Top 10 Islands Near Phuket
Phuket itself is a paradise island, but it also serves as the perfect launching point for exploring other picturesque islands in the Andaman Sea. These spots offer a peaceful escape from tourist crowds during the high season and let you truly reconnect with nature. So, let’s dive in—literally: here are the top 10 satellite islands of Phuket.
1. Phi Phi Islands: World-Famous Beauty
The Phi Phi Islands are arguably the most famous near Phuket. Their popularity skyrocketed after the release of The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, even though that was over 25 years ago. The archipelago consists of two main islands: the inhabited Phi Phi Don and the wild, uninhabited Phi Phi Leh.
Maya Bay, located on Phi Phi Leh, was closed in 2018 to allow the ecosystem to recover and has recently reopened to visitors.
Today, it has not only regained its pristine beauty but also stands as a shining example of successful ecotourism. And the scenery? Words just don’t do it justice.
Phi Phi is located 45–50 kilometers from Phuket, and the journey itself turns into a small sea adventure: by speedboat it takes about an hour, and by ferry about one and a half to two hours.
Most travelers visit Phi Phi as part of a day trip. Staying overnight is only possible on Phi Phi Don, and many people choose to do so.
The best time to see Phi Phi at its most beautiful is from November to April. During this season, the sea is calm, the water is clear, and even a long crossing is a pleasure. In summer, on the other hand, nature becomes more capricious: wind, waves, and occasional rain make the trip less predictable.
2. Similan Islands: A Diver’s Paradise
The Similan Islands are considered one of the best diving destinations in the world. The name “Similan” comes from a Malay dialect and means “nine” — originally, the archipelago consisted of nine islands. Today, however, two additional islands have been included, bringing the total to eleven.
The Similan Islands are usually visited as part of a one-day excursion: groups depart early in the morning and return by sunset. Staying overnight is not allowed here — national park regulations prohibit any overnight stays in order to preserve the islands in as natural a state as possible.
We’ve selected the three best tour companies that offer Similan Islands tours. Fill out the form, and we’ll forward your request — they’ll contact you to provide details on the terms and pricing.
The best season to visit is from November to April. During this period, the sea is calm, the water is turquoise, and visibility seems tailor-made for snorkeling.
In the rainy season, the Similan Islands are closed: strong waves and environmental protection measures make them inaccessible to tourists from around May to the end of October. This is one of the rare places in Thailand where the natural rhythm matters more than the flow of tourists.
In terms of development, the Similans are almost untouched. There are no hotels, restaurants, shops, or the usual resort amenities. It is precisely this “wildness” that attracts visitors: you feel like part of a national park rather than a resort area.
The underwater world of the Similan Islands is mesmerizing: massive granite boulders, coral gardens, tunnels, and caves are home to more than 800 species of fish and 100 species of corals. And of course, there are snow-white beaches with fine white sand and scenic viewpoints.
One of Instagram’s stars is the “Sail” Rock on Island No. 8 — a huge, unusually shaped boulder from whose summit a panoramic view of the entire archipelago opens up.
Who are the Similans for? Families — yes, if children are comfortable with sea travel. Divers — absolutely; it’s one of the best spots in the region, with visibility up to 25–30 meters, soft corals, turtles, and reef fish. Couples — for the atmosphere of seclusion, perfect shades of the sea, and beaches where the sand squeaks underfoot. Adventure lovers — for the trails leading to viewpoints with panoramas that are hard to forget.
3. James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay: Cinematic Exoticism
Ko Tapu, now more widely known as James Bond Island, became iconic after appearing in the film The Man with the Golden Gun. This 20-meter-high limestone islet with its unusual shape rises from the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay like a giant stone nail. Chances are, you’ve seen countless photos of it on social media.
Phang Nga Bay is actually a national park that includes more than 40 islands featuring impressive limestone formations, lagoons, caves, and mangrove forests.
It is also home to the floating village of Koh Panyi, built on stilts by sea gypsies over 200 years ago. Today, it is a unique community with a mosque, a school, a market, and even a floating football field!
From Phuket to Phang Nga Bay it is about 25–40 kilometers (depending on the departure pier), and the journey takes roughly an hour by speedboat or a little longer.
You can get there in different formats: popular speedboat tours, more relaxed trips on traditional long-tail boats, or combined excursions where the route passes through mangrove channels and fishing villages.
The best season to visit is from November to April, when the sea is calm, the sky is clear, and the water takes on perfect shades of green and turquoise. At other times of the year, tours still operate, but the weather can be more changeable and the waves more noticeable, especially in the more open parts of the route.
Staying overnight directly near James Bond Island is not allowed, as it is a protected national park area. However, many travelers combine the excursion with an overnight stay in nearby areas of Phang Nga, or return to Phuket the same day.
