Costs
500 THB p.p.
(≈ 13,16 EUR)
Opening hours
Tour dependent
Koh Similan
Koh Similan is a true paradise for divers and snorkelers! If you are planning a trip to Phuket or Khao Lak then you should definitely not miss this place. The beautiful Similan Islands are located in the eponymous Mu Ko Similan National Park in the western Andaman Sea. A day tour costs between 60 and 90 euros per person. There is also a fee of 500 baht per person for entry to the national park. Pack your snorkeling equipment and look forward to a breathtaking underwater world, colourful corals, reef sharks and other exotic fish (note: diving goggles and snorkels are also available for hire on many boat tours).
Staying overnight on the island not allowed. Even if there used to be some options such as small bungalows or campsites, these have been closed since 2018 in order to protect the islands' nature. The only option to stay overnight nearby would be on a liveaboard boat as part of a multi-day diving excursion. As with many day trips, even the best day comes to an end at some point and the tour operators will bring you back to your hotel safe and sound in the evening.
The best time to visit Koh Similan is from November to Aprilwhich corresponds to the dry season and high season in Thailand. During this time, the sea is particularly calm - the perfect conditions for a relaxing snorkeling trip!
Note: The archipelago is rainy every year during the rainy season closed from May to Octoberto give nature time to regenerate and to protect the wildlife. So it's best to plan your trip in advance as soon as you know your arrival date. Via GetYourGuide you can, for example Day trips from Phuketª or from Khao Lakª book.
Map
More Phang-Nga highlights
Suwan Khuha Monkey Temple
The Suwan Khuha Monkey Temple (Wat Suwan Khuha) impresses with its fascinating location in the middle of a huge limestone cave! However, it is not only the temple's architecture that attracts many visitors, but above all its inhabitants: monkeys. The long-tailed macaques roam everywhere - you can see them climbing in the parking lot and trees on the temple grounds, in the cave or on the mountain slopes. There is a store on site where you can buy snacks to feed the monkeys. Entry to the temple costs 20 THB and requires covered clothing, so no shorts or bare shoulders. Highlights in the cave include a 15-metre-long reclining Buddha statue as well as other Buddhas, an interesting monk figure and a remarkable stalactite cave with bizarre stalagmites and stalactites.
Panyee Island
Panyee Island is a small fishing village and a must-see if you are planning a boat trip in Phang Nga Bay. The boat guides usually stop at this place and you can explore the village on your own. There are two special features of this village: 1. it is built entirely on stilts in the water and 2. the inhabitants are Muslim, which can be guessed from afar by a huge golden mosque. The streets are very narrow and confusing, there are numerous traders and stores where you can buy jewelry with real shells and freshwater pearls. There are also lots of animals (birds and cats), a few restaurants and a floating soccer pitch, which was built in 1986 for the children and is internationally renowned!
James Bond Island
One of Thailand's most famous photo motifs: James Bond Island (Koh Tapu). This place has become famous worldwide as the filming location for the movie series of the same name! The island, which is actually a huge pointed rock, impresses with its strange shape and attracts hundreds of visitors every day. The popular motif is located in the middle of the beautiful Phang-Nga Bay, where there is much more to discover. A day trip (e.g. from Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi) is the best way to explore the bay by boat and make further stops. Nearby, for example, you can explore the small fishing village of Panyee Island or take a canoe tour through fascinating caves.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is probably the most spectacular viewpoint in the south of Thailand! We guarantee that you have never seen a view like this before. For 30 THB you can either hike up on foot or use the shuttle service for 90 THB per person. Once at the top, you'll see a surreal panorama over Phang Nga Bay! The unevenly sized rock formations jutting out of the water create a unique landscape. Lovely decorations and Instagram photo spots round off the whole place and make it a real highlight - which you should definitely not miss! You can reach this place ideally by rental car or alternatively book a day trip, e.g. from Phuketª or Khao Lakª.
Hong Island (Phang-Nga)
As part of a boat tour through the beautiful Phang-Nga Bay, many tour operators make a stop at Hong Island (Koh Hong) to go canoeing or kayaking. The unique landscape with its geological formations, caves and huge limestone cliffs make this activity something very special! Hong Island offers a famous photo opportunity that can only be seen from a canoe and from a specific position: Sky view with surrounding trees in the shape of a heart. Near Hong Island is Phanak Island, which also offers canoe tours.
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