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Koh Similan National Park travel guide
Guide me through Koh Similan National Park
Guide me through
Koh Similan National Park
The Similan archipelago consists of eleven islands all located in Mu Koh Similan National Park. This spectacular national park covers 140 square kilometers of natural beauty above and below water. Apart from being one of Thailand’s most attractive dive sites, Koh Similan National Park has a lot to offer for those who enjoy exotic flora and fauna, paradise beaches, and tranquility.
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Travel information about Koh Similan
Good to Know
If you are traveling independently to the national park, begin your adventure on Koh Miang (Island No. 4), the main island with overnight accommodation run by the park department and a small restaurant.
Long-tail boats are available for transport between the islands (Island 4 to Island 6, Island 4 to Island 8, Island 4 to Island 9).
Remember to bring enough cash since there are no ATMs inside the national park.
Short island guide to Koh Similan
a short Island Guide
The islands of Similan National Park are surrounded by crystal-clear, shallow waters, making them an ideal location for diving among colorful coral reefs and dramatic rock formations. The park is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, barracudas, triggerfish, and seahorses. In addition to diving, visitors can enjoy the park’s beautiful white sand beaches.
Koh Miang (Island No. 4) is where the national park headquarters is located and offers two stunning beaches. Visitors can explore the lush jungle and observe the hairy-leg mountain crab in its natural habitat. Kayak rentals are also available on the island.
Koh Similan (Island No. 8) is known for the Sailing Rock, a symbol of the national park, and offers opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Overnight accommodations are available for those who wish to stay on the island.
Koh Ta Chai (Island No. 11) features a beautiful beach and one of Similan’s best dive sites, Ta Chai Pinnacle. Boats departing from Koh Miang also visit islands 6 and 9, which offer interesting dive spots.
Koh Payu (Island No. 6) is renowned for its fantastic dive sites with diverse coral reefs, although it does not have any beaches.
Koh Bayu (Island No. 9) is another popular diving destination, with Christmas Point on its northwestern end offering stunning corals and pelagic fish.
travel tips for Koh Similan National Park
getting there
Take a boat from Tap Lamu Pier 10 km south of Khao Lak. Private tour boats run daily from Tap Lamu Port to Mu Koh Similan National Park station (Island No. 4). The journey takes about 4 hours. Boats do NOT run during low season (May – Nov).