How to Get from Phuket to the Similan Islands

Why not just take a boat from Phuket?

Because the Similans sit well offshore to the north, and the short sea crossing starts from the mainland coast near Khao Lak, not from Phuket's piers. So every Similan day begins in a minivan. On the classic Similan day pickup is between 05:30 and 06:30 and the drive to Tablamu pier takes around an hour and a half.

Staying in Khao Lak? Then you are already most of the way there — both our Similan trips collect from Khao Lak hotels as well as Phuket.

Big boat or early speedboat?

The classic day goes on a big boat: it leaves at 07:30, rides smoother, has room to move and serves breakfast and a Thai buffet on board. The early departure is a speedboat that leaves at 06:00 after a buffet breakfast at the pier, and reaches Miang island at eight, ahead of the main groups.

The crossing on the early boat is around two hours. Mornings are usually the calmest part of the day — which is one more reason that boat leaves so early.

When can I go?

From mid-October to mid-May. The national park closes for the monsoon the rest of the year, for everyone — no operator runs there then. Inside the season, trips run weather permitting; if the sea is closed on your date, the trip moves or the payment comes back.

Plan the Similans for a calm day early in your stay, with a spare day behind it.

What do I need to bring?

Your passport or a clear copy — the national park registers visitors at the pier. Swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a waterproof phone case and a warm layer for the cold morning boat. Motion sickness tablets if you need them, taken before boarding.

Toilets and a small park shop are only on Islands 4 and 8, so pack whatever else you need before you leave the mainland.

How long is the whole day?

About twelve hours. The classic boat heads back around 15:30 and you are at the hotel between late afternoon and 18:00. The early boat turns for home at 14:00, reaches the pier around four, serves dinner there, and the transfer leaves at 17:00.

Not recommended during pregnancy or with back or knee problems on the classic day; the early boat is not recommended for children under four. Compare both on our Similan islands page.

What does the classic day look like once you land?

Island 9 first, at 09:00, for the reef. At ten, island 8 and the climb to the Sail Rock viewpoint over the archipelago, then beach time and a swim there. A Thai buffet on board at 12:30 — chicken, fish, vegetables, rice, fruit, coffee. At 13:30 a second reef at island 7, and at 14:30 the last beach, on island 4.

Up to thirty people, transfer from Phuket or Khao Lak, a guide, breakfast and lunch, mask and snorkel, life jackets, park fees and insurance. Every tour in our catalogue runs with an English-speaking guide. Under-fours travel free without their own seat.

And on the early boat?

Miang island, number 4, at eight: an empty beach of white coral sand and a short walk into the jungle, where flying foxes live. Islands 7 and 9 from the boat and a snorkel in open water where turtles are often seen. Lunch on island 8 and the climb to Sail Rock. Snacks, ice cream and wine on the way back.

It runs in the Comfort+ format: Wi-Fi on the speedboat, beach towels, fins as well as masks, beer at the pier in the morning. Groups of 36 to 38, kept small rather than packed to sixty, according to the card.

Can I go on my own?

People drive to the pier and buy a boat seat there, but it means a pre-dawn drive, the park fee paid separately, and arranging a boat on the day yourself. A day tour bundles the transfer, boat, food, gear and park entry — and on our trips, a guide who explains each stop.

Questions people ask