Best Island Hopping Day Trips from Phuket

Discover Phuket’s best island day trips: Your essential guide

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While many travellers visit Phuket for its energy and natural beauty, part of Phuket’s allure is its proximity to some of the most spectacular islands in Thailand. Its location in the Andaman Sea makes it the perfect gateway to the country’s coastal gems, from untouched lagoons, dramatic karst formations and isolated beaches. Speedboats, traditional long-tail boats and ferries can all transport you to bucket-list destinations, all in a few hours or less. Here’s our roundup of the best island hopping day trips to take from Phuket.

1. Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is truly a marvel of nature – an emerald expanse punctured by towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the sea. Setting sail from Phuket, you’ll find yourself gliding through calm waters into a landscape that feels otherworldly. The star attraction here is James Bond Island, made famous by its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun. Its needle-shaped rock formations are instantly recognisable, though its fame means the island can get crowded. It’s an unmissable stop though and almost all tours to Phang Nga Bay will drop you off here for a while.

A quieter experience awaits at Koh Panyee, a floating village built entirely on stilts. This Muslim fishing community is a glimpse into a traditional way of life that has thrived for generations. Stroll through its narrow walkways, sample freshly caught seafood and admire the ingenuity of the floating football pitch where local children play.

Most trips to Phang Nga will help you get up close and personal with this cinematic landscape via sea kayaks. Paddle through caves into secret lagoons, surrounded by jungle covered cliffs and echoing with the calls of exotic birds.

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2. The Phi Phi Islands

No island hopping adventure from Phuket is complete without a trip to the Phi Phi Islands. Renowned for their striking beauty, these islands are a postcard come to life. The journey typically begins with a speedboat ride to Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest of the group and a hub for travellers. Here, busy streets lined with cafes and souvenir shops give way to idyllic beaches lapped by turquoise waters.

Koh Phi Phi Leh, the uninhabited sister island, is the crown jewel of the trip. Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, is the highlight, with its blindingly white sands framed by towering cliffs. Conservation efforts have limited access to protect the fragile ecosystem, but even a glimpse of its beauty is worth the journey. Afterwards, you’ll likely make your way to Bamboo Island, a castaway desert island with incredible snorkelling and shady bamboo groves.

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3. Similan Islands

Located about 90km northwest of Phuket, the Similan Islands are a protected marine park that rewards visitors with some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world. The journey here usually begins early, with a 2 hour speedboat ride from Phuket. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a paradise of powdery white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. Divers can expect to explore underwater rock formations, swim through tunnels and spot everything from giant manta rays to tiny seahorse. Dense forests on the islands provide a shaded escape from the heat, with viewpoints like Sail Rock giving you heavenly views over the Andaman Sea. You’re a long way from the crowds of Phuket here, and you will feel it. This is the Thailand of old, long before cocktail buckets and fire-shows swamped the coastlines. If you have time, consider extending your stay with a few nights on a liveaboard – the Similans are a place you’ll find hard to leave.

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4. Racha Islands

Just a short boat ride south of Phuket, the twin Racha Islands are a favourite for those in the know. Koh Racha Yai, the larger of the two, is known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. The main beach, Ao Tawan Tok, feels like stepping into a tropical dream. Here, you can swim in calm, aquamarine waters or simply relax under the shade of swaying palm trees.

For those of you keen snorkelling and diving, the reefs around Racha Yai won’t be unknown to you. The colourful coral gardens are home to schools of tropical fish and are well known as some of the best diving sites in South East Asia. Koh Racha Noi, the smaller and more rugged sibling, offers excellent diving for more experienced divers, with deeper waters home to manta rays and barracuda. For those wanting to immerse themselves in nature without venturing too far from Phuket, the Racha islands should be top of your list.

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5. Coral Island

Coral Island, or Koh Hae, is one of the most accessible and popular day trips from Phuket, located just a 15 minute speedboat ride away. Despite its proximity to Phuket, this small island has a laid back vibe with plenty of snorkelling opportunities and a beautiful beach to relax on. Long Beach and Banana Beach are the main attractions, and although it can get busy during the day, heading down to the far end of the beaches can usually find you some peace and quiet. The island’s name is a nod to the coral reefs that surround it, most of which are now unfortunately bleached. Enjoy traditional Thai massages on the beach, before heading to one of the beachside restaurants serving up chilled beers and fresh seafood.

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6. Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai

For a taste of authentic island life, make your way to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, two sister islands nestled between Phuket and Krabi. These islands have managed to retain their traditional charm despite being located between two of Thailand’s biggest crowd draws.

Koh Yao Noi, the smaller and more developed of the two, is asking to be explored. Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore its lush interiors, where rubber plantations and rice paddies are interspersed with small villages. The beaches here are quiet and unspoiled, perfect for kayaking or simply basking in the sun. You won’t find neon lights or Mcdonalds here.

Koh Yao Yai, the larger island, is even more tranquil. Its long, deserted beaches and rustic atmosphere make it feel like a world away from the bustling shores of Phuket. The local community is warm and welcoming, and the island’s slow pace of life invites visitors to unwind completely. This is what we imagine Thailand’s islands were like 50 years ago. If we had to pick a single favourite day trip from Phuket, these two gems would probably be it.

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