tourist numbers have not yet reached full volume.
Do I need to know how to swim?
For snorkelling from the boat, a life vest is usually provided, so confident swimming is not mandatory, but feeling comfortable in deep water matters.
Can you stay overnight on the islands?
Some islands have national-park tent camping, but the vast majority of tours are single-day trips that return to Phuket the same evening.
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