Similan Islands closed until October: nature conservation and new rules!

Similan Islands closed until October: nature conservation and new rules!

The Similan Islands in Thailand are currently closed to tourists. This measure applies from May 16 to October 14, 2025 and is part of a comprehensive environmental protection program. The aim of the closure is to give the damaged coral reefs time to recover and carry out renovation work in Mu Ko Similan National Park. This closure coincides with the start of the rainy season, which brings dangerous currents that could threaten the safety of visitors. The farang reported that in the past, problems such as lack of behavioral instructions from ferry companies, improper docking of boats, waste disposal and illegal fishing occurred during the opening period.

From October 15, 2025, new regulations will come into force: Tickets must now be purchased digitally in advance, which means booking is made using the number of the passport or ID card. This regulation is intended to improve control over visitor numbers. In addition, penalties will be introduced for organizers for incorrect bookings: 5,000 baht is due for a first violation, 20,000 baht for a second violation and even 100,000 baht for a third violation; Repeat offenders must also expect their work permit to be revoked.

Sustainability and protective measures

The park administration plans to renew infrastructure, conduct training for providers and implement stricter environmental and behavioral guidelines. This is particularly important as the Similan Islands are one of the most famous diving regions in Asia, which is heavily impacted by mass tourism. In this context, the closure has had positive effects, as already noted at Maya Bay. Places of Juma adds that the archipelago consists of nine islands and is known for its biodiversity, making it one of the best places in Thailand for snorkeling and diving.

Traveling to the Similan Islands is usually by speedboat, with a journey time of over an hour from Khao Lak. Since the islands in the national park can only be visited from November to April, the temporary closures are aimed at regenerating nature during the remaining months. The national park is about 24 kilometers long and 70 kilometers from the mainland. There are no overnight accommodations directly on the islands for tourists; the nearest city with accommodation is Khao Lak.

Visitors can book guided tours, which usually cost between 50 and 110 euros, including national park fees, drinks and lunch. Popular ports of call like Donald Duck Bay on Island Number 8, known for Sailboat Rock, attract many tourists. For snorkelers, island number 7 (Payu Island) and island number 9 (Ba Ngu Island) are the best spots, while Miang Island (island number 4) is a popular place for relaxation and photography with its beaches such as Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay.

In summary, the closure of the Similan Islands not only serves conservation purposes, but also provides an opportunity to improve the quality of the experience for future visitors.