The 8 Best Day Trips from Phuket

The Andaman Sea Islands have gained a global reputation and for good reason. Yet with so many islands to explore, it can be difficult to decide how to spend your limited holiday time. To help narrow down your choices, consider the following options for a day trip from Phuket. Each island is different and enjoyable in its own way.

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1. Similan Islands

This archipelago of nine islands is a seriously gorgeous spot known for having some of the best marine life in the Andaman Sea, attracting diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world. The islands are densely wooded but are also encircled by sandy white beaches that are perfect to relax on.

Why This Trip: This national marine park is only open from November to April, enabling the thriving underwater ecosystem to remain undamaged by over-tourism. Sharks, rays, coral, and schools of fish are abundant in this area, making it home to one of the most beautiful underwater experiences near Phuket. There are also several hiking trails to embark on and empty beaches to relax on.

Travel Essence: A once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure awaits at this popular diving destination. After diving, travelers can also observe the turquoise-lined horizon from hiking trails on top of the island's forested hills.

How to Get There: Several tour companies provide speedboats which take approximately two hours from Phuket. Note that it tends to get more crowded during lunchtime, so an earlier departure is recommended if you prefer some seclusion.

Suggested Time: We recommend departing early in the morning so that you can have the entire day (8-10 hours) to explore the islands. Then return to Phuket in the early evening to enjoy the sunset.

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2. Phi Phi Islands

If you recognize the name of these islands, it is most likely because you know it from a movie (particularly the critically-acclaimed The Beach). This tropical dream-location is home to six islands surrounded by stunning limestone formations and sandy beaches. The two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.

Why This Trip: Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy many activities, including kayaking, visiting the famous Maya Bay (currently closed until mid-2021), riding in a long-tail boat, hiking island trails, exploring the Viking Caves, and even rock climbing. On the Phi Phi Islands, there's something for everyone.

Travel Essence: The towering limestone cliff formations bordering stretches of tranquil beaches differentiate the Phi Phi Islands from other Andaman Sea attractions. With its calm beauty and spotlight in Hollywood, these islands have become one of the most popular tropical playgrounds in Thailand.

How to Get There: Ferries departing from Phuket's Rassada Bay take two hours to reach the Phi Phi Islands. Private speedboat transfers are also available and can get there as quickly as 45 minutes with the added convenience of choosing where to be dropped off. >>How to Get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?

Suggested Time: We recommend allotting at least a day (8-10 hours) to explore these islands. There are accommodation options available should you want to extend your stay to two or three days.

3. James Bond Island and the Floating Ocean Village

Gaining mass popularity from the 1974 Bond movie, James Bond Island and its surroundings are a stunningly scenic setting with iconic limestone karsts and tranquil bays. Although you won't find a secret lair, unfortunately.

A trip to this island can be combined with a trip to Koh Pannyi to experience the unique culture of this primarily Muslim floating village.

Why This Trip: Rent a kayak or sea canoe and find yourself floating around striking limestone formations, hugging cliffsides, and entering caves which lead you to hidden lagoons. This trip also gives visitors the rare opportunity to see an entire village built on stilts and pylons that support everything from small walkways to a football field, school, hospital, and several restaurants.

Travel Essence: This day trip offers a serene experience that includes nature, adventure, culture, and community in just one day. It comes as little surprise that this is one of the most highly-ranked tours in Phuket.

How to Get There: Grab a long-tail boat from Phuket to begin your tour or charter a speedboat.

Suggested Time: A full-day tour gives you ample time to explore all the islands and caves before heading to the floating village to enjoy a late lunch.

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4. Coral Island

This nearby destination is an excellent stop to get your adrenaline pumping with water activities. Locally called Koh Hae, this remote island is only 4-kilometers long and is surrounded by warm water that is ideal for swimming. Coral Island has two distinct beaches: Long Beach and Banana Beach.

Why This Trip: It's quick to get here from Phuket and is an ideal place to spend a few hours soaking up the sun and enjoying its laid-back vibes. The island's weak currents make it an ideal swimming and snorkeling spot and visitors can also enjoy activities like parasailing, sea walking, and banana boat rides.

Travel Essence: While the scenery is not quite as dramatic as some of the other options, Coral Island is a simple and quick getaway from Phuket that can be enjoyed by everyone.

How to Get There: Rent a long-tail boat from Rawai Beach or Chalong Pier or book a private speedboat. The journey to Coral Island takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Suggested Time: A couple of hours to half a day is generally enough time on this small island, given the short travel time.

5. Koh Yao Islands

Halfway to the mainland lies the large islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. Despite Koh Yao Noi receiving worldwide attention for its conservation programs, this part of the Phang Nga Province is still a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of Phuket. 

