Islands around Phuket

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.

Coral Island

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. Read more... See also the only hotel on the Island: The Coral Island Resort

Phi Phi Islands

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. A wide range of accommodation on Phi Phi Don; the rugged Phi Phi Ley is uninhabited.

Similan Islands

For divers and marine life fanatics, no trip to Thailand is complete without a few days spent at the Similan archipelago, which is rated as one of the world's top dive destinations. The tropical beauty of the pristine 9-island group 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. Accommodation is limited to basic government-run bungalows and tents that get booked up very quickly - it's therefore recommended to join a liveaboard trip and stay on the boat.

Surin Islands

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. The most famous site is Richelieu Rock for near-guaranteed sightings of whale sharks. Blanketed with jungle vegetation, the islands' interiors are also great for hiking; there are better trails here than in the Similans. Basic accommodation available on one island only.

Racha (Raya) Islands

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. The diving between Racha Yai and Noi is usually very good and offers a chance to see big fish, although generally for advanced divers as the current is very strong. See also "Diving in Racha Yai and Racha Noi"

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

Two large islands (together about 138 sq km) 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, mostly family-run bungalows and resorts have been developed. A great place to enjoy nature and get a taste of local culture. Airport Suite Bangkok

Naka Yai and Naka Noi

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, no roads, and (so far) very little noise aside from chirping birds and cicadas. Naka Noi is most famous for its pearl farms, which can be visited on a day trip.

Rang Yai Island

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.

Maphrao (Coconut Island)

This island of fishing villagers is reached within 10 minutes by long-tail boat from Laem Hin pier on the east coast of Phuket. 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 to select for a fresh seafood meal. Near the restaurants are a few lonely floating bungalows for rent - perfect for a night or two of solitude, though it's not clear where waste from the toilets ends up.

Koh Khai Nok

Just east of Phuket, Khai Nok is a tiny, idyllic island - little more than a forested lump poking out of the sea ringed by white sand and coral. Good snorkelling though the currents can be quite strong at times. 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 here.

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 (or Lohn)

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 and Spa, 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.

Phang Nga Bay

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 Koh Ping-Gan - better known as James Bond Island - and Koh Pannyi, a floating fishing village built on stilts.

If you're hoping to find yourself in the company of hordes of tourists and trinket-sellers, these are the places to go. More appealing ways to see the bay are through yacht charters, sea canoe trips or cruises on Chinese junks.

Islands Further Afield

Koh Lanta

Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi are reached off the coast of Krabi, with most accommodation found on Lanta Yai. 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 from Lanta. Regular car ferry service from the Krabi mainland and by passenger ferry from Phi Phi.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, found off the coast of Surat Thani province in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second most popular island destination in Thailand after Phuket.

While the island is continually shifting upscale, there's still a more rustic, backpacker-friendly feel about it than on 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.