Island Hopping in Phuket: 10 Must-Visit Tropical Paradises
What are the Most Beautiful Islands to Visit around Phuket?
Southern Thailand around Phuket is blessed with an astonishing number of islands off its coasts. From tiny rocks to larger tracts of land emerging from the Andaman Sea, tropical islands have always been perceived as exotic havens of freedom, away from the crowds.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and offers all the characteristics of a tropical island, but if you’re looking for more idyllic vibes, head out to the smaller islands near Phuket. They provide a real feeling of an escape from our modern world. Read on to discover what are the best islands around Phuket, each with its own personality and certainly worth a visit when you’re in Phuket.
1. Phi Phi Islands
The very definition of a tropical island
Good for: Couples, Photo
The Phi Phi Islands have become one of the prime vacation destinations in southern Thailand for obvious reasons. This small archipelago of six islands is stunningly beautiful.
Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest and only inhabited island of the group, features three main areas. The buzzing main village between Tonsai and Dalum bays boasts hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants. Laem Thong is a tranquil tropical beach with a few resorts. On the southern coast you’ll find a few accommodations between the jungle and the sea. If you’re looking for a drastic change of scenery for your vacation, head to Phi Phi Islands for an exotic getaway. Read more
Phi Phi Islands
2. Similan Islands
A unique and remote island group
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
The Similans are a group of nine islands belonging to the Marine National Park, about 84 km northwest of Phuket. Here visitors can enjoy an unspoiled nature largely in the same state as it used to be thousands of years ago.
Ranked among the best dive sites in the world, the Similans can be visited on day trips as well as short stopovers. The rangers’ camp features accommodations in tents and small bungalows that allow visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the islands. Take in the white powdery beaches, lush vegetation, crystal waters, and the only the sound being the wind in the palm trees. Read more
Similan Islands
3. Racha Islands
Where the stars shine brightly
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
Also known as Raya, the Racha Islands are two islets situated some 20 km south of Phuket. Racha Yai and Racha Noi are especially celebrated for their top-notch diving and snorkeling sites, as well as for the surrounding waters teeming with wildlife.
Racha Yai is the only island of the two that has accommodation. It also has a small local population of Muslim fishers and farmers. Relatively busy during daytime with the day-trippers, it regains its tranquility late in the afternoon and offers visitors laid-back evenings having drinks and enjoying good food. Bring your binoculars and head to the beach after sunset for some stellar stargazing. Read more
Racha Islands
4. Coral Island
Desert island vibes
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Coral Island (or Koh Hae) is a small island that’s around 5 km off Phuket’s southeastern coast. You can reach it in 15 minutes by speedboat from Phuket, perfect for a sunny and fun day trip.
Coral Island features two beaches named Long and Banana, both of them facing north and offering great diving and snorkeling opportunities. You’ll find a couple of bars and basic restaurants on the island, and it’s buzzing with day-trippers until mid-afternoon before it regains its peacefulness at night. Be sure to book your speedboat tickets in advance to secure a spot. Read more
Coral Island
5. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi
Stunning oases near Phuket
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are two rather large islands situated on the coast between Phuket and Krabi, at the mouth of Phang Nga Bay. From Phuket, it takes about 45 minutes to get there by local ferry, or 20 minutes by speedboat.
Yao Noi is more developed than Yao Yai, with an array of accommodation ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious 5-star resorts. Part of the charm of these islands are the communities of Muslim farmers and fishermen. Offering a journey back through time, these islands have preserved their ancestral traditions and beautiful tropical landscape. Take your time to relax on the islands’ sandy shores before heading back to Phuket or Krabi. Read more
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi
6. Koh Khai Islands
Uninhabited islands teeming with marine life
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Unusual
Khai Islands (Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai) are two tiny islets situated to the east of Phuket, only a 20-minute ride by speedboat. The largest of them, Koh Khai Nok, is particularly busy in high season as it offers a pleasant getaway from Phuket for those who want to enjoy sunbathing and snorkeling.
Both islands are uninhabited, and Khai Nok is the only one which can be visited. It features all amenities necessary for a comfortable day on the beach such as restaurants, bars, sun-loungers, and umbrellas. The highlight of Koh Khai Nok is the multitude of tropical fish in its waters, so bring your snorkeling mask and enjoy a swim in a natural ‘aquarium’.
Koh Khai Islands
7. Koh Bon
A snorkeling haven
Directly opposite Rawai Beach, off Phuket’s southeastern coast, Koh Bon is a small rocky island. It features a long beach to its eastern side and a small sandy patch at its northwestern tip where you’ll also find a restaurant.
Koh Bon is a cool place to enjoy fresh seafood, as well as Thai and western delicacies. A perfect destination for a short break, it’s a tranquil island offering pristine swimming spots and a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of Phuket. On your way there, ask the driver of your longtail or speedboat to stop by the southwest corner of the island where you can explore an excellent snorkeling spot. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling mask and flippers. Read more
Koh Bon
8. Koh Maphrao
A tropical paradise just a stone’s throw away from Phuket
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Koh Maphrao (or Coconut Island) is a small isle about 500 meters off Phuket’s east coast. It faces Leam Hin, a popular seafood dining area just north of Phuket Town. It takes only 5 minutes by long-tail boat to reach Koh Maphrao’s main pier, situated on the northern part of its west coast, facing Phuket.
On the way, you’ll pass several famous floating restaurants between Laem Hin and Koh Maphrao’s jetty. The island is rectangular in shape, and a good quarter of its southwestern part is covered with mangrove forests, home to long-tailed macaques. Have your camera ready to catch these fast-moving animals as they hop from tree to tree. Read more
Location: Ko Kaeo, Muang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Koh Maphrao
9. Koh Rang Yai
For a fun day trip for outdoorsy adventurers
Good for: Families, Photo
Koh Rang Yai is about 5 km off the east coast of Phuket. A 1-km long beach occupies its western part, which gets busy day trippers to Phang Nga Bay. The southward current and warm sea water gently carries you as you take a plunge and enjoy your swim.
There are several paths for you to stroll, hike, or bike on Koh Rang Yai. You’ll also find a volleyball net, small soccer pitch, an air-gun shooting range, and even a mini-golf course, so fill your day with fun outdoor activities before returning to Phuket.
Location: Ko Kaeo, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Koh Rang Yai
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