Thailand’s National Park Fees
If you are planning a scuba diving liveaboard trip from Phuket to the Similan Islands or Surin Islands, it is important to understand Thailand’s National Park fees and how they work.
These fees help protect some of Thailand’s most famous marine environments, including the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, the Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock. The money collected contributes toward marine conservation, ranger programs, park management, infrastructure, environmental protection, waste management, mooring systems, visitor facilities, and the ongoing upkeep of Thailand’s National Parks.
Rather than staying within a single island group, the fees are collected into a broader national park management system that supports conservation projects and operations across Thailand’s protected national parks.
Why Are There National Park Fees?
The Similan Islands became a protected National Park in 1982 due to their ecological importance and outstanding natural beauty. Over the years, the area has grown into one of the world’s most recognised scuba diving destinations.
The National Park fees help reduce the environmental impact of tourism while funding the management and protection of these fragile marine ecosystems.
This includes:
- Marine conservation programs
- Coral reef protection
- National Park ranger operations
- Waste management and cleaning
- Mooring buoy systems
- Visitor infrastructure and facilities
- Environmental monitoring and education
- General upkeep across Thailand’s National Parks
Without these protections, many of the reefs and marine habitats that divers travel from around the world to see would quickly deteriorate.
Current Thailand National Park Fees (2026)
Base National Park Admission Fees
Foreign Visitors
- THB 500 per adult
- THB 300 per child (3–14 years)
Thai Nationals
- THB 100 per adult
- THB 50 per child
Daily Activity Fees
In addition to the park admission fee, visitors also pay a daily activity fee.
- Scuba divers: THB 200 per person, per day
- Snorkellers and non-divers: THB 200 per person, per day
These daily fees apply for each day spent inside the National Park boundaries.
Example Liveaboard National Park Fee Calculations
2 Day / 1 Night Liveaboard
For a short liveaboard trip visiting either the Similan Islands or Surin Islands:
- THB 500 National Park entry fee
- THB 200 per day x 2 days
Total: THB 900 per person
4 Day / 4 Night Similan & Surin Liveaboard
Many longer liveaboards visit both the Similan Islands National Park and Surin Islands National Park, including Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai.
Typical fees would include:
- THB 500 Similan Islands National Park fee
- THB 500 Surin Islands National Park fee
- THB 200 daily activity fee x 4 days
Total: THB 1,800 per person
Re-Entry Fees for Multi-Park Itineraries
Some liveaboards follow routes that exit and later re-enter a National Park. In these cases, an additional park entry fee may apply when re-entering the park.
For example, a liveaboard itinerary may include:
Day 1
Similan Islands
Day 2
Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock
Day 3
Return to the Similan Islands
Because the boat re-enters the Similan Islands National Park, another THB 500 Similan entry fee may apply.
This type of itinerary could include:
- THB 500 Similan Islands entry
- THB 500 Surin Islands entry
- THB 500 Similan re-entry
- THB 200 daily fee x 3 days
Total: THB 2,100 per person
Exact fees can vary slightly depending on the route and National Park regulations in place at the time of travel.
How Are National Park Fees Paid?
National Park fees are normally collected directly by the liveaboard operator before departure. Operators then pay these fees to the National Park authorities when entering the protected areas.
Most operators prefer payment in Thai Baht cash, although some may allow advance payment by card or bank transfer.
It is always a good idea to confirm the latest fees with your liveaboard operator before travelling, as Thailand National Park regulations and pricing can occasionally change.
Protecting Thailand’s Marine Environment
While National Park fees do increase the cost of a liveaboard trip, they play an important role in protecting Thailand’s marine ecosystems for future generations.
The Similan Islands and Surin Islands remain some of the best diving destinations in Southeast Asia thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, strict marine protection policies, and responsible tourism management.
For divers, these fees help ensure healthy coral reefs, thriving marine life, cleaner beaches, and a better overall diving experience for years to come.
