Quick Facts — Islands Near Phuket
After six years in Phuket, I've done every island trip worth doing — and a few that weren't. The honest truth? Some islands near Phuket are genuinely spectacular. Others are overpriced, overcrowded, and not worth the seasickness. This guide tells you which is which, how to get there independently where possible, and what everything actually costs in 2026.
Phuket's location in the Andaman Sea gives it access to some of Thailand's most beautiful islands — from the limestone karst scenery of Phang Nga Bay to the world-class dive sites of the Similans. The key is knowing which ones to prioritise and what time of year to go.
Best Islands Near Phuket — Complete Guide
Phi Phi Don is genuinely stunning — the twin-bay viewpoint at sunrise is one of those images that actually looks like the photos. The downside: it's extremely busy November to March. Come in May or October for the same scenery with 60% fewer tourists. Phi Phi Leh (the smaller island with Maya Bay) is accessible by longtail from Phi Phi Don (฿600–800 for the boat). Maya Bay reopened in 2022 after a 4-year restoration and looks better than it has in years.
My personal favourite for a day trip. Racha Yai has three bays — Bungalow Bay, Batok Bay, and Siam Bay — each with different character. Bungalow Bay has the resort and beach restaurants, Siam Bay is calmer and better for snorkelling. The coral at 5–12 metres depth is in much better condition than Coral Island. If you want one easy island day near Phuket with excellent water, this is the one.
The Similans (9 islands, numbered 1–9 plus Bon and Tachai nearby) are among the world's best dive and snorkel sites. The water clarity is extraordinary — 30-metre visibility is common. The catch: they're a long day from Phuket. Most serious visitors do a 2-night liveaboard from either Tap Lamu Pier or directly from Phuket's Ao Chalong marina. Day trips exist but you spend most of the day on the boat. Closed June to October — plan accordingly.
Technically in Phang Nga Province (Bay), not on an island itself — but no Phuket island guide is complete without it. The karst limestone formations are extraordinary. Khao Phing Kan ("James Bond Island" from The Man with the Golden Gun) is genuinely worth the tourist crowds if you go early. Add a sea kayaking segment through the hongs (cave sea chambers) with John Gray's Sea Canoe (the original and best operator, based in Phuket Town) for ฿4,500 — it's one of those experiences that actually lives up to expectations.
The most convenient island from Rawai and Chalong. Honest assessment: the coral has declined significantly over the years and the snorkelling isn't as good as Racha. But the beach is pleasant, the water is calm (good for children), and it's an easy half-day trip. Best on weekdays when the tour boats thin out. Go early morning — by 11am on weekends it's very busy. If you have kids and want a no-fuss island day, Koh Hae works well.
Koh Yao Noi is where expats go when they want to escape Phuket without going far. It's a predominantly Muslim fishing village with almost no party scene — the complete opposite of Phi Phi. Rent a motorbike, ride around in the morning before it gets hot, eat fresh seafood, repeat. Koh Yao Yai (the larger, quieter twin island) is even more relaxed. Regular ferries run from Bang Rong Pier near Bang Tao for ฿100-150 — you don't need a tour.
Skip the all-inclusive island tours sold at every hotel reception — they load 60+ people onto a single boat and you spend the day swimming in someone else's sunscreen. Charter a private speedboat from Chalong Pier instead. For a group of 6–8 people a full-day private charter to Racha Yai + Racha Noi costs ฿18,000–24,000 total, which is actually cheaper per person than the group tours, and you control the schedule.
Transport Comparison: Island by Island
Getting to the islands from Phuket involves a combination of road transfer and boat. Here's the practical breakdown:
| Island | Pier | Transport | Time | Cost (2026) | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Phi Phi | Rassada Pier, Phuket Town | Ferry (scheduled) | 1.5–2 hr | ฿400–500 one way | Year-round |
| Koh Phi Phi | Ao Chalong / Rassada | Speedboat (tour) | 45–60 min | ฿1,800–2,500 return | Year-round |
| Racha Yai | Chalong Pier | Speedboat (tour/charter) | 45 min | ฿1,500–2,200 pp | Year-round |
| Similan Islands | Tap Lamu Pier (60km N) | Speedboat (tour) | 2.5–3 hr | ฿3,000–4,500 pp | Nov–May only |
| Koh Hae | Chalong Pier | Speedboat or long-tail | 20 min | ฿600–1,800 pp | Year-round |
| James Bond Island | Ao Por / Surakul | Longtail/speedboat (tour) | 45–90 min | ฿1,800–2,800 pp | Year-round |
| Koh Yao Noi | Bang Rong Pier, Bang Tao | Public ferry | 30–45 min | ฿100–150 one way | Year-round |
| Koh Lanta | Rassada Pier | Ferry | 2–3 hr | ฿600–800 one way | Year-round (limited May–Oct) |
When to Visit Each Island
Phuket's two seasons dramatically affect island-hopping. The dry season (November to April) offers flat seas, good visibility, and reliable weather. Monsoon season (May to October) brings rougher water, cancelled tours, and choppy crossings — but also significantly lower prices and fewer crowds.
| Month | Sea Conditions | Best For | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Calm, clear | All islands, Similan diving | Nothing — peak season |
| Mar–Apr | Calm to slight chop | Phi Phi before peak crowds, Racha | Apr gets hot and busy |
| May–Jun | Choppy, some cancellations | Koh Yao Noi (sheltered bay) | Similan closed; Phi Phi can be rough |
| Jul–Aug | Rough western coast | Phang Nga Bay (eastern, sheltered) | Phi Phi, Racha — rough crossings |
| Sep–Oct | Roughest months | Stay on Phuket; local beaches | All open-sea island crossings |
Staying Overnight on the Islands
Day trips are fine for most islands, but some deserve more time. Here are the overnight options worth considering:
Koh Phi Phi Don has the most accommodation (฿1,200 fan bungalow to ฿6,000+ beachfront resort). The party area around Tonsai Bay is genuinely loud at night — if you want sleep, book in Loh Dalum Bay on the other side or up on the hill. Phi Phi Viewpoint Bungalows (from ฿1,800) are a genuine secret — stunning views, walk to both bays.
Koh Racha Yai has one resort (Racha Resort) and a handful of simpler bungalows (฿2,500–5,000/night). Staying overnight and diving at dawn before the day boats arrive is worth every baht if you dive.
Koh Yao Noi is perfect for a 2-night escape. Six Senses Yao Noi (from ฿30,000/night) is at the luxury end, but mid-range guesthouses like Koh Yao Thai Guesthouse (from ฿800) are excellent value. The island genuinely feels like a different Thailand.
Similan Islands liveaboards leave from Ao Chalong Marina. Options range from basic dorm liveaboards (฿8,000 for 2 days) to premium dive vessels (฿15,000–20,000). It's the only way to see the islands properly.
Koh Lanta (about 2–3 hours from Phuket by ferry via Rassada Pier) is underrated for a longer stay. It's quieter than Phi Phi, has a genuine expat-friendly long-stay vibe, and the rent is cheaper. Some Phuket expats use Koh Lanta as a visa run destination and end up staying a month. Ferries from Rassada run daily November to April.
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Continue exploring Phuket with these guides from residents:
- Island Hopping Guide — Piers & Itineraries →
Phi Phi, Koh Yao, Racha, Similan - Phuket Beach Guide — All Beaches Rated →
Nai Harn, Bang Tao, Kamala, Surin and more - Phuket Food Guide for Expats →
Markets, local food, supermarkets - Phuket Weather & Seasons →
Month-by-month guide - Expat Community in Phuket →
Groups, sports, social life - Expat Life in Phuket →
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