Islands around Phuket
Phi Phi Island, Coral Island, Racha Islands
While there's plenty to see on Phuket, several smaller surrounding islands, each offering unique sights of their own, are easily accessible within an hour or two by boat. Many have excellent snorkelling and diving sites, while others simply offer nice patches of sand on which to spend a quiet day. To reach them, hire a long-tail boat or charter an island-hopping tour. Accommodation is available on a number of the islands - some of it rustic, some very exclusive.
Part of a marine national park in Krabi province, the two stunning islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley are an integral part of many visitors' itineraries - and are now the second most popular destination in the Andaman region of Thailand, after Phuket. Diving, snorkelling and a whole host of tours and other activities on offer. See also Hotels on Phi Phi. Read more...
The nicely sheltered Phang Nga Bay, dotted with tiny islands of dramatic shapes, is an ideal place to explore by boat. The most popular stopping-off points are James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi, a floating fishing village built on stilts. Most appealing ways to see the bay are through yacht charters, sea canoe trips or cruises on Chinese junks. Read more...
A very popular destination, also known as Koh Hei (or Hey or Hae), only 15 minutes by boat from the southern end of Phuket Island. As the name suggests, it's perfect for snorkelling close to the shore, and there are other water sports available. See also the only hotel on the Island: The Coral Island Resort. Read more...
The Racha (or Raya) islands, directly south of Phuket, offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the area with numerous coral formations and clear waters. Racha Yai is also a fine place to just relax on its soft white sands. Racha Noi, farther to the south, is uninhabited with only one tiny beach. See also "Diving in Racha Yai and Racha Noi" Read more...
Two large islands right in the middle of Phang Nga bay between Phuket and Krabi. While fishing remains the predominant economic activity and way of life here, the islands are slowly opening up to tourism. Some innovative, community-driven eco tours and small-scale bungalows and resorts have been developed. A great place to enjoy nature and get a taste of local culture. Read more...
Koh Panyee is about 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Surakul pier in Phang Nga province. Many people flying into Phuket will have looked down on this village seemingly floating in the magical bay and wondered what it is like to live in the place. Read more...
Koh Naka Yai, a small island just 10 minutes by long-tail boat off the east coast of Phuket, is rapidly transforming from a sparsely inhabited fisherman's island to an upscale resort getaway. And the reason the resorts are coming is clear: Naka Yai is the classic postcard image of paradise - beaches of fine white sands lined with coconut trees, incredible views across Phang Nga Bay. Read more...
A small, uninhabited island that has developed into an activity centre for groups. Spend the day kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, playing volleyball and more, or relax in the shade on the sandy beach. There's no place to stay here but camping may be arranged. Book a tour to Rang Yai island or Read more...
Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island)
This island is 5 minutes by long-tail boat from Phuket east coast. A peaceful place with agro-tours and homestay with local families available. The island's rich mangrove forests can be explored by boat. Between Phuket and Maphrao are some rustic floating restaurants with live seafood held in submerged pens. The Village Coconut Island is the only accommodation on this island.
Just east of Phuket, Koh Kai is a tiny, idyllic island - little more than a forested lump poking out of the sea ringed by white sand and coral. Good snorkellin, great for a daytrip - there's no place to stay here. Reached within 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Phuket or by joining a boat tour around the area. Book a tour to Koh Khai Nok or Read more...
Maiton Island
The popular Maiton Island Resort is situated on this island. The resort boasts the whole island to itself and there are no day trips offered to this island. For a world of your own, this is the perfect choice.
Koh Lone
Koh Lone, situated in the middle of Chalong Bay, remains a quiet, lush place with only a few upmarket resorts in operation. There are few daytrips going here, but it's easy to organize a long-tail boat for the 15-minute trip from Chalong Bay.
Koh Bon
Koh Bon, just 15 minutes off the shore of Rawai, is a beautiful tiny isle with soft white sands and good snorkelling sites. The salas, sun loungers and other facilities on shore are "exclusively for the use" of guests staying at The Evason Phuket Resort which advertises Koh Bon as its own private island. The only accommodation is a luxurious honeymoon suite, also operated by The Evason.
Koh Kaew
This speck of an island is found just offshore at the southernmost tip of Phuket, and can be seen from the Phromthep Cape viewpoint. Long-tail boat transfer to the island can be arranged in Rawai. So far, there's not much here besides a large Buddha statue.
Island Further Afield
For divers and marine life fanatics, no trip to Thailand is complete without a few days spent at the Similans. The tropical beauty of the pristine islands will appeal to non-divers as well - the virgin jungle, fine sands and unusual granite formations on the islands are nearly as breathtaking as the depths of the sea that encompasses them. Read more...
This remote, wild chain of 5 islands is located about 160 km north of Phuket near the Burmese border. The Surins are best known for their abundance of large marine life including leopard sharks and manta rays. Usually explored on liveaboard dive trips. Basic accommodation available on one island only. Read more...
Koh Lanta is reached off the coast of Krabi. The beautiful quiet beaches of Lanta are its main draw, but there's some good diving in the area as well. The nearby sites of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are exciting dive destinations, easily reached on daytrips, or with a liveaboard from Phuket. Read more...
Koh Samui is the second most popular island destination in Thailand after Phuket. The long white beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are where the widest range of accommodation, dining and nightlife options may be found, while each of the smaller beaches such as Bophut and Choeng Mon have their own unique characters and facilities. Read more...
