"Similan Islands or Phi Phi?" is the question I get asked more than any other. I get it: both sound amazing, the budget often allows for just one excursion, and you don't want to pick wrong. I've been to the Similans 8 times and to Phi Phi about 15 — with groups, solo, with families, and with couples. After more than four years living in Phuket, I have a very clear sense of who should go where. Here's an honest comparison.
Quick Comparison
| Similan Islands | Phi Phi | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Phuket | ~84 km (1.5 hrs by speedboat) | ~48 km (1 hr by speedboat) |
| Season | October — May | Year-round |
| Tour price | from 3,500 ฿ | from 2,500 ฿ |
| Water | Crystal clear, 20–30 m visibility | Clear, 10–15 m visibility |
| Snorkeling | Best in the region | Good, but not as good |
| Beaches | White sand, uncrowded | Beautiful, but more tourists |
| Infrastructure | Minimal, national park | Cafes, shops available |
| Best for | Nature, snorkeling, solitude | Photos, variety, lagoons |
Similan Islands — Why Go
The Similan Islands are a national park comprising 9 islands in the Andaman Sea. They are closed from May to October, and that's exactly what saves them. While the islands "rest," the coral recovers and the fish return. The result is pristine turquoise water and marine life you won't find anywhere else near Phuket.
I remember my first trip to the Similans: I jumped in with a mask and saw a sea turtle two meters away. It swam calmly, paying me no attention. Since then, I've gone back seven more times — and the water never ceases to amaze. You can genuinely see the bottom at 20–25 meters depth. More about the underwater world in my guide to snorkeling and diving in Phuket.
What to Expect
- 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. White sand, massive boulders, not a single hotel.
- Viewpoint on Island #4 — climb the stairs for a panoramic view of the entire archipelago.
- Diving. The Similans rank among the world's top 10 dive sites. Even if you don't dive, the snorkeling alone is worth it.
Downsides
- Long journey: 1.5 hours by speedboat, plus an hour by road from Phuket to Tap Lamu Pier
- Early start — hotel pickup at 5:30–6:00 AM
- Closed for half the year (May–October)
- Seasickness risk — the open Andaman Sea can get rough. If the wind picks up, the boat ride gets choppy. If you or anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand
Phi Phi — Why Go
Phi Phi consists of two islands: Phi Phi Don (inhabited, with hotels and restaurants) and Phi Phi Leh (uninhabited, home to Maya Bay from the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio). It's faster to reach and offers a wider range of tour options. The speedboat ride from Phuket takes about an hour, and the sea is more sheltered — between the islands there's hardly any swell.
What to Expect
- Maya Bay — the one from the movie. Access is limited to 1 hour, but it's absolutely worth it.
- Pileh Lagoon — an enclosed lagoon with emerald-green water. You swim right among the cliffs. For photographers, this is a must-have shot: sheer cliffs on all sides, water of an unreal color.
- Monkey Beach — wild macaques that come right up to you (watch your food and phones).
- Snorkeling — plenty of fish, some coral, but the water is less clear than at the Similans.
- Overnight programs — you can stay on Phi Phi Don for 1–2 nights. It's a whole different experience: in the evening the day-trippers leave, and the island transforms.
Downsides
- Crowded, especially at Maya Bay — during peak season there can be up to 300 people at once
- Phi Phi Don can feel dirty during low season
- Many boats = murky water at popular spots
Detailed Category-by-Category Comparison
Snorkeling
The Similans win by a wide margin here. Visibility is 20–30 meters versus 10–15 at Phi Phi. At the Similans, I consistently see sea turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, and clownfish in anemones. Phi Phi has fish too, but the coral has suffered from mass tourism, and the sheer number of boats makes the water murky at popular spots. If snorkeling is your main reason for the trip, the choice is clear: Similan Islands.
Beaches
The Similan beaches are untouched: fine white sand, massive granite boulders, zero development. Donald Duck Beach (Island #8) is one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. Phi Phi beaches are also lovely, but far more crowded. Maya Bay now has a one-hour time limit, which has helped, but you still won't find total solitude. On the other hand, Phi Phi offers variety: long sandy stretches on Don, rocky coves on Leh, and small wild beaches in between.
Crowds and Atmosphere
The Similans are a national park with a cap on daily visitors. Even in high season, it's quieter than Phi Phi on any given day. At Phi Phi during peak season (December–February), it can get truly packed: queues for Maya Bay, dozens of boats at Pileh. But if you leave early on the first speedboat, you can catch the bays almost empty.
