10 Exciting Things To Do In Similan Islands For Adventure And Nature Lovers

A couple strolling along a sandy beach in the island, a relaxing thing to do in Similan

Similan Islands are truly a paradise for both nature and beach lovers. This archipelago located in the Andaman Sea is a top tourist destination and is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The islands boast a vibrant marine life and multiple attractions for tourists to admire. Whether visitors stroll along the long white-sand beaches or indulge in a tasty cuisine at one of the beachfront restaurants, things to do in Similan promise fun to all. The islands offer an unforgettable escape into nature and an experience like no other.

Top 10 Exciting Things To Do In Similan

Below is a list of exciting things to do in Similan Islands. These things cater to the travel preferences of all and promise a memorable time.

1. Spot Whale Sharks While Diving

A diver coming across a school of fish while diving, an exciting thing to do in Similan

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Koh Tachai is a magnificent part of the Similan Islands. Koh Tachai Island is at the northernmost tip of Similan National Park. Along with Koh Bon, this island is the latest addition to the area and consideration of the National Park. The beaches on Koh Tachai are crystal clear and purely white-sanded. There are multiple dive sites near this island which offer an unforgettable experience. Divers come across colourful reefs, whale sharks, schools of fish and Manta Rays and sea turtles while diving. The water near the island is crystal clear.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Similan Island Number: Island 11

2. Relax On The Beaches

Relaxing and walking on the sandy shores of Koh Bon is a peaceful thing to do in Similan

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The beaches along the Koh Bon Islands are known for their pristine waters and relaxing vibe. This island is rocky and lets visitors relax amidst nature. Along with Koh Tachai, this island is the latest addition to the area of Similan National Park. Visitors can take their leisure time sitting on the shores or indulge in multiple water sports. Scuba diving is widely performed here but is only advised for advanced divers. The dive sites around Koh Bon Island have multiple underwater stone pinnacles.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

3. Try Snorkelling At Ko Ba-ngu Island

A woman snorkelling in the shallow water of Ko Ba-ngu, a thrilling thing to do in Similan

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Ko Ba-ngu Island, one of the top Similan Islands is famous for snorkelling. This island is quieter than others and is perfect for exploration, relaxation, adventure and underwater exploration. One of the most important highlights of Ko Ba-ngu Island is its Christmas Point Diving Spot which has many granite boulders. Divers can spot schools of tuna fish and manta rays. This island is best visited from the months of November to April as the water visibility is excellent and offers the best opportunities for all to come across rich marine life while diving.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

4. Explore The Elephant Head Shaped Rock

An image of a side view of the Elephant Head Shaped Rock, a jolly thing to do in Similan

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Ko Hin Pousar, one of the most visited islands of Similan Islands, is famed for its Elephant Head-Shaped Rock. Besides being a wonderful place for sightseeing, this place is also a popular dive site among adventure lovers. A major feature of Ko Hin Pousar is its maze and granite boulders. The water near this island exceeds the depth of 40 meters and has swim-through, channels and deep gorges. Diving is advised to only advanced divers as due to currents, the activity is considered challenging.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour

5. Swim At The Shallow Waters

A tourist swimming along the beach at Koh Payu Island, a relaxing thing to do in Similan.

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Ko Payu Island is considered the best spot for swimming as the water around this island is comparatively shallow. This island is also a part of Similan National Park and is a lovely place to relax. The beaches along this island are purely white-sand and have crystal-clear blue waters. Besides being a lovely place to relax, this island also features several important dive sites. East of Eden Dive Site, located in the southeast corner of the island, is a popular scuba diving and snorkelling destination known for its giant sea fans and shallow reef with plate and staghorn corals.

Ideal Trip Duration: 30 mins

6. Climb To The Top Of Donald Duck Bay

The famed Donald Duck Bay, an important sightseeing spot in Koh Similan, Similan Islands

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This island attracts a major crowd from the months of November to March. Koh Similan is the largest among all and stretches up to 5 kilometres. One of the most notable features of Koh Similan Island is a Donald Duck-like rock that overlooks Donald Duck Bay. This place covers cherishing views of the ocean and greenery around. There are multiple diving spots catering to both experienced and beginners near this island and has several accessible trails for visitors to hike.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

7. Enjoy A Buffet Lunch At Koh Miang Island

Image of a plate of traditional pad thai noodles, a happy and lovely thing to do in Similan.

Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash

Koh Miang Island is believed to be the second largest island among all Similan Islands and is a prominent tourist attraction. The island witnesses large crowds as a part of a day trip to Similan Islands, especially from Phuket. This island is the best place to unwind as it has the ultimate soft white sands and pristine beaches. A day tour includes a buffet lunch at Koh Miang Island where visitors are offered a lovely Thai Lunch. Visitors can admire views of the ocean while enjoying their afternoon meal.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour

8. Hike And Witness Scenic Views From Cliffs

A person witnessing scenic beauty from a cliffs, a magnificent thing to do in Similan.

Photo: Darren Lawrence / Pexels /Image For Representation Only

Koh Payang, an island in the Similan Islands Archipelago, is famed for its rocky hills. Every visitor to this island praises the natural beauty and scenic views observed from the rocky hills and tall cliffs. It is recommended to watch a sunset as the sun sets by the ocean, spreading colours in the sky. Koh Payang also has several rocky formations and multiple dive sites ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling activities. Climbing along the rocky formations and cliffs promises a thrilling hiking experience to all.

Ideal Trip Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
Similan Island Number: Island 2

9. Stroll Along The Beach And Spot Turtles

An image of a sea turtle captured inside the waters near Ko Huyong, a turtle nesting site

Photo: Thomas Judge / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Ko Huyong is home to several bird species and offers the best opportunities for relaxing. This island being a lesser known one is less visited by tourists. The place boasts the largest and the widest beaches of Similan National Park with pristine sands and pure white sea sands. There are vibrant coral gardens around this region ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling activities. The beach is a turtle nesting site and prohibits several tourists from landing during the nesting season.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

10. Come Across Gardens Of Eels While Diving

A woman exploring the garden of eels and corals in the water while scuba diving at Koh Ha

Photo: Mitchel Wijt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Koh Ha Island is famed for its top feature, Gardens of Eels. This place is one of the most important islands of Similan and is a perfect place to try snorkelling and scuba diving. There are multiple diving spots near the island and they cater to all levels, whether they are experienced or beginners. Divers come across close encounters with eels while diving and also spot vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish. This place lets all admire its breathtaking natural beauty and promise a memorable time.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours

Similan Islands, an archipelago in Thailand offers a unique time to all visitors. This place is truly a coastal paradise and a rich marine diversity. Whether visitors want to indulge in some exciting water sports, simply relax at the white-sand beaches or try some of the best dishes here, things to do in Similan are varied. Book a trip with TripXL to this exciting destination and enjoy the unforgettable blend of adventure and serenity in Thailand.

Cover Photo: KOSIN SUKHUM / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Similan islands have a very rich marine biodiversity and offer multiple watersports to perform. Visiting this island is perfect for a day trip from Thailand.
No, Similan Islands don't have an airport. The nearest airport to this destination is the Phuket International Airport which is nearly 145 kilometers from the island.
The most preferred time to plan a trip to Similan Islands is from the months of December to April. During this time the weather is pleasant and offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The ferry from Phuket to Similan Islands nearly takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach. Speedboats are probably faster and take up to 1.5 to 2 hours to reach.
The best water sports performed in the Similan Islands are snorkelling and scuba diving. Because this place has a very rich marine diversity, snorkelling and scuba diving promise the best experience.

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