Similan Islands reopen on 15 October for 2026-27 season
Published on 10/21/2026 at 13:18 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSReopening and conservation measures
- Thailand’s national park authorities reopened the Similan Islands on 15 October 2026 for the new visitor season.
- Electronic tickets have been used across six marine national parks, including Similan, since October 2025.
- The protected archipelago comprises 11 islands in the Andaman Sea off Phang Nga province.
The Similan Islands reopened in Phang Nga, Thailand, on 15 October 2026 after a five-month monsoon closure. The reopening began the 2026-27 visitor season at the marine national park, which is known for granite formations, white-sand beaches and coral reefs.
Similan Islands reopening starts the 2026-27 season
The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that the islands reopened on 15 October after the seasonal closure. More than 1,300 visitors arrived on the first day, according to the authority’s travel update on the Andaman coast.
The closure covered the period when monsoon conditions affect the Andaman Sea. It also gave the marine environment a defined recovery period before visitors returned. The Tourism Authority update identifies the reopening date and places the islands in Phang Nga.
Electronic tickets are another practical change for the current season. The system has been used since October 2025 across six marine national parks, including the Similan Islands, and the national tourism authority advises visitors to have passport details ready.
Eleven islands form the protected Andaman archipelago
The protected archipelago lies in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga province. It comprises 11 islands, according to the Bangkok Post, which describes the group as the original nine Similan islands together with Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
The name Similan refers to the original group of nine islands. Koh Miang and Koh Similan are among the named islands in the national park, while Sail Rock is a prominent granite formation on island number 8. These physical features connect the seasonal reopening with what visitors encounter on land and at sea.
The annual closure is part of the park’s conservation cycle. The Bangkok Post report says the pause allows the marine and natural environments to recover before the next tourism season.
Visiting Similan Islands: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The current visitor season began on 15 October 2026 after the five-month monsoon closure. The reopening applies to the protected marine park in Phang Nga.
- The reopening means that visitors can return to the islands during the 2026-27 season. Electronic tickets are in use across six marine national parks, including the Similan Islands.
- The islands lie in the Andaman Sea off Phang Nga province. The Tourism Authority of Thailand describes Khao Lak as a base for day trips to the Similan Islands.
- The landscape includes granite boulders, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Sail Rock stands on island number 8, while the national park comprises 11 islands.
- 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.
Searching for Similan Islands on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about Similan Islands
When did the Similan Islands reopen?
The Similan Islands reopened on 15 October 2026 for the 2026-27 visitor season after a five-month monsoon closure.
What is the Similan Islands national park?
It is a protected marine archipelago in the Andaman Sea off Phang Nga province. The park comprises 11 islands, including Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
How do visitors reach the Similan Islands?
The Tourism Authority of Thailand identifies Khao Lak as a base for day trips to the islands. Visitors should also note that electronic tickets are used across six marine national parks, including Similan.
