Similan or Surin Islands: Which Day Trip to Book?

Similan or Surin? The Similan and Surin Islands are both national parks in the Andaman Sea, north of Phuket, and both are known for clear water and healthy reefs. They open from mid-October to mid-May. The Similans are famous for their granite boulders and the viewpoint at Sail Rock; the Surin Islands are quieter, with shallow coral reefs and a Moken sea gypsy village.

The Similan Islands at a glance

Hotel pickup from about 06:30 in Phuket or Khao Lak, then the boat leaves from Tab Lamu pier.
Island 8 for Donald Duck Bay and the short hike up to Sail Rock.
Snorkelling at Island 9 and Island 4, with lunch on the beach.
Choose a fast speedboat or a steadier speed catamaran.

The Surin Islands at a glance

Check-in at Namkhem Marina, then a speedboat ride to the islands.
Three snorkelling stops on shallow reefs, from Chong Kad to Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay.
A visit to the Moken village and a buffet lunch at the national park restaurant.
See the full day on the Surin Islands tour page.

Similan or Surin: which one suits you?

You want the famous view and white sand: the Similans.
You mainly want to snorkel: Surin, with three reef stops in shallow water.
You are interested in local life: Surin, for the Moken village.
You get seasick: the Similans by catamaran.

Good to know

Both parks close from mid-May to mid-October to rest the reefs through the monsoon. December to February is the busiest time, so book a few days ahead. Bring reef-safe sun cream, a hat and a towel, and check each tour page for what is included.

Compare both on our tours page.