Islands Near Phuket
Six Easy Island Escapes in the Andaman Sea
One of the great advantages of staying in Phuket is the number of small tropical islands located just a short boat ride away. While famous destinations such as the Phi Phi Islands or the Similan Islands require longer journeys, several smaller islands can be reached in less than an hour. These islands are perfect for a half-day or day trip and offer beautiful beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and a relaxing change of scenery from Phuket’s busy coastline.
Among the most popular nearby islands are Koh Bon, Coral Island, Koh Lone, Racha Yai, Khai Islands, and Koh Maiton. Each has its own character, from quiet fishing communities and luxury resorts to lively beaches known for snorkeling and day tours. Although small, these islands offer a wonderful glimpse of the Andaman Sea’s turquoise waters and tropical landscapes.
When you live in Phuket, spending a day on Koh Bon almost feels like going on a small vacation. The journey begins at Rawai Beach, where you can hire a traditional long-tail boat either from the pier or directly from the beach. After a short ride across the bay, the boat reaches this tiny tropical island that somehow feels far removed from the bustle of Phuket.
Although Koh Bon lies only a few minutes from the mainland, its peaceful atmosphere and clear waters give the impression of being much farther away. Palm trees lean over small sandy coves, the jungle covers most of the island, and the sound of long-tail engines quickly fades once the boats depart. For many visitors, Koh Bon is simply a place to relax for a few hours, swim in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, and enjoy a quiet escape from the busy beaches of Phuket.
Most people who visit Koh Bon only see the small beach near the island’s restaurant, which faces Rawai to the north. However, more adventurous visitors can cross the island on foot through the jungle to reach a second, longer beach on the southeast side. This lesser-known beach has a slightly mysterious atmosphere, with a line of old, partially abandoned bungalows hidden in the trees behind the sand, remnants of a resort project that was never completed.
Located just a few kilometers off the southeast coast of Phuket, Coral Island—known locally as Koh Hae—is one of the easiest tropical island escapes from Phuket. Despite being so close to the mainland, the island offers a surprising change of scenery: clear turquoise water, white sand beaches, and lush tropical hills rising behind the shoreline.
Thanks to its proximity to Phuket, Coral Island has become a popular destination for half-day and full-day excursions, particularly for visitors staying in the southern part of the island.
The island sits roughly nine kilometers southeast of Chalong Bay and can be reached in less than 15 minutes by speedboat. Its shallow waters and fringing coral reefs gave the island its English name, although today the coral is found mostly farther from the beach in deeper areas.
Coral Island is part of a protected marine environment within Mu Ko Phuket Marine National Park, which also includes several nearby islands scattered across the Andaman Sea.
Khai Islands
The Khai Islands are a small group of tiny islands located about 15 kilometers east of Phuket. Despite their modest size, they are among the most popular half-day excursion destinations thanks to their shallow turquoise water and abundant marine life.
The island group consists mainly of Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui. Khai Nok is the most visited, with a small sandy beach lined with umbrellas, beach chairs, and simple restaurants. Its calm, shallow water makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and colorful fish can often be seen swimming close to shore.
Khai Nai offers a slightly quieter atmosphere and similar snorkeling conditions, while Khai Nui is the smallest island and mainly visited for snorkeling stops rather than beach time. The clear water and coral patches around these islands attract a wide variety of tropical fish, making them a popular destination for beginner snorkelers.
Because of their proximity to Phuket, the Khai Islands are usually visited on short boat trips departing from Laem Hin Pier or Boat Lagoon. The journey typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
While they can become busy during peak hours, the Khai Islands remain a fun and accessible option for travelers who want to enjoy clear water, snorkeling, and tropical island scenery without spending a full day traveling.
Racha Yai
About 20 kilometers south of Phuket lies Racha Yai, one of the most beautiful islands in the region. Known for its clear turquoise water and white sand beaches, the island has become a favorite destination for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing beach days.
The main beach on Racha Yai, Patok Bay, is particularly striking. Its powdery sand and crystal-clear water create a postcard-perfect setting that often surprises first-time visitors. Several resorts and restaurants are located along the bay, offering facilities for day-trippers as well as travelers who wish to stay overnight.
Racha Yai is also famous for its excellent underwater visibility. Divers and snorkelers can explore coral reefs, sandy seabeds, and a variety of tropical fish species. The island’s calm waters and good visibility make it a popular training site for beginner divers taking their first certification courses.
Although the island has seen increased tourism in recent years, it still retains a relaxed atmosphere compared to Phuket’s busiest beaches. Visitors can rent bicycles or motorbikes to explore the island’s small roads, which lead to additional beaches and scenic viewpoints.
Boats to Racha Yai typically depart from Chalong Pier, with travel times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes by speedboat. Because of its beautiful beaches and clear water, many travelers consider Racha Yai one of the best island day trips from Phuket.
Koh Lone
Located just southeast of Chalong Bay, Koh Lone remains one of the lesser-known islands near Phuket. Unlike some of the more touristic destinations in the region, Koh Lone has managed to preserve a quiet and authentic atmosphere. The island is home to a small community of fishermen who have lived there for generations, and life still follows a slow, traditional rhythm.
Visitors arriving by long-tail boat or speedboat will find a peaceful coastline dotted with coconut trees and small wooden houses. A few boutique resorts and seafood restaurants have opened over the years, but development remains limited compared to many other islands around Phuket. This gives Koh Lone a charm that appeals to travelers looking for a quieter escape.
The island’s beaches are generally small and intimate rather than long stretches of white sand. However, the surrounding waters are calm and ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the sea. Some visitors choose to stay overnight in one of the island’s small resorts to enjoy the peaceful evenings and beautiful sunsets over the Andaman Sea.
Koh Lone is typically reached by boat from Chalong Pier, with a travel time of about 15 to 20 minutes. Because it receives fewer tour groups than other nearby islands, it remains a pleasant destination for those who want to experience a quieter side of Phuket’s island scenery.
Koh Maiton
Just off the southeast coast of Phuket lies Koh Maiton, a small private island known for its beautiful beach and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by clear waters and coral reefs, Koh Maiton has long been considered one of the more exclusive island destinations near Phuket.
The island features a single long beach of soft white sand backed by tropical forest. For many years, Koh Maiton was home to a luxury resort that attracted visitors looking for privacy and relaxation. Although the resort has undergone periods of closure and renovation, the island remains a popular stop for snorkeling and sightseeing tours.
The waters around Koh Maiton are often remarkably clear, and dolphins are occasionally spotted in the surrounding sea during boat trips. Snorkeling around the island can reveal colorful fish and coral formations, although the best spots are usually reached by boat.
Day trips to Koh Maiton typically depart from Chalong Pier or nearby marinas, with travel times of about 30 minutes by speedboat. Because visitor numbers are sometimes limited depending on tour arrangements, the island can feel quieter than other excursion destinations.
With its idyllic beach and peaceful surroundings, Koh Maiton offers a glimpse of the tropical island scenery that has made the Andaman Sea famous.
Stéphane Audiger - Photographer & Writer
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
