Similan Islands from Khao Lak - a Day Trip to Some of Thailand's Most Beautiful Beaches

Some trips in Thailand are simply beautiful, and on others, every time you reach another beach it is hard to believe the place really exists. For us, the trip to the Similan Islands was exactly that.

White sand beaches, water in stunning shades of turquoise and blue, huge granite boulders and green tropical vegetation. At every stop we felt we had reached a beach even more beautiful than the last.

We went on a day trip to the Similan Islands from Khao Lak, setting off very early in the morning. The day included sailing between the islands, beach stops, snorkelling and lunch on a beautiful beach.

The snorkelling was in relatively deep water, and for us it was very challenging. One of us, an experienced freediver, dived down with just fins while the rest of us snorkelled on the surface.

Despite the difficult snorkelling, we enjoyed it enormously. The beaches, the colours of the water and the scenery were simply exceptional, and the professional, friendly crew added a great deal to the experience.

It is one of the most beautiful island trips we did in Thailand, and in this guide we explain what awaits you in the Similans, what a day trip from Khao Lak looks like and what to know before you book.

What are the Similan Islands?

The Similan Islands are a group of islands in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand, in Phang Nga province.

The islands belong to Mu Ko Similan National Park, a protected nature area famous for its white beaches, clear water, large granite boulders and underwater world.

The scenery in the Similans is different from what you will find on some of Thailand's other islands.

In Krabi and on Koh Phi Phi, the standout feature is tall, dramatic limestone cliffs. In the Similans, on the other hand, one of the most striking features is large, rounded granite boulders set against white beaches and turquoise water.

The combination creates a very special landscape, almost like a postcard.

Some of the islands are open to visitors on regulated routes, while others are more protected. Access to the islands and dive sites is subject to park rules and the authorities' guidelines.

Our experience in the Similan Islands - each beach more beautiful than the last

We think what impressed us most on this trip was the beauty of the beaches.

Even as you approach the islands by boat, you can see the incredible colours of the water. But the moment you step onto the beach and see the white sand, the big boulders and the green vegetation up close, you understand how special the place is.

And the amazing thing is that it is not just one beautiful beach.

Every time we reached another stop, we had the feeling that this beach was even more beautiful than the one before.

The water was simply stunning. Its colours, its clarity and the contrast between sea, sand and rock made for views that are hard to forget.

It is the kind of place where you do not need a special attraction to enjoy yourself. Just reaching the beach, getting into the water and taking in the view is an experience in itself.

We especially remember the feeling of a whole day full of beauty, without a single moment when the scenery stopped surprising us.

We enjoyed it enormously, and for us it is one of the most impressive day trips we did in Thailand.

What does a day trip to the Similan Islands from Khao Lak look like?

Our trip started very early in the morning.

The minibus went round the hotels in the Khao Lak area picking up participants. That means the day starts before you even reach the pier, and you sometimes spend quite a while collecting travellers from different hotels.

From there you continue to the departure point, board the boat and head out towards the islands.

This is a full-day trip, not a quick hop to a beach.

The day combines sailing between the islands, beach stops, swimming, snorkelling and lunch.

On our trip the crew was excellent. The guides were very professional, friendly and pleasant, and created a good atmosphere throughout the day.

On a trip that involves boat journeys, getting into deep water and moving between several stops, the quality of the crew is a significant part of the experience.

The beaches of the Similan Islands - what makes them so special?

The Similan Islands are famous for their combination of bright white sand, clear water and huge granite boulders.

The water takes on different shades of turquoise and blue depending on the depth, the angle of the sun and sea conditions.

The big boulders give the scenery a special character. Some look as if they have been placed on the beach, and they create a beautiful contrast with the sand and the water.

Donald Duck Bay - one of the most famous beaches in the Similans

One of the best-known bays in the park is Donald Duck Bay, on Ko Similan.