Why This Trip: Unspoiled by mass tourism, visitors can experience the quiet beauty of these islands by taking a leisurely walk or bike ride around the shore. This is a great place to observe the local way of life, sample traditional Thai food, and snorkel off one of the many beaches. Koh Yao Noi is also an excellent rock climbing destination particularly for those interested in deep-water soloing.

Travel Essence: This is a great chance to witness the simplicity of the traditional Thai lifestyle and is a calm place to get away from the tourist crowds. 

How to Get There: Long-tail boats depart three times a day from Bang Rong Pier and take one hour to reach Koh Yao. For a 25-minute trip, charter a private speedboat that also offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. 

Suggested Time: We recommend that visitors spend at least a whole day at Koh Yao in order to explore both islands (which are only 10 minutes apart). There are also many accommodation options available should you want to enjoy the island for more than one day. 
 

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6. Surin Islands

This archipelago of five islands is an absolute gem for underwater seascapes and clear water that contains an incredible variety of marine life. The main island of Ko Surin is a national park and home to a unique and fragile marine ecosystem. 

The Surin Islands were once the home of the Moken Sea Nomads and a few still live here in a small village today.

Why This Trip: This is the treasure trove of diving spots in the Andaman Sea with sightings of whale sharks, moray eels, sea turtles, and more. Despite much of the national park being blocked off to tourists, there are still a range of hiking trails to be found with impressive species of plants and animals. Untouched bays, beaches, and mangroves are also there for exploration. 

The best time to visit the Surin Islands is from December to March when wildlife sightings are more common and the waters are clearer.

Travel Essence: The Surin Islands are the epitome of unspoiled beauty and a popular spot for diving enthusiasts who want to have up-close experiences with its thriving marine life. 
 
How to Get There: There are no public boats available to this destination, but transport can be arranged through a tour company or private charter. 

Suggested Time: Leave at least an entire day to explore Surin's bays, hike, and snorkel or dive. Accommodation is also available for those who want to stay for more than one day.

7.Khao Lak

This popular tourist destination is well-known for its 20-kilometer long strip of coastal resorts set against jungle-covered mountains.

Why This Trip: This island offers both tourism areas for those who seek entertainment and some secluded spots in the north to get away from the crowds. Khao Lak has a vast range of activities including canoeing or rafting on the rivers, exploring waterfalls, scuba diving, visiting temples, and interacting with the wildlife. 

Travel Essence: This national park boasts beautifully-preserved ancient rainforests and natural scenery that provides a variety of activities suitable for everyone. Khao Lak and its series of villages are a refreshing and easily-accessible destination from the busy city of Phuket. 

How to Get There: Khao Lak is linked to Phuket via a bridge and so can be reached by bus, taxi, or private car. 

Suggested Time: It takes one to three hours to reach Khao Lak from Phuket. There are a lot of options for things to do on this island, so it's a good idea to spend at least a full day here.

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8. Racha Islands

This picture-perfect pair of islands have sandy beaches and excellent diving spots. While the rocky Koh Racha Noi is uninhabited (but suitable for fishing), Koh Racha Yai caters to travelers and is also home to a small Muslim population.

Why This Trip: This destination attracts larger groups of divers and snorkelers for its variety of great spots that are suitable for everyone from beginner to advanced divers. The main beach is shaped like a crescent and makes for the perfect place to spend a quiet day relaxing.  

Travel Essence: Crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches make this intimate island a popular spot for day trips. 

How to Get There: Go with a private tour or charter a boat from Chalong Pier or Rawai for a 45 to 60-minute trip. Long-tail boats are available but not advised due to the distance.  

Suggested Time: Half a day is enough time to explore the marine life around these islands. There are plenty of restaurants and beaches to explore to make a rewarding full day as well.

9 Tips for Traveling Around Phuket

1.Bring plenty of sunscreen

2.Drink plenty of water on your trip

3.Spend time in the shade

4.Stick with your tour group as much as you can

5.Make sure you let the tour guide know about any food allergies

6.Bring quick-dry clothing if you are going on a boat journey

7.Do not drink tap water even if it is offered to you

8.Bring a waterproof bag for electronics and other valuables

9.Make sure you get a good night's sleep before you go snorkeling or diving

Explore Thailand's Islands With Asia Highlights

If you are planning a trip to Phuket and would like to explore some of the surrounding islands, then let us do all the planning and organizing for you. At Asia Highlights, we have helped hundreds of vacationers avoid the time and hassle of planning their travels themselves. Our team can make a customized itinerary that suits your specific travel needs and goals so that you can just focus on having the trip of a lifetime.