Phuket sits at the heart of Thailand’s Andaman coast, surrounded by some of the most beautiful islands you’ll find anywhere.
The best part? These islands are incredibly easy to reach. Some are just a short trip away, others a bit farther but absolutely worth the journey.
From hidden lagoons to world-class snorkeling spots, each island offers something special.
And don’t worry if you’ve never planned an island trip before. At the end of this guide, I’ll share exactly how to visit all of them, even if it’s your first time in Thailand. 😊
1. Khai Islands – Koh Khai Nai, Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui
The Khai Islands are three tiny gems sitting just off Phuket’s east coast.
You can reach them in about 15 to 20 minutes by speedboat, making them perfect for a quick half-day escape.
The name “Khai” means “egg” in Thai. From above, these islands supposedly look like fried eggs against the deep blue sea.
a. Koh Khai Nai
Why Visit
This little island has a fun nickname: Cat Island. Dozens of friendly cats roam freely here, lounging under palm trees and greeting visitors.
If you love animals, you’ll enjoy meeting these beach-loving felines.
The water is calm and shallow, perfect for families with young children or anyone who isn’t confident in deep water.
You can wade in from the sand and find yourself surrounded by colorful fish almost immediately.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Walk straight into the water and snorkel among schools of tropical fish
- Meet the island’s famous cats relaxing on the beach
- Enjoy a cold coconut or simple Thai lunch at the beachside restaurants
- Relax in a deck chair with umbrellas and ocean views all around
b. Koh Khai Nok
Why Visit
This is the most popular of the three Khai islands, and for good reason. The crescent-shaped beach with powdery white sand and turquoise water is absolutely stunning.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll take a hundred photos without even trying.
The northern tip features a gorgeous sandbar stretching into the sea, perfect for that Instagram shot.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Swim and sunbathe on the beautiful white-sand beach
- Capture photos at the famous sandbar extending into turquoise water
- Try water activities like banana boat rides or jet skiing
- Grab snacks and drinks from the beach shacks
c. Koh Khai Nui
Why Visit
This is the smallest island of the three, and there’s no proper beach for landing.
But here’s the thing: that’s actually a good thing. Without the foot traffic, the coral here is in much better condition.
Tour boats moor offshore and let you jump straight into deeper, clearer water. It’s the best snorkeling spot among the Khai Islands.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Snorkel over healthier coral reefs than the other Khai islands
- Spot moray eels hiding in crevices
- Watch parrotfish grazing on the reef
- Enjoy a quieter, less crowded underwater experience
2. Koh Racha Yai
Why Visit
Racha Yai feels like what Phi Phi probably looked like decades ago, before the crowds arrived.
Located about 18 kilometers south of Phuket, this granite island offers blindingly white sand beaches and crystal-clear water.
What makes Racha Yai special is that it’s accessible year-round.
The island has bays facing different directions, so when one side gets waves during monsoon season, the other side stays calm.
Water visibility often reaches 20 meters or more.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Relax at Patok Bay, the main beach with flour-fine white sand and stunning blue water
- Snorkel or dive at Siam Bay, home to the “Underwater Sculpture Park” featuring concrete elephants and temple gates
- Try beginner diving in gentle conditions perfect for Discover Scuba courses
- Hike to quieter beaches like Ter Bay through the island’s interior trails
- Stay overnight at one of the resorts for a Maldives-style villa experience
3. Koh Racha Noi
Why Visit
If Racha Yai is the polished sibling, Racha Noi is the wild one.
This uninhabited island about 10 kilometers south of Racha Yai has almost no beaches suitable for landing. It’s purely a marine destination.
What draws people here? Big marine life. The deep waters and strong currents attract oceanic manta rays and occasionally whale sharks.
Water visibility often tops 30 meters. Locals call it “gin-clear”.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Dive the South Tip for advanced divers, where manta rays and schools of chevron barracuda patrol among massive granite boulders
- Snorkel at Banana Bay, a rare calm spot on the east side with hard coral gardens
- Explore the wooden shipwreck on the southwest side, now covered in soft corals and home to schools of batfish
- Charter a private boat for unmatched privacy and seclusion
4. Similan Islands
Why Visit
The Similan Islands are often called the most beautiful islands in Thailand, and they earn that title.
This cluster of nine pristine islands sits about 84 kilometers northwest of Phuket, protected as a national park with strict visitor limits.
The underwater world here is genuinely world-class. Visibility reaches 30+ meters, with thriving coral reefs, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
Because there are no hotels and visitor numbers are capped, the atmosphere is dramatically more peaceful than crowded tourist spots.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Climb to Sail Rock on Island #8 for one of Thailand’s most iconic panoramic views
- Snorkel at multiple stops with vibrant coral gardens and frequent sea turtle sightings
- Dive at legendary sites like Elephant Head Rock with swim-through archways and whitetip reef sharks
- Relax on Princess Bay or Honeymoon Bay on Island #4, where baby reef sharks sometimes appear in the shallows
- Spot wildlife including flying foxes and the rare Nicobar pigeon
Important: The park is closed from May 16 to October 14 every year. Book in advance during high season.