The bay is famous for its white beach, clear water and the large rock known as Sail Rock, above which there is a well-known viewpoint.

It is one of the views most associated with the Similan Islands.

Some day trips combine a visit to the beach with the option of climbing to the viewpoint, depending on the route and visiting conditions.

Princess Bay - a beautiful tropical beach

Another well-known beach is Princess Bay, on Ko Miang.

The area is known for white sand, clear water and green vegetation that reaches almost to the shoreline.

Some trip routes stop here for a rest and lunch.

These are the beaches where we stopped along the way: Ko Similan (Island 8), home to Donald Duck Bay, and Ko Miang (Island 4), home to Princess Bay. Each one was more beautiful than the other. A breathtakingly beautiful day.

Snorkelling in the Similan Islands - beautiful, but not easy

Our trip also included snorkelling.

The Similan Islands are known for their underwater world, and the area has dive and snorkelling sites with tropical fish, rocks and coral reefs.

But there is something from our own experience we want to stress: the snorkelling on our trip took place in a relatively deep area, and it was not easy at all.

It was not a case of wading gradually from the beach into shallow water where you can stand up at any moment.

Snorkelling in deep water feels very different. There is no seabed to put your feet on, and you need to feel confident swimming, breathing through the snorkel and staying in the water.

Even for people who can swim, it can be challenging.

While we snorkelled, one of us went freediving

One of us, an experienced freediver, went into the water with just fins, no tanks.

While the rest of us stayed on the surface snorkelling, he dived down on a single breath.

It was an interesting illustration of the difference between the two experiences.

We experienced the underwater world from above, with a mask and snorkel, while he could go deeper and see the surroundings from a different angle.

The fact that the water where we stopped was relatively deep made that difference between our experiences possible, but for us the depth actually made the snorkelling more challenging.

We want to be clear that freediving in deep water is only for those experienced in it. Never dive alone, and let the crew know before you move away from the boat or go deep.

Scuba diving is another story altogether: it requires proper training, sound equipment, planning, safety procedures and a licensed operator. If you want to scuba dive in the Similans, look into a dedicated dive trip in advance rather than assuming you can join a dive on any snorkelling trip.

Is the snorkelling suitable for beginners?

It depends on the site, the sea conditions and how confident you are in the water.

Some people feel comfortable snorkelling over deep water, while others struggle with the feeling of not being able to stand.

From our experience, we would not automatically assume that snorkelling in the Similans is easy and suitable for everyone.

Before getting into the water, ask the guides how deep it is, whether there are currents, how far you will be from the boat and whether you can use a life jacket.

If you do not feel confident, it is important to tell the crew.

Do you have to take part in the snorkelling?

Not necessarily.

On some trips you can stay on the boat while the group snorkels, depending on the operator's guidelines and safety arrangements.

If you do not want to go into deep water, find this out before you book.

You can enjoy the trip a great deal for the beaches and scenery alone, without taking part in every activity.

Are the Similan Islands good for diving too?

Yes. The Similan Islands are considered one of Thailand's best-known diving areas.

The area has dive sites featuring underwater granite boulders, reefs, fish and a wide variety of marine life.

However, it is important to distinguish between two kinds of trip.

An ordinary day trip to the Similan Islands is usually designed for visiting beaches, swimming and snorkelling.

A dedicated dive trip is planned around dive sites, certification levels, depth conditions, dive times and safety procedures.

Divers can find day dives in the area as well as multi-day liveaboard trips, depending on the season and availability.

Not every dive site suits every certification level, and some sites require experience in more challenging conditions.

If one of you dives and the other prefers to snorkel, check in advance whether there is a package that suits you both, rather than assuming an ordinary snorkelling trip will also allow scuba diving.

Lunch on a beach in the Similan Islands

One of the stops we remember fondly was lunch.

We ate on a beautiful beach, and the scenery around us made the meal part of the experience too.

After the boat journey and the activities in the water, it was lovely to stop, eat and enjoy the surroundings.

