Similan and Surin Islands Reopen October 15 After Annual Monsoon Closure

Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin national parks, off the Andaman coast near Phang Nga and typically reached by boat from Phuket or Khao Lak, close every year from May 15 to October 15 under an order from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The closure keeps visitors and overnight stays out through the southwest monsoon, both for safety on open water and to give the reefs a break from diving and snorkelling traffic; park staff use the downtime to survey coral recovery at popular dive sites and carry out maintenance on piers, trails and accommodation.

The islands reopen for the new season on October 15, 2026, and stay open through May 15, 2027, before the cycle repeats. Anyone planning a Similan or Surin liveaboard, day trip or camping stay should build their trip around this window, since no boats run to the islands during the closure and operators sell out quickly once the season opens.