The Similan Islands is an archipelago in the Andaman Sea off the coast of, and part of, Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand. It was established as Mu Ko Similan National Park in 1982 after a one-year assessment by the forestry department.

The Similan Islands form a fabulous archipelago in the Andaman Sea, just 120 km northwest of Phuket island. These small islands are so stunning; you don’t even need to be an excellent photographer to come back with amazing photos.

Most people go there on a day trip tour, but the best way to enjoy the Similan islands is to stay for two days. It’s a little far from Phuket and can be tiring to get there on a speedboat. This way, you’ll have some fabulous beaches almost for yourself in the morning and the evening, and having the beaches for yourself is priceless.

To get there, you should consider booking a tour that takes you around for some snorkelling first, then drop you on the main island where a restaurant and basic accommodation are available. If you can afford it, try not to book the cheapest speedboat unless you are on a strict budget. You don’t want to travel like a bunch of sardines in a tin can. Of course, if you are a diver, you’ll have dozens of dive centres offering this destination as a day trip from Khaolak or, even better: as a liveaboard cruise.