Seasickness
This is an important factor that many people overlook. The route to the Similans crosses open Andaman Sea — 1.5 hours on a speedboat, and if there are waves, it rocks hard. I've seen grown men turn green. The ride to Phi Phi is shorter (about an hour) and hugs the coastline, where the sea is calmer. If you or someone in your group gets motion sick easily, keep this in mind. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is available at any pharmacy in Phuket — take it 30 minutes before boarding.
Photo Opportunities
Both destinations deliver stunning shots, but of different kinds. The Similans are about underwater photography and minimalism: turquoise water, white sand, boulders. Phi Phi is about dramatic cliffs, lagoons, and aerial views. Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay produce "wow" shots that rack up thousands of likes. If you're a photographer or content creator, ideally visit both.
Seasonality — A Critically Important Factor
This is arguably the key difference. The Similan Islands are open only from October to May (exact dates change each year, typically opening October 15 and closing May 15). If you're arriving in Phuket during summer — the Similans are not an option, don't even consider it.
Phi Phi is accessible year-round. Yes, during low season (June–October) there can be waves and rain, but tours still run. Moreover, during low season Phi Phi has significantly fewer tourists, lower prices, and the water can actually be cleaner than during peak. One of my best visits to Phi Phi was in September — we had Maya Bay practically to ourselves.
Who Should Go Where: Specific Recommendations
Families with Kids — Phi Phi
Shorter journey, calmer sea, less chance of seasickness. Kids love the monkeys at Phi Phi, swimming in Pileh Lagoon, and the whole "island from the movie" vibe. The program is more varied and less exhausting. I wouldn't recommend the Similans with children under 5–6 — the early wake-up and long journey are too much.
Snorkeling and Diving Enthusiasts — Similan Islands
No question. If you're going for the underwater world — it's the Similans. The coral here is vibrant and alive, visibility is incredible, and spotting a sea turtle or reef shark is an everyday occurrence. More on the best snorkeling spots in my dedicated guide.
Photographers and Content Creators — Both
The Similans deliver unique underwater shots and boulder landscapes. Phi Phi offers dramatic cliffs, lagoons, and "that" iconic Maya Bay frame. If you have to pick one — Phi Phi is more "Instagrammable," but the Similans will give you shots nobody else has.
Older Travelers — Phi Phi
Less seasickness, shorter journey, and Phi Phi Don has proper infrastructure — cafes, restrooms, shade. The Similans are more spartan, and the climb to the viewpoint can be tough.
If You Can — Do Both
Seriously. If time allows, take both excursions. They complement each other perfectly: the Similans are about marine life and tranquility, Phi Phi is about postcard-perfect views and variety. Two completely different experiences.
Can You Do Both in One Trip
Yes, and I highly recommend it. If you're in Phuket for at least 5–6 days, it's totally doable. The ideal schedule: one day for the Similans (early morning departure, back by 5:00 PM), then a rest day, then Phi Phi. Or the other way around. Just don't book them back-to-back — that would be too exhausting. All tour options are on the excursions page.
Prices and What's Included — 2026 Comparison
Current programs with prices:
- Similan Islands day trip — from 3,500 ฿, speedboat, 3 snorkeling stops
- Phi Phi by speedboat — from 2,500 ฿, Maya Bay + Pileh + snorkeling
- Phi Phi 2-day trip — overnight on the island, more free time
What's typically included in both tours: hotel transfer (round-trip), speedboat, lunch (buffet at the pier or lunch box), mask and snorkel, life jacket, insurance, English-speaking guide. For the Similans, there is an additional national park entrance fee (500 ฿ adult, 300 ฿ child) — most operators include it in the tour price, but double-check.
The Similans are more expensive, which makes sense: the journey is longer, fuel costs are higher, plus the park fee. But in terms of value for money, both tours are worth every baht.
All tours are operated by Tropic Tours — a trusted operator I've been working with for three years.
My Personal Pick
If I could only keep one excursion for the rest of my life, I'd choose the Similan Islands. That first sea turtle, the incredible water clarity, the feeling of being at the edge of civilization — it's unforgettable. But I recommend Phi Phi more often, because most tourists care more about photos, a varied itinerary, and an easy trip than water clarity at depth. And that's completely fine.
From my personal observations: families with kids are almost always happier after Phi Phi. Couples and groups aged 25–35 — after the Similans. And those who've done both say the same thing: "Glad I listened and booked both."
Can't decide? Send a message to @mitya_phuket_chat — I'll help you pick the right option based on your dates and group.