Islands Near Phuket

Phuket itself is only just an island (the largest island in Thailand), linked to Phang Nga province by the Sarasin bridge. All around Phuket are smaller offshore islands which can be visited for the day or a few hours. Some are quite big and have accommodation, some are just gorgeous little specks in the ocean. Some are good for diving or snorkeling. For all kinds of island tours, contact my friends at Easy Day Thailand.

Koh Yao Noi

I wish I had more time to explore Koh Yao Noi and it's larger neighbour Koh Yao Yai. These islands are officially in Phang Nga province, but easily reached from Phuket by ferry. Must get over there more often before the locals sell up their land to the resorts. At the moment, it's still gorgeous...

• Cycling in Koh Yao Noi (2010)
• Koh Yao Noi by Moped (2011)
• Exploring Koh Yao Noi Again (2012)



Racha Yai (Raya) Island

About 20km south of Chalong Bay and a popular destination for divers, especially beginners as the water is clear and there are rarely any strong currents. I must have been there 100 times on dive trips before first setting foot on the island and staying overnight in 2012! We did a weekend trip staying at Ban Raya resort. Great.

• Racha Yai Island (Raya Island) Weekend Trip



Koh Kaew Yai

Just 1km offshore from Phromthep Cape (the southwesterly tip of Phuket), Koh Kaew Yai is a small island and a place of worship. It is said that the Buddha first stepped ashore on this island before landing on Phuket at nearby Rawai beach. You can hire a longtail boat to Koh Kaew Yai and Koh Bon from Rawai.

• Koh Kaew Yai

Koh Rang Yai

Off the east coast, Koh Rang Yai is a private island, but you can get a longtail boat here from Laem Hin - nice place to stay for half a day. Nice sand, there is a restaurant but it's not cheap. In between is Koh Maphrao.

• Koh Rang Yai - More Information
• A day with speedboats and Helicam at Koh Rang Yai



Koh Sirey

Sirey island is on the east side of Phuket Town.. rather like Phuket Island, it's connected by a bridge, but has a different feel and has many quiet areas as well as being home to sea gypsies. You can find a few restaurants and also an abalone farm here.

• More about Koh Sirey
• Koh Sirey Temple



Further offshore...

Phi Phi is easily reached in a day trip, though it's better to stay a night or two. Can be crowded during the day with all the daytrippers. Scenery is beautiful. The Similan Islands are about 100km from Phuket and are better known for diving, but day trips for snorkeling are possible and you can even stay on the islands in national park accommodation. Koh Tachai is a bit further than the Similans and best reached by day trip from Khao Lak.

• Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
• Seaplane Flight to Phi Phi
• The Similan Islands
• Koh Tachai



More islands to come such as Koh Maphrao, Koh Bon, Koh Naka Yai ... Just give me time, I do work 6 days a week, so that leaves little time for exploring offshore islands. Oh, to be a full time blogger!