For us, this is one of the advantages of a trip that combines several stops through the day. You do not just move from place to place; you also get time to spend on the beaches.

We remember this stop as part of the wonderful atmosphere of the whole trip.

On many Similan day trips lunch is included in the price, but it is important to check in advance.

If you have food sensitivities or special dietary requirements, let the operator know before the trip.

The crew and guides - why does it matter so much?

One of the things that added a great deal to our experience was the crew.

The guides were very professional, friendly and pleasant.

On a full-day organised trip, where you move between beaches, get on and off a boat and go into the water, this matters a lot.

Good guides can turn a long day into a pleasant, well-organised experience.

Especially with water activities, it is important that the crew explains in advance what is going to happen, makes the safety rules clear and pays attention to travellers with different levels of experience.

That is why we recommend not choosing a trip on price alone.

Read recent reviews of the operator, see what travellers say about the crew and how the day is run, and give that weight in your decision.

Where do Similan Islands trips leave from?

Similan Islands trips from Khao Lak

Khao Lak is one of the most convenient starting points for day trips to the Similan Islands.

This is the option we chose.

Our pick-up started very early in the morning, and the minibus went round hotels in the area before we reached the departure point.

Bear in mind that even if the boat itself leaves at a relatively reasonable hour, the day starts much earlier.

Similan Islands trips from Phuket

You can also find packages that include pick-up from Phuket and a transfer to the pier the Similan boats leave from.

In that case the day may be longer, because you have to add the road journey.

If you are planning to visit Khao Lak during your holiday as well, check whether it is more convenient to do the trip from there.

How long does a Similan Islands day trip take?

It is a full-day trip.

You need to allow for the early hotel pick-up, the drive to the pier, the boat journey to the islands, the beach stops, the snorkelling, lunch and the return.

It is a relatively long day, but for us it was worth the early start.

The scenery was so impressive that every stop felt like a new experience.

If you are prone to seasickness or tire quickly on intensive days out, take that into account and plan a quieter day afterwards.

When can you visit the Similan Islands?

The Similan Islands are not open to visitors all year round.

The park usually closes during the monsoon season, both because of sea conditions and to protect the natural environment.

The usual visiting season is roughly from mid-October to mid-May, but the exact dates are set by the authorities and may change from year to year.

Before planning the trip, check the park's current opening dates and boat availability.

Even when the park is open, operators may cancel departures because of unsuitable sea conditions.

When is the water at its most beautiful?

On a clear day, when the sun lights up the sea and the water is calm, the turquoise and blue can be especially striking.

But there is no way to guarantee the colour of the water or the snorkelling visibility in advance.

Cloud, waves, wind and sea conditions all affect the experience.

If you are in Khao Lak for a few days, leave some flexibility in your plans and try to pick a day with good sea conditions.

How much does a Similan Islands trip cost?

Trip prices vary with the season, the operator, the type of boat and what is included.

There are also differences between packages leaving from Khao Lak and packages that include pick-up from Phuket.

Rather than relying only on the advertised price, check what you actually get.

What should you check before booking?

• Where does the boat leave from?
• Is hotel pick-up included?
• How long is the boat journey?
• How many beaches are on the route?
• How much time do you spend on each beach?
• How many snorkelling stops are there?
• Is the snorkelling in deep water?
• Are there guides who accompany participants in the water?
• Are snorkelling gear and life jackets included?
• Is lunch included?
• Is the park entrance fee included?
• How many people are likely to be on the boat?
• What is the cancellation policy in case of bad weather?

If you want to scuba dive, check separately whether the operator offers a licensed dive trip that matches your certification level and experience.

What should you bring on the trip?

• Swimwear and a towel.
• Dry clothes to change into.
• A hat and sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• A waterproof bag for your phone and camera.
• Drinking water, in line with park rules.
• Comfortable sandals suitable for getting on and off the boat and onto the beach.
• Something for seasickness, if you need it.
• Cash for any extras not included in the package.

