As every year, the Similan Islands and Surin Islands are closing their doors to visitors for a period of 5 months. This annual closure allows nature to regenerate, ensures traveler safety, and improves the infrastructure of these sites. Upon reopening, visitors will be required to book an electronic entry ticket to access the islands—a measure that also applies to other marine parks in the country. Here's what you need to know.

Similan and Surin Islands Closed to Tourists Until October 14, 2025

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has announced the closure of tourist activities on Similan Islands and Surin Islands for a period of 5 months. Starting May 16, 2025, it will no longer be possible to visit these islands located in Phang Nga Province, and this will remain in effect until October 14, 2025.

Why Are Similan and Surin Islands Closed to Visitors?

Allowing Nature to Regenerate

The closure of Similan and Surin Islands is an annual measure designed to maintain the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem by reducing the impact of tourism activities, allowing nature to recover and regenerate. These archipelagos, located in the Andaman Sea, are genuine treasures of biodiversity. They are even among the best diving sites in Thailand, given the richness of their marine life.

Ensuring Visitor Safety

Occurring during the rainy season, the island closure also aims to guarantee visitor safety in the face of unpredictable weather conditions. Indeed, the sea is more turbulent during this time of year, making navigation conditions much more dangerous. This measure helps prevent weather-related damage, such as boating incidents (ferries or dive boats).

Improving Infrastructure and Site Management

The island closure is also an opportunity for local authorities to improve infrastructure and coordination with tourism operators to better prepare for the next tourist season. Meetings must be organized with travel companies regarding site management and conservation efforts to be implemented.

As stated by Warawut Saengthong, interim director of Similan Islands National Park: "The experience gained so far during the opening season reveals that certain problems remain to be solved (...) Some boat operators do not educate tourists about park rules and responsible behavior. Others ignore environmental impact or even engage in illegal fishing within the marine national park."

In response to these findings, the park has defined six key management strategies to balance resource use with the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. As explained by Thai news site Khaosod, this includes conducting baseline surveys in all marine ecosystems, improving and maintaining boundary markers and buoys to clearly define protected areas, implementing patrols...

Electronic Ticket Soon Required to Visit Marine Parks

The reopening of Similan and Surin Islands will be accompanied by a new rule. Starting October 15, 2025, all visitors (Thai nationals and foreigners) will be required to book an electronic entry ticket to visit certain marine parks in the country, as announced by Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

This new measure, aimed at preserving ecosystems, combating corruption, and facilitating user experience, affects 6 marine parks:

• Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi (Krabi),
• Ao Phang Nga (Phang Nga),
• Than Bok Khorani (Krabi),
• Mu Ko Similan (Phang Nga),
• Mu Ko Surin (Phang Nga), and
• Mu Ko Lanta (Krabi).

Not all details of the system are known yet, but we do know that visitors will be able to purchase their tickets online in advance or on the day of their visit, before 8 a.m.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but weaving bonds—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and all sorts of creatures from the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers ethically, raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, at the edge of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…