One of the genuine privileges of living in Phuket is using it as a base for the surrounding islands. From the Andaman's top dive sites (Similan, Surin) to the photogenic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay to the quiet village life of Koh Yao Noi — you have access to some of Southeast Asia's best island experiences with a 45-minute to 4-hour journey from your front door.
After six years of island hopping from Phuket, I've been to most of them in every season. This guide covers what's worth your time, what's overcrowded and overrated, and how to do each trip logistically.
The Islands: Overview and Quick Comparison
| Island | Travel Time | Best For | Season | Day Trip? | Cost (person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Yao Noi | 1 hr (Bang Rong) | Scenery, slow travel, kayaking | Year-round | Yes | ฿500–฿1,200 |
| Racha Yai | 45 min (Chalong) | Snorkelling, diving, clear water | Nov–Apr | Yes | ฿1,500–฿2,500 |
| Coral Island (Koh Hey) | 45 min (Chalong) | Easy snorkelling, families | Nov–Apr | Yes | ฿1,200–฿2,000 |
| Phi Phi Islands | 1.5–2 hr (Rassada) | Scenery, snorkelling, nightlife | Nov–Apr best | Yes | ฿1,500–฿3,000 |
| Phang Nga Bay | 1 hr (Ao Po) | James Bond Island, kayaking | Year-round | Yes | ฿1,800–฿3,500 |
| Koh Yao Yai | 1 hr (Bang Rong) | Local life, cycling, escape | Year-round | Yes/overnight | ฿500–฿1,200 |
| Similan Islands | 4 hr (Khao Lak) | World-class diving, snorkelling | Nov–Apr only | Possible but tiring | ฿3,500–฿8,000 |
| Surin Islands | 4 hr (Khao Lak) | Diving, Moken sea gypsies | Nov–Apr only | No — overnight | ฿4,500–฿9,000 |
Day Trips from Phuket: The Best Islands
🏝 Koh Yao Noi
Year-roundMy personal favourite for a day trip from Phuket. Limestone karsts, quiet fishing villages, kayaking and a distinctly unhurried pace. No jet skis, no beach vendors — just beautiful Phang Nga Bay scenery. Rent a scooter on arrival and explore the island in an hour. The east-coast bay views are stunning at low tide.
🤿 Racha Yai (Koh Racha)
Nov–Apr45 minutes from Chalong Pier. Consistently clear water, excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving. Multiple bays on the north end. Racha Noi (further south) is wilder and harder to access but has the best dive sites. Day trip is easy — most dive shops run half-day and full-day trips.
📸 Phi Phi Islands
Nov–MayDrop-dead gorgeous but extremely crowded in peak season (Dec–Feb). The Maya Bay tourist crush is real — arrive before 8am or after 4pm to avoid the worst of it. Phi Phi Don has good snorkelling and the iconic viewpoint. Worth doing once as a Phuket resident — but do it in shoulder season (May or October).
🚣 Phang Nga Bay
Year-roundJames Bond Island (Koh Tapu) is the main draw — genuinely spectacular rock formations. Kayaking through sea caves at Koh Panak is the highlight of any tour. Ao Po Grand Marina is 30 minutes north of Phuket Town. The bay is calmer than the open sea, making it good for year-round visits, even in light monsoon conditions.
🐠 Coral Island (Koh Hey)
Nov–AprThe easiest snorkelling day trip from Phuket — 30–45 minutes from Chalong Pier. Good for families and first-time snorkellers. Water visibility is generally good in high season. Gets busy at midday; aim for morning departures. Not as spectacular as Racha Yai but considerably easier to arrange.
🌿 Koh Yao Yai
Year-roundKoh Yao Noi's larger, quieter neighbour. Even fewer tourists, longer beaches, more local atmosphere. Cycling around the island takes half a day. Best for those wanting to properly escape the Phuket scene for 24–48 hours. A handful of small resorts for overnight stays at ฿800–฿2,500/night.
Overnight and Multi-Day Islands
Similan Islands — World-Class Diving
The Similan Islands (11 islands, 60km northwest of Phuket) are one of the world's top diving destinations — consistently rated in the global top 20 for marine biodiversity and visibility. If you dive or want to learn, this is non-negotiable.
Logistics: The most practical access is from Khao Lak (2 hours north of Phuket), not from Phuket itself. Most divers either stay in Khao Lak (easy with a car — Highway 4 north) or join a liveaboard. Open November 1 – May 15 annually.
The Similan and Surin Islands are officially closed May 16 – October 31 each year by the Royal Thai Navy. Do not attempt to visit out of season — boats are denied entry and the weather is genuinely dangerous.
Surin Islands — Moken Sea Gypsies
More remote than the Similans and less visited. Excellent snorkelling and diving, plus the chance to visit a Moken (sea gypsy) village. Access via Kura Buri Pier (3.5 hours north of Phuket). Most visitors take a 2-day/1-night package from Khao Lak operators.
Which Pier to Use
| Pier | Location | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| Rassada Pier | Phuket Town (east coast) | Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Ko Lanta ferries |
| Chalong Pier | Chalong Bay (south) | Racha Islands, Coral Island, dive trips |
| Bang Rong Pier | North Phuket (Pa Khlok) | Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai |
| Ao Po Grand Marina | North-east Phuket | Phang Nga Bay tours, James Bond Island |
| Royal Phuket Marina | Phuket Town (east) | Private charters, sailing |
DIY vs Tour: Which Is Better?
For Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai — absolutely DIY. Take the public ferry from Bang Rong, rent a scooter on arrival. You'll save 60–70% versus a tour and have a much better experience.
For Racha Yai snorkelling or diving — go with a local dive shop. They know the conditions, handle the equipment, and it's very reasonably priced. Chandler's Dive, Sunrise Divers and Sea Fun Divers (all based at Chalong Pier) run excellent day trips.
For Phi Phi Islands — both work. The slow ferry from Rassada is much cheaper but slower. Speedboat tours include multiple stops and lunch, which makes the long day more varied.
💡 Resident Tip: As a Phuket resident, you can negotiate better rates for multi-trip or monthly packages with local dive shops and longtail boat operators. Ask about "local rates" (ราคาคนอยู่) — you won't always get them but it doesn't hurt to ask.
What to Bring on an Island Day Trip
- Reef-safe sunscreen (regular chemical sunscreen is banned in many marine parks)
- Rash guard or UV protective shirt — 8 hours on the water in equatorial sun burns fast
- Cash — most island vendors and smaller ferry operators don't take cards
- Sea sickness medication if you're susceptible (speedboats in choppy conditions are rough)
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Water shoes for rocky beaches and coral entry points
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