The biggest mistake tourists make in Phuket is buying a “Similan fishing trip” or a “Phi Phi fishing trip”. These islands are marine national parks, and fishing there is banned. It isn’t only the captain who is liable: under Thailand’s national parks law, anglers themselves also face fines and legal liability. Here is where you can fish legally, when to go and what it costs.
Where fishing is banned
All fishing is banned year-round in Thailand’s marine national parks, including catch & release. Around Phuket, that means:
- Similan Islands, including Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
- Surin and Richelieu Rock.
- Phi Phi (Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park), including Bamboo Island and the “4 Islands”.
- Mu Ko Lanta: Koh Rok, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
- Shark Point and Anemone Reef, a marine sanctuary since 1992.
If an operator promises fishing in any of these places, that’s your cue not to book. A legal route always stays outside the parks.
Where you can fish legally
| Spot | Getting there | What you catch | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racha Yai | 30–45 minutes from Chalong | Barracuda, mackerel, snapper, grouper | Year-round, best November–April |
| Racha Noi | about an hour | GT, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, amberjack | November–May |
| Shelf and FADs | 1.5–2.5 hours | Sailfish, marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi | November–April |
| Khao Lak FADs | from Tap Lamu pier | Mahi-mahi, wahoo, GT, sailfish | November–April, strictly outside the park boundary |
| Phang Nga Bay | from Bang Rong | Barracuda, trevally, grouper | Year-round, the monsoon backup plan |
| Cheow Lan (Khao Sok) | 2.5 hours by road | Snakehead, hampala barb | Year-round, only with local boatmen |
Seasons
The Andaman Sea runs on the monsoon. November to April is the dry season: the sea is calm and long runs out to the shelf are possible. From May to October the southwest monsoon blows: waves reach 2–3 meters, offshore trips are often canceled, and sheltered spots and freshwater take over.
- Sailfish: year-round, peaking from December to March.
- Marlin: October to April, best in December–March.
- GT: year-round, peaking in June–July, in weather windows.
- Yellowfin tuna: March–May, peaking in April–May.
- Wahoo: year-round, peaking from October to December.
- Mackerel: October to April, peaking November–January.
How much fishing in Phuket costs
| Format | Price, THB | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group trip | 2,300–2,900 per person | Large boats for 15–40 people, bottom fishing |
| Private boat for a day | 12,500–20,000 per boat | A longtail or small boat, 4–6 people |
| Speedboat for a day | 21,000–24,000 per boat | Faster to the distant spots |
| 44 ft sportfisher | about 69,000 per boat | Big game, up to six anglers, professional crew |
| Overnight trip | from 59,000 per boat | Shelf and FADs, two days |
The price difference comes down to the boat, the tackle and the crew. A cheap group trip is a boat ride with a rod. Trophy fishing takes a sportfisher, serious tackle and a skipper who knows where the fish are today.
How to check a boat before you pay
- A TAT tour operator license and a contract with your name and date.
- A licensed Thai guide on board: this is a legal requirement.
- Passenger insurance and a life jacket for everyone.
- The route on a map, with every spot outside the national parks.
- Tackle suited to the target fish: reels, braid, lures.
- Catch & release for sailfish and marlin: for us, it’s a rule.
- What happens in bad weather: rescheduling or a refund.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fish in the Similan Islands?
No. The Similan Islands are a national park, and fishing there is banned year-round, including around Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. Offering such a trip is against the law.
Do tourists need a fishing license?
For sea fishing from a licensed vessel, tourists don’t need a separate license: the operator handles the paperwork for the trip. On reservoirs and other freshwater, the rules depend on the location, and we check them for your date.
When is the best season for sailfish?
Sailfish are caught year-round, with a peak from December to March, when the sea is calm and long offshore runs are possible.
Can I keep my catch?
Sailfish and marlin are always released. You can keep a reasonable amount of tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and barracuda: a restaurant by the pier will cook your catch the same evening.
Prices and rules are based on public sources as of the update date and may change. This is not medical or legal advice.