How to get to Similan Islands
Mu Koh Similan may be a relatively remote spot in Thailand geographically speaking, but its proximity to Phuket, a major Thai destination with international air connections, makes it an accessible destination. The 85-kilometer distance will take you about three hours northwest to the islands by speed boat. Phuket is such a significant travel spot with hordes of tourists from all over the world that getting out of the island will prove to be a breather for some. From the international airport north of the island, make your way to Patong Beach down south and sign up for a daytrip or liveaboard trip to the islands from one of numerous dive outfits lining the beaches. In fact, most dive shops all over Phuket can take you on daytrips or liveaboards not only to the Similans but to neighboring Surin Archipelago as well.
Alternatively, you can take Bus 437 at the Phuket Bus Terminal headed to Phang Nga 90 kilometers (56 miles) to the north. The non-air-conditioned bus leaves five times daily where buses depart at 10:10AM, 12:00PM, 1:40PM, 3:30PM and 4:30PM for a ride through the Thai countryside lasting 2.5 hours and terminates at Khao Lak. One-way fare costs 36 baht (US$1.20). If you miss the bus, there are other buses at the terminal that stop at Khao Lak–those that leave for Ranong and Surat Thani. Catch Bus 430 (air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) to Ranong at 8:00AM, 10:00AM, 12:00PM and 1:20PM and Bus 465 (air-conditioned) at 7:30AM and 9:00AM.
If you are coming from the north in Bangkok, just make your way to the city’s new southern bus terminal at Boromratchchonnani Road (+66 2 894 6122) for the 10-hour trip to Khao Lak. This leg of your trip will set you back around 500 baht (US$16). There is no airport in Khao Lak and the nearest are in Phuket and Krabi.
Once at Khao Lak, travel a few minutes to Tap Lamu and take a boat from the pier. There are guesthouses that line the shore at Khao Lak that offer trips to the Similans. This option is one of the least expensive means to reach the islands. Taking the speedboat from this point takes about 1.5 hours.
Since there are no public ferries that head to the islands, dive trips and liveaboards from Phuket, Ranong and Khao Lak will be the form of transport for most people visiting Mu Koh Similan. Just bear in mind that there is a daily entry fee of 400 baht ($US13) to the national park.
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