5. Koh Hey (Coral Island)
Why Visit
Coral Island is the closest tropical getaway from Phuket, just 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Chalong or Rawai Beach.
If you don’t want to spend hours traveling, this is the most convenient option.
What Coral Island does brilliantly is water activities and family fun.
This is the designated zone for parasailing, banana boat rides, and sea walking.
The main beach has calm, shallow water perfect for young kids, plus restaurants and all the amenities you’d want.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Snorkel at Banana Beach on the northeastern side, which has clearer water and healthier coral patches
- Try parasailing for a thrilling aerial view of the island and Phuket
- Go sea walking with a special helmet to walk on the seafloor surrounded by fish
- Enjoy beach club vibes at Banana Beach Club with upscale dining and beach massages
- Hike the short jungle trail connecting Long Beach to Banana Beach
Bonus: The island is accessible year-round since it’s protected from the worst monsoon waves.
6. Surin Islands
Why Visit
The Surin Islands are often considered Thailand’s ultimate snorkeling destination.
Thanks to their remote location and strict protection, the shallow reefs here boast extraordinary coral gardens in crystal-clear water.
Many travelers say Surin has the healthiest reefs in the country.
Getting here requires more effort, about 2 hours from Phuket. But that barrier keeps crowds away.
You can also visit a Moken village to glimpse an ancient seafaring culture you won’t find anywhere else.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Visit the Moken village on Surin Tai Island to see their stilt houses and traditional crafts
- Snorkel at Ao Mae Yai Bay, known for its large and deep coral reefs
- Visit Ao Mai Ngam, known for its shallow seagrass area where blacktip reef sharks are seen
- Explore the nature trail at Mai Ngam Bay, a 2 km loop through forest and mangroves
- Dive at nearby Richelieu Rock, world-famous for whale shark sightings
Important: The park is closed from approximately May 16 to October 14 each year.
7. Koh Panyi (Panyee Island)
Why Visit
Koh Panyi isn’t about beaches. It’s a floating village built on stilts over the water.
About 1,600 people live here in this extraordinary settlement attached to a sheer limestone cliff.
There’s a mosque, a school, and restaurants, with the buildings raised on stilts above the water.
The village is also famous for its floating football pitch, originally built from scrap wood by kids who wanted to play.
Their youth team became regional champions, and the story went viral worldwide.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Eat fresh halal seafood at village restaurants literally above the water
- Explore the wooden walkways and narrow alleys to see daily life up close
- Visit the floating football field and take photos with limestone cliffs as your backdrop
- Shop for local products like shrimp paste, dried anchovies, and shell handicrafts
- Photograph the colorful houses against the dramatic karst cliff and golden-domed mosque
8. James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)
Why Visit
You’ve probably seen this island even if you don’t know the name.
The famous needle-shaped rock rising from the emerald water appeared in the 1974 James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”, and it put Phuket on the global tourism map.
Beyond the movie connection, the geology is genuinely spectacular.
And here’s a practical bonus: Phang Nga Bay stays calm even during monsoon season when the open ocean is too rough for boat trips.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Get the classic photo of Ko Tapu, the 20-meter needle rock jutting from the water
- Explore the short nature trail leading to a viewpoint on the other side of the island
- Learn about the geology (the island’s name means “hills leaning against each other”)
- Browse local souvenirs including T-shirts, postcards, and James Bond-themed trinkets
9. Koh Hong in Phang Nga Bay (Hong Island)
Why Visit
“Hong” means “room” in Thai, and that perfectly describes this island.
Hidden inside is a secret lagoon completely surrounded by towering cliffs. The only way in is through a cave tunnel at sea level.
Gliding by sea kayak through a dark cave passage and emerging into a sunlit, jungle-fringed lagoon is genuinely magical.
Because only small kayaks can enter, the experience is quiet, serene, and free from crowds.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Kayak into the hidden lagoon through narrow cave passages, sometimes laying flat to squeeze under low ceilings
- Spot wildlife including mudskippers, fiddler crabs, sea eagles, and macaque monkeys
- Photograph the soft lighting inside the hong and reflections of cliffs in still lagoon water
10. Koh Panak (Panak Island)
Why Visit
If one hidden lagoon at Koh Hong left you wanting more, Koh Panak delivers a whole series of caves and secret chambers.
This island has at least 11 notable caves with names like Ice Cream Cave, Diamond Cave, and Bat Cave.
The experience feels like a real expedition. You’ll paddle through dark tunnels, possibly wade through chest-deep water, and emerge in hidden mangrove lagoons.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Paddle through Bat Cave, a 150-meter tunnel opening into a serene mangrove-lined lagoon
- Explore Ice Cream Cave, named for a stalactite resembling a scoop of ice cream
- Visit Diamond Cave, where walls sparkle with thousands of tiny crystal reflections
- Check out Oyster Cave with brackish-water oysters clinging to the walls
- Watch for Brahminy kite eagles nesting on the cliffs and macaques hunting crabs
How to Visit These 10 Islands from Phuket
The good news? Visiting these islands is incredibly easy, even if you’ve never been to Thailand before.
