Tours to Nearby Islands

Phuket Island itself has beautiful beaches and a huge range of activities and entertainment, however, what really makes Phuket a special holiday destination is the fact that it is the gateway to the islands in the Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay. Many of the idyllic picture-postcard scenes are taken on these small islands. Most of these are uninhabited and you have to take a tour or charter a boat to get there.

For the best experience, take an overnight cruise which allows you to enjoy the most enchanting parts of the day; early morning and sunset. Charter boats are available with captain, crew, and meals including fresh local seafood.

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is incredibly scenic with limestone islands rising out if the sea. Highlights include: Panak and Hong Islands, surrounded with sheer cliffs and mangrove forests; Tapu Island and Pingkan Island, which featured in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”; and the muslim fishing village at Panyi Island where the houses are built on stilts over the sea.

Phi Phi Island

The fastest and safety way to Phi Phi island is by speed boat. Visit Phi Phi Ley which has stunning beautiful bays, Ao Pileh and Ao Lohsama. Stop at Ao Maya for snorkelling and swimming. Visit the “Viking” cave with cave paintings of sail boats, which look similar to Viking ships.

(For more informatin see Phi Phi Island).

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands have beautiful sandy beaches, smooth granite boulders which tumble down into the sea and emerald water with an abundance of marine life. This group of eight islands lie to the northwest of Phuket, in a national marine park which is only open from November to April. The area contains a rich bio-diversity which includes the largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark. The Similan Islands are rated amongst the 10 best diving sites in the world.

Speedboats normally leave from Khao Lak, with transfers by road from Phuket. Boats that leave from Phuket tend to be liveaboards, for diving, snorkelling or fishing trips.

(For more information see Similan Islands).

Racha Islands

The Racha Islands, also known as the Raya Islands, are among the most visited scuba diving sites in the vicinity of Phuket. The waters surrounding the islands are also a favourite spot for snorkelling. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong, speedboats take about 30 minutes, while long-tail boats can take up to 1.5 hours.

(For more information see Racha Islands).

Coral Island

This small island, known as Koh Hae in Thai, is great for day-trips, due to the fact that its only about 20 minutes by speedboat from Phuket.

Coral Island is encircled by reefs and crystal clear water which is perfect for watersports such as para-sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, sailing and scuba diving. If you are feeling more sedate, the beach is great for working up a tan and there are also several good restaurants. You won’t be the only one on the beach, but this is a fun island.

(For more information see Coral Island).

Krabi Bay

Further south from Phang Nga Bay is Krabi Bay. The limestone karst features that Phang Nga is so famous for are also found here in abundance. Tall limestone outcrops tower out of the sea forming spectacular islands. There are also many beautiful stalactite formations and caves, such as at Phra Nang Beach, where you can swim in the sea with stalactites hanging directly over your head.