One of the genuine perks of living in Phuket — and something you appreciate more once you've been here a while — is how close the good islands are. When friends visit from the UK, I take them on a private speedboat from Chalong to Racha Yai. We snorkel on impossibly clear water, have lunch at a shaded beach restaurant, and we're back in Rawai by 4pm. It never gets old.
The islands immediately south of Phuket — Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Coral Island (Ko Hae), and Maiton — are year-round accessible, quick to reach from Chalong Pier, and genuinely beautiful. Here's the guide from someone who's done every combination.
The Islands at a Glance
Racha Yai (Ko Racha Yai)
30km south of Phuket. The best all-round option — beautiful bay (Ao Batok), good diving on all skill levels, small resorts, excellent snorkelling. The go-to island for expats who want quality over convenience.
Racha Noi (Ko Racha Noi)
12km further south from Racha Yai. No beach, no facilities — dive boats only. Strong currents, big fish (manta rays, whale sharks in season), and experienced divers only. Worth it for the right diver.
Coral Island (Ko Hae)
20 min from Rawai seafront. Closest and most accessible. Popular with day-trippers — beautiful white beach but busy in peak season. Good for families, beginners, and a quick snorkel fix.
Maiton Island (Ko Maiton)
Private island ~22km southeast of Phuket. Has a resort — day passes available (฿800–1,200 including lunch). Quiet, pristine, and uncrowded. Combine with Racha Yai on a charter for a full day.
Island Comparison: What to Choose
| Island | Distance from Chalong | Best For | Diving? | Beach? | Year-Round? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral Island (Ko Hae) | ~20 min | Quick day trip, families | Basic snorkel | Yes | Yes |
| Racha Yai | 45–60 min | Diving, snorkelling, overnight | Excellent | Yes (beautiful) | Yes (best Nov–Apr) |
| Racha Noi | 75–90 min | Advanced diving only | Advanced | No | Yes (dive boats) |
| Maiton | ~45 min | Privacy, resort day pass | Snorkel only | Yes (private) | Yes |
Racha Yai: The Expat Favourite
If I had to pick one island for a day trip from Phuket — this is it. Racha Yai (also spelled Ko Raya Yai) sits about 30km south of Phuket. The crossing takes 45–60 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier, or around 1.5–2 hours by longtail if you're going slow.
The main bay, Ao Batok, has a gorgeous arc of white sand framed by hills and anchored dive boats. The water turns from turquoise to deep blue within 100 metres — you can snorkel directly off the beach. The restaurants on the beach serve fresh fish, Som Tam, and cold Chang for ฿150–300/dish.
Diving at Racha Yai
Multiple dive sites around the island cover all levels. On the bay side, maximum 20–25m, visibility 15–25m. Leopard sharks and reef fish everywhere. On the south tip, boulders descend to 30m+ with stronger current and better pelagics.
Most Chalong-based dive shops (Dive Asia, Scuba Cat, Sea Bees, Sunrise Divers, Andaman Scuba) run regular Racha Yai day trips. Expect ฿3,000–4,500 for 2 dives including equipment. PADI Open Water Courses often use Racha Yai for open water dives (calmer than mainland sites).
Coral Island: Quick, Easy, Busy
Coral Island — Ko Hae — sits just off the Rawai seafront. You can see it from the promenade. Speed boats leave from Rawai Pier (the one near the seafood market) daily from around 8am. The crossing is 20–25 minutes.
The island has two beaches: Long Beach (the main one, faces Rawai) and Banana Beach (smaller, more sheltered, better snorkelling). In peak season (December–February), long beach gets crowded with tour groups. Arrive before 9am or after 2pm if you want space.
The snorkelling is decent — shallow reef, lots of reef fish, good for beginners and kids. Water visibility is typically 8–15m (lower than Racha Yai). Banana beach has better coral coverage.
Coral Island Cost
| Option | Price | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Shared speedboat (return) | ฿1,200–1,800 | Rawai Pier / Chalong |
| Long-tail boat (return, 2–4 pax) | ฿600–900/person | Rawai Seafront |
| Private speedboat (up to 10) | ฿4,000–5,500/boat | Rawai / Chalong |
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Join The Phuket Insider →Private Speedboat Charters: Best for Groups
Once you're living in Phuket, the private charter becomes the go-to for visitors. You control the itinerary, the stops, and the timing. Typical charter: depart Chalong 8am, snorkel Racha Yai, lunch on the island, stop at Coral Island on return, back by 4pm.
| Charter Type | Capacity | Cost (full day) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small speedboat (e.g. Cobra 22–28ft) | 6–8 pax | ฿12,000–15,000 | Skipper, fuel, snorkel equipment |
| Medium speedboat (30–36ft) | 10–14 pax | ฿16,000–22,000 | Skipper, fuel, snorkel equipment |
| Luxury catamaran (half day) | 8–12 pax | ฿18,000–28,000 | Skipper, crew, meals, drinks, equipment |
The charter companies at Chalong Pier — there are 5–6 legitimate operators with boats moored there — are generally reliable. Agree the itinerary and price in writing before departing. Fuel surcharges for Racha Noi (further south) apply.
Multi-Island Itinerary: The Best Full Day
For visitors staying a week or more, this is the itinerary I recommend:
- 7:30am: Depart Chalong Pier on private speedboat
- 9:00am: Arrive Racha Yai (Ao Batok). Snorkel 45–60 min.
- 10:30am: Beach time / second snorkel at the bay's south end.
- 12:30pm: Lunch at beachside restaurant (fresh fish, ฿200–350/dish)
- 2:00pm: Depart Racha Yai
- 2:45pm: Stop at Coral Island (Banana Beach) — 45 min snorkel
- 4:00pm: Return to Chalong / Rawai
Tips for Phuket Island Hopping
- Go early: Charter boats and snorkel sites are quietest before 10am. Peak hours are 10am–2pm.
- Book directly with pier operators: Cutting out hotel desks and tour counters saves 20–30%.
- Bring your own snorkel mask: Rental equipment quality varies. A decent mask costs ฿300–500 at Decathlon Phuket and makes a huge difference to your experience.
- Reef-safe sunscreen only: Oxybenzone-based sunscreens are banned in Thai national parks. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide) are fine.
- Check sea conditions (May–October): The Andaman can be rough in monsoon. Day trips still run but check conditions the day before. Racha Yai's eastern side is sheltered even in rough weather.
Jet ski vendors at popular Phuket beaches (and on some island trips) have a well-documented extortion scam: pre-existing damage is blamed on the last renter and a large "fine" demanded. If you rent a jet ski anywhere near Phuket, photograph all existing damage before getting on. Tourist Police number: 1155.
FAQ: Phuket Island Hopping
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