Similan Islands reopen for 2026-27 season on 15 October
Published on 09/27/2026 at 07:50 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
The Similan Islands and their annual reopening are scheduled for 15 October 2026 in Phang Nga, Thailand, after a five-month conservation closure; the national park is known locally as ???????????????. The date falls within the 2026-27 visitor season and gives travellers from Western Europe a fixed point for planning October trips.
Similan Islands reopening follows five-month closure
The park closed tourism areas from 16 May to 14 October 2026. Thai PBS reported that the closure was announced for the monsoon period, with the stated aims of protecting natural resources and allowing the marine ecosystem to recover. Its report names the Similan national park in Phang Nga and records the final closure date as 14 October 2026.
The Tourism Authority information lists 15 October to 15 May as the annual visitor period. That makes 15 October 2026 the first planned day of the new season, while the preceding day remains inside the closure. The reopening is a change in access to the park itself, not a separate festival or commercial tour event.
Similan Islands bring back landings and Sail Rock
The archipelago comprises 11 islands within the national park, which covers 140 square kilometres. The park office is on the mainland in Lam Kaen, Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga, while the islands lie in the Andaman Sea.
Visitors can land on Ko Miang and Ko Similan. Ko Similan is home to Sail Rock, the park's recognised landmark, and a 150-metre nature trail leads to a viewpoint with a 180-degree panorama. Ko Miang has Princess Beach, a second beach known as Honeymoon Beach, and visitor facilities. The reopening date therefore restores access to the two islands named in the official visitor information, while several other islands remain focused on marine activities or conservation. Ko Tachai remains closed to landings to support nature recovery.
From Phang Nga pier to a day on the islands
For travellers, the practical difference is clear: visits can resume on 15 October 2026, but overnight stays on the islands are not permitted. The official tourism information describes the experience as a day trip, with boats commonly using Thap Lamu pier and nearby mainland departure points.
- The reopening date is 15 October 2026, and the closure continues through 14 October 2026.
- Access returns with day visits to permitted areas; overnight stays on the islands are not allowed.
- Most boats depart from Thap Lamu pier in Lam Kaen, Phang Nga, with speedboats and catamarans used on the route.
- Ko Similan's 150-metre trail to Sail Rock includes an uphill walk, while landings and snorkelling areas depend on the park's designated access rules.
- Thailand's official language is Thai and its national currency is the baht.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
The 15 October 2026 reopening links the end of the monsoon closure directly to the return of land access at Ko Miang and Ko Similan.
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Frequently asked questions about Similan Islands
When do the Similan Islands reopen?
The new visitor season begins on 15 October 2026 after the annual closure ends on 14 October 2026.
Where are the Similan Islands and how do you get there?
The islands are in the Andaman Sea off Phang Nga. Boats commonly depart from Thap Lamu pier in Lam Kaen.
What is open at the Similan Islands?
Ko Miang and Ko Similan allow landings, while Ko Tachai remains closed to landings. Overnight stays on the islands are not permitted.