As the day starts early, it is also worth getting a good night's sleep beforehand.

If you are bringing underwater camera gear or your own snorkelling equipment, check in advance what you are allowed to take on the boat.

Are the Similan Islands suitable for families with children?

The trip can suit families, but it is important to consider the children's ages and the nature of the activities.

The day is long, includes boat journeys and sometimes snorkelling stops in deep water.

Families with young children should check the operator's age restrictions in advance, the availability of suitable life jackets and whether they can skip certain activities.

Adults who are not confident swimmers should also find out about the snorkelling conditions in advance.

Similan Islands or Koh Phi Phi - which trip is more beautiful?

Both destinations are in the Andaman Sea and famous for their scenery, but they differ in character.

Koh Phi Phi is known for tall limestone cliffs, rock-ringed bays and dramatic scenery.

The Similan Islands are known for exceptionally white beaches, intense turquoise water, large granite boulders and tropical vegetation.

From our own experience, the Similan Islands were especially spectacular.

We remember the beaches and the colours of the water as one of the things that impressed us most in Thailand.

That said, our visit to Koh Phi Phi was in worse weather, so this is not a comparison of the two destinations in the same conditions.

On a sunny, clear day, Koh Phi Phi can look completely different too.

Is a trip to the Similan Islands worth it?

For us, definitely yes.

It was one of the most beautiful and enjoyable day trips we did in Thailand.

We especially remember the feeling that every time we reached a new beach, it was even more beautiful than the one before.

The white sand, the stunning colours of the water, the big granite boulders and the green vegetation made for views that are hard to forget.

Lunch on the beach was part of the experience too, and the professional, friendly crew made the day pleasant and fun.

The snorkelling was challenging for us because of the depth of the water, but it was just one activity in a day full of experiences.

The fact that one of us could enjoy freediving while the rest of us snorkelled also added interest to our trip, and showed how different the experience at sea can be for travellers with different levels of experience.

If you are planning to stay in Khao Lak and love stunning beaches, clear water and tropical scenery, this is definitely one of the trips we would recommend considering.

The day starts early and lasts many hours, but for us it was worth every moment.

Frequently asked questions about the Similan Islands

Where is the best place to leave from for the Similan Islands?

Khao Lak is one of the most convenient starting points for Similan day trips. You can also find trips with pick-up from Phuket, but the journey may be longer.

Can you visit the Similan Islands all year round?

No. The park usually closes during the monsoon season. Check the current opening dates before booking.

Is snorkelling in the Similan Islands difficult?

The difficulty depends on the site and sea conditions. On our trip the snorkelling was in relatively deep water and was challenging, so it is important to check the conditions in advance.

Can you dive in the Similan Islands?

Yes. The area has well-known dive sites, but scuba diving requires proper training, planning and a licensed operator. Do not assume every snorkelling trip also allows diving.

Can a diver and a traveller who prefers snorkelling go together?

Some operators have options that suit both, but you need to arrange this with the operator in advance. Not every day trip offers it.

Do you have to take part in the snorkelling?

Not necessarily. On some trips you can stay on the boat during the activity, according to the crew's instructions. Check this before booking.

Is lunch included on the trip?

Lunch is included on many day trips. On our trip we ate on a beautiful beach, and the stop was part of the experience.

Do you need to get up early?

Yes. Day trips from Khao Lak usually start with an early hotel pick-up, and the minibus sometimes stops at several hotels in the area.

Is it worth visiting the Similans even if you have already been to Koh Phi Phi?

In our view, yes. The scenery is different, and the combination of white beaches, turquoise water and large granite boulders makes the Similans an experience in its own right.

Editor's note: the description of the experience, the beaches, the snorkelling, the freediving, lunch and the crew is based on our own visit. Information on routes, diving options, opening dates and operators' services is general information that may change and should be verified before booking.