Similan Islands and Phi Phi are the two most popular day trips from Phuket. Similan excursions cost from 3,500 THB per person (October–May only), while Phi Phi trips start at 2,500 THB year-round. Both include hotel transfer, lunch, snorkeling gear, and insurance. After four years in Phuket and dozens of trips to both, here's how they actually compare.
Quick Comparison
| Similan Islands | Phi Phi Islands | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Phuket | ~84 km (1.5h speedboat) | ~48 km (1h speedboat) |
| Season | October – May | Year-round |
| Price | from 3,500 ฿ | from 2,500 ฿ |
| Water visibility | 20–30 meters | 10–15 meters |
| Snorkeling | World-class | Good, but less |
| Beaches | White sand, deserted | Beautiful, more crowded |
| Infrastructure | Minimal (national park) | Cafes, shops available |
| Best for | Nature, snorkeling, peace | Photos, variety, bays |
Similan Islands — Why Go
The Similan Islands are a national park of 9 islands in the Andaman Sea. Closed from May to October — this is what saves them. While the islands "rest," corals recover and fish return. The result: crystal-clear turquoise water and marine life you won't find anywhere else near Phuket.
- World-class snorkeling. Sea turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, clownfish — all visible with just a mask. Visibility up to 30 meters.
- Donald Duck Beach (island #8) — one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia.
- Diving. Similans are in the world's top-10 dive sites.
Downsides
- Long journey: 1.5 hours by speedboat, plus 1 hour drive to Tap Lamu pier
- Early departure — hotel pickup at 5:30–6:00 AM
- Closed half the year (May–October)
- Rougher seas — more open water than Phi Phi
Phi Phi Islands — Why Go
Phi Phi consists of two islands: Phi Phi Don (inhabited, with hotels) and Phi Phi Leh (uninhabited, home to Maya Bay from the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio).
- Maya Bay — the famous movie location. Limited access (1 hour), but worth it.
- Pileh Lagoon — enclosed lagoon with emerald water. Swim right between the cliffs.
- Monkey Beach — wild macaques that approach closely.
- Overnight options — stay 1–2 nights on Phi Phi Don.
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Message usWho Should Go Where
Choose Similan if:
- Snorkeling or diving is your priority
- You want untouched nature without crowds
- You're visiting November through April
Choose Phi Phi if:
- You want variety: bays, cliffs, beaches, village
- Traveling with kids — shorter trip, gentler program
- You want the "movie" shot at Maya Bay
- Visiting June–October when Similans are closed
Prices 2026
- Similan Islands day trip — from 3,500 ฿, speedboat, 3 snorkeling spots
- Phi Phi by speedboat — from 2,500 ฿, Maya Bay + Pileh + snorkeling
All tours operated by Tropic Tours — a verified operator we've worked with for 3 years. Includes: transfer, lunch, mask, insurance, guide. Source: Tropic Tours price list, May 2026.
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Can't decide? Ask in our Telegram chat — happy to help you choose.