You don’t need to figure out complicated ferry schedules or negotiate with boat captains. Just join a boat tour and everything is taken care of for you.
Here are some popular tours organized by destination:
Khai Islands
- Phuket: 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling and Relaxation Tour
- Phuket: 3 Khai Islands Speedboat Tour – Snorkeling & Relaxing
- Phuket: Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui Island Day Trip
- Phuket: Khai Islands Full-Day Private Speedboat Charter Tour
Koh Racha Yai, Koh Racha Noi, and Koh Hey (Coral Island)
These islands are often combined into one tour since they’re close to each other:
- Phuket: Coral & Racha Islands Day Trip by Speedboat
- Phuket: Coral and Racha lslands Catamaran Tour with Lunch
- Phuket: Racha and Banana Beach by Speedboat with Lunch
- Phuket: Racha and Coral Islands Speedboat Trip with Lunch
- Phuket: Coral, Racha Island & Promthep Sunset Catamaran Tour
- Phuket: Scuba Diving Maithon or Racha Islands for All Levels
Similan Islands
These tours require an early start since the Similans are farther from Phuket:
- From Phuket/Khaolak: Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip
- From Phuket: Similan Islands Snorkeling Trip by Speedboat
- From Phuket or Khaolak: Similan Islands Day Trip
- Phuket/Khao Lak: Similan Islands Catamaran Trip with Lunch
Surin Islands
Like the Similans, Surin tours involve a longer journey but the snorkeling is worth it:
- From Phuket or Khaolak: Surin Islands Day Trip
- From Phuket: Surin Islands Snorkeling Trip
- From Phuket/Khaolak: Surin Islands Snorkeling Day Trip
Koh Panyi, James Bond Island, Koh Hong, and Koh Pa Nak
These Phang Nga Bay islands are usually combined into one tour.
- From Phuket: Phang Nga Bay and Canoeing Tour by Big Boat
- Phuket: James Bond Island Day Trip by Speed Boat with Lunch
- Phuket: 7 Wonders of Phang Nga Bay 6-Islands Tour
- Phuket: James Bond Island Luxury Sunset Cruise
- Phuket: James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay by Premium Yacht
- Phuket: James Bond Island Longtail Boat and Sea Canoe Tour
- Phuket: James Bond Island by Longtail Boat Small Group Tour
Best Times to Visit These 10 Islands from Phuket
a. Monthly Weather Breakdown
Phuket has two main seasons: dry season (November to April) and rainy season (May to October). Here’s what to expect:
1. November to February
- Excellent weather with sunny skies, low humidity, and minimal rain
- Seas are calm and flat
- Best for all islands
- This is peak season, so expect more crowds
2. March to April
- Hot temperatures (33 to 36°C)
- Still mostly dry with occasional pre-monsoon storms
- Seas are generally calm
- Great for diving and fewer crowds than December to January
3. May
- Monsoon begins and rain increases sharply
- Swells start building on the west coast
- Phang Nga Bay islands are still okay on calm days
4. June to August
- Mix of sun and rain
- Showers are typically short downpours, not all-day rain
- Open ocean can be rough with 2 to 3 meter waves
- Phang Nga Bay (James Bond, Panyi, Hong) stays sheltered and accessible
5. September to Early October
- Wettest period with frequent showers and occasional storms
- West coast seas are very rough
- Stick to bay excursions and have backup plans
6. Late October
- Rain starts tapering off and seas are calming down
- Sweet spot for visiting as parks reopen and tourist numbers are still low
b. National Park Closures
Several islands close during monsoon season for ecosystem recovery and safety:
- Similan Islands: Closed May 16 to October 14
- Surin Islands: Closed May 16 to October 14
- Ao Phang Nga National Park (James Bond Island area): Recently introduced closures May 16 to October 14. Check current year announcements.
Year-round islands: Khai Islands, Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Coral Island
c. Shoulder Season Advantages
Late October to Early November and Late April to Early May offer some real perks:
- Fewer crowds since peak season tourists haven’t arrived or have already left
- Lower prices on tours, flights, and hotels
- Fresh ecosystems with parks just reopened after months of rest
- Good weather with often surprisingly pleasant conditions
- Better photos without other tourists in your frame
d. Rainiest Periods and What They Mean for Travelers
September and early October are the riskiest months for island trips:
- Tour cancellations are common when the Marine Department issues weather warnings
- Even without rain, ocean swells can make speedboat rides rough or dangerous
- The Similan and Surin islands are completely closed
Practical tips for monsoon season:
- Stay flexible and don’t plan a boat tour the same day as your flight out
- Prioritize Phang Nga Bay since James Bond Island, Koh Panyi, and the cave islands stay sheltered
- Bring rain gear including a light jacket and dry bags for electronics
