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Similan Island Numbers Explained
The Similan island numbers can be confusing when a tour program mentions Island No. 4, Island No. 7, Island No. 8 or Island No. 9 instead of using only place names. The original group is arranged as nine main islands,so numbers became a convenient way to identify locations across the archipelago. A Similan islands tour from Khao Lak normally visits only selected islands rather than all nine. The route depends on national-park rules, weather, currents and crowd management.
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Why Similan Island Numbers Are Used
The islands stretch across a wide area of the Andaman Sea. Numbering gives each main island a simple reference, especially when Thai and international visitors may use different spellings for local names. Islands No. 1 to No. 3 are important protected areas and are not normally part of standard sightseeing programs.
The marine national park also includes Koh Bon and Koh Tachai to the north of the original nine-island group. These names are usually used directly rather than being the central focus of the familiar one-to-nine system. Access rules can change, so travelers should check the current itinerary instead of relying on an old map or blog post.
Island No. 4 and Island No. 7
Island No. 4 is Ko Miang. It is one of the main beach stops on many itineraries and is known for pale sand, clear water and forested surroundings. Depending on the day’s program, visitors may have time to swim, relax or walk within the area opened by the park. It is also associated with park facilities, which makes the island an important operational point.
Island No. 7 is Ko Payu. It is commonly connected with snorkeling rather than a long beach visit. Reef locations around this area can offer opportunities to see coral, parrotfish and other tropical marine life. A Similan snorkeling day trip may use another approved site when currents or visibility are more suitable elsewhere.
Island No. 8 and Island No. 9
Island No. 8 is Ko Similan, the largest and best-known island in the original group. It is home to the famous Sail Rock viewpoint above Donald Duck Bay. The viewpoint is one reason Island No. 8 appears so often in photographs, although access may depend on park management and physical conditions on the day.
Island No. 9 is Ko Ba Ngu. Tour programs often use reef sites around this northern island for snorkeling. Water movement can be stronger in exposed locations, so guides select the site according to safety and visibility. Guests should remain inside the designated area and wear a life jacket when instructed, even if they are confident swimmers.
Reading a Similan Tour Itinerary
When you see Similan island numbers in a program, read them as location references rather than a fixed checklist. A typical Similan Island tour may combine a beach stop, the Sail Rock viewpoint and two snorkeling areas. The order can change, and the crew may replace a stop if weather or currents make it unsuitable.
Bring sun protection, a towel and secure footwear for the viewpoint. Avoid collecting sand, shells or coral. Responsible behavior helps protect the national park for future visitors. Follow Love Andaman on Facebook, Instagram and Lemon8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the Similan Islands use numbers?
The original Similan archipelago consists of nine main islands. Numbers provide a simple way for guides, boat crews and travelers to identify each location.
The numbering system is also useful because local island names may be spelled or pronounced differently in Thai and English.
How many islands are in the original Similan group?
The original Similan group contains nine main islands, numbered from Island No. 1 to Island No. 9.
The marine national park also includes Koh Bon and Koh Tachai farther north, although these islands are normally referred to by name rather than number.
Do Similan day tours visit all nine islands?
No. A standard day tour normally visits only selected islands and snorkeling areas rather than all nine islands.
The itinerary depends on national park rules, weather, currents, visibility, visitor numbers and safety conditions on the day.
What is Similan Island No. 4?
Island No. 4 is Ko Miang. It is one of the main beach stops on many Similan Islands itineraries.
The island is known for pale sand, clear water and forested surroundings. Depending on the program, visitors may have time to swim, relax or walk within the areas opened by the national park.
What is Similan Island No. 7?
Island No. 7 is Ko Payu. It is commonly associated with snorkeling rather than a long beach stop.
Reef areas around the island may offer opportunities to see coral, parrotfish and other tropical marine life, although the exact snorkeling location may change with currents and visibility.
What is Similan Island No. 8?
Island No. 8 is Ko Similan, the largest and one of the best-known islands in the original group.
It is home to Donald Duck Bay and the famous Sail Rock viewpoint, which has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Similan Islands.
What is Similan Island No. 9?
Island No. 9 is Ko Ba Ngu, located toward the northern end of the original nine-island group.
Tour programs often use reef sites around this island for snorkeling. Water movement may be stronger in exposed areas, so guides choose the site according to safety and visibility.
Why are Islands No. 1 to No. 3 usually not visited?
Islands No. 1 to No. 3 are important protected areas and are not normally included in standard sightseeing programs.
Access is controlled to help protect wildlife, nesting areas and sensitive marine environments within the national park.
Can the island order change during a Similan tour?
Yes. The crew may change the order of beach stops, viewpoints or snorkeling locations depending on waves, currents, visibility, boat traffic and park instructions.
The Similan island numbers should be viewed as location references rather than a fixed checklist that must be completed in one exact order.
Which Similan island has the Sail Rock viewpoint?
The Sail Rock viewpoint is located on Island No. 8, also known as Ko Similan.
The short viewpoint trail rises above Donald Duck Bay, but access may depend on trail conditions, national park management and the visitor’s physical condition.
Which Similan islands are best for snorkeling?
Islands No. 7 and No. 9 are commonly connected with snorkeling stops, while other approved reef locations may also be used.
There is no single guaranteed best location because visibility, currents and marine conditions change. Guides select the most suitable available site on the day.
Which tour visits Islands No. 4, 7, 8 and 9?
A Similan Islands tour may include selected stops around Islands No. 4, 7, 8 and 9, depending on the current itinerary.
The exact route may change according to weather, currents, national park regulations and safety conditions.
What should I bring on a Similan Islands tour?
Bring sun protection, a towel, swimwear and any personal essentials recommended by your tour operator.
Follow current footwear rules, stay within designated areas and avoid collecting sand, shells, coral or other natural items from the national park.