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Island season · Andaman coast

The Similans and Maya Bay are back on the map

The seasonal reopenings are here. Here’s what to know about island access and park tickets before choosing a boat trip.

By Thailand DiaryPublished Source checked

This is a previous report. Its next verification is due or the event has ended; use the official sources below for the current position.

Boats in a turquoise bay surrounded by forested hills in the Similan Islands
Similan Islands. Archive photograph published in March 2026, not a report of today’s sea conditions. Photo: Tomasz Kotarski / Unsplash.

Which places reopened?

TAT’s 20 October update reports that the Similan Islands reopened on 15 October after their seasonal closure, while Maya Bay reopened on 1 October. Khao Lak is a base for Similan trips; Phuket and the Phi Phi area are options for planning a Maya Bay visit.

Check the ticket, not just the boat

Electronic tickets are in use at six marine national parks, including Similan, Surin and the Phi Phi park. Ask the operator whether park admission is included and what passport information is needed before you pay.

Reopening is not a sailing guarantee

October and early November can still bring rain and rough seas. Confirm the departure with your boat operator and check the latest park notices: a seasonal reopening does not mean every route runs every day.

Original sources

Tourism Authority of Thailand — Andaman season update ↗Report / effective date: 20 Oct 2026

Source-checked editorial summary, not a live operational feed. Our editorial standards.