If you like to organize your trips independently, check out our guides: A One-Day Independent Trip to Phang Nga (without an overnight stay) and A Two-Day Independent Trip to Phang Nga and Surat Thani with an overnight stay.
4. Racha Islands: A Paradise for Divers
The Racha Islands, located about 20 km south of Phuket, consist of Racha Yai (Big Racha) and Racha Noi (Small Racha). These islands are known for their dazzling white beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The archipelago is only about 20 kilometers from the southern part of Phuket. You can reach it from Phuket only by water — by yacht, speedboat, or traditional long-tail boat. The fastest option is a speedboat, a more comfortable ride is by yacht, and the most authentic experience is on a long-tail boat. However, the price of a private transfer is quite high. There is one useful tip: visit the Racha Islands as part of a group tour.
We’ve selected the three best tour companies that offer excursions to Racha Island. Fill out the form, and we’ll forward your request — they’ll contact you to provide details on the terms and pricing.
The best time to travel to the Racha Islands is from November to April, when the sea is almost flat and the water is especially clear. In the low season, Racha is also accessible, but the weather can be changeable and boat trips are often canceled due to waves. Still, even in June or July, you can catch a perfect day here — it’s just less predictable.
In terms of development, the islands fall somewhere between “wild” and “resort-style.” Racha Yai has several hotels, restaurants, dive centers, well-kept beaches, and a soft, tourist-friendly infrastructure. Racha Noi is the complete opposite: totally wild, with no accommodation, rugged cliffs, and outstanding underwater visibility.
Staying overnight is only possible on Racha Yai, where there are hotels ranging from comfortable to premium class. Racha Noi remains a place for daytime visits, with visitors leaving before sunset.
5. Coral Island: The Nearest Neighbor
Just a 15-minute boat ride from Phuket’s east coast lies Coral Island, named for the abundance of coral reefs surrounding it. It’s a great option for a day trip, especially if you’re traveling with children or short on time. Officially, the island is called Koh Hae, but due to the beach’s name, it’s often referred to simply as Coral Island.
The island is surrounded by shallow waters with good visibility, making it an ideal spot for beginner snorkelers. There’s also a small stilted restaurant where you can enjoy the freshest seafood.
In the center of the island, you’ll find a small Buddhist temple inhabited by a few monks. They support ecological initiatives and help protect the local environment.
6. Maiton Island: An Exclusive Paradise
Maiton is a private, crescent-shaped island located about 9 km off the southeastern coast of Phuket. For a long time, it was closed to visitors, but now you can access it as part of a tour. Unlike many other islands, Maiton strictly limits the number of visitors, ensuring a peaceful getaway without tourist crowds.
Excursions to Maiton are usually organized in the format of a “half-day on the island” or a “full beach day.” The best time to visit is from November to April, when the water is calm and the sun creates that signature golden light for which Maiton is so loved by photographers. In summer, the island is also accessible, but the sea can be more temperamental.
Dolphins can often be seen swimming in the clear waters around Maiton. Overall, the underwater world here is so rich that it is often called the “aquarium of the Andaman Sea.”
7. Koh Yao (Koh Jum): Hippie Chic and Relaxation
This little-known island lies to the east of Phuket and retains the atmosphere of old Thailand — before mass tourism arrived. Koh Yao, or Koh Jum, is popular among backpackers and those seeking an authentic experience: there are no luxury resorts here, just small bungalows and cafes.
The island is known for its laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, and clean beaches. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking to truly disconnect from the modern world.
You can reach Koh Jum by taking a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta Yai, and then a longtail boat will meet you — if you’ve booked accommodation on the island.
8. Khai Nok Island: A Snorkeling Park
Khai Nok Island is one of the three Khai Islands (along with Khai Nui and Khai Nai), located about 8 km off Phuket’s east coast. These tiny islands are known for their coral reefs teeming with thousands of brightly colored tropical fish.
Khai Nok is the most popular of the three, featuring a white-sand beach, several beach bars, and umbrellas for relaxation.
The islands have become a kind of “snorkeling park,” where even beginners can easily observe the underwater world.
The archipelago is located about 8 km off Phuket’s east coast. The most convenient way to visit is through organized tours, but if you prefer to go on your own, you can rent a longtail boat or a speedboat at Chalong Pier.
9. Bon Island: A Dolphin-Watching Spot
This little-known island lies southeast of Phuket and is famous for its waters, where dolphins are often spotted. Bon is off the main tourist routes, making it a quiet haven with untouched nature.
The island has a small beach and a coral reef that’s perfect for snorkeling. Tours to Bon are often combined with visits to nearby Maiton or Racha islands.
The best time to discover this little paradise is the dry season, from November to April, when the sea is calm, clear, and perfect for snorkeling.
In terms of development, Bon can be described as “semi-wild”: there is almost no infrastructure here — just beaches, a bit of shade, and nature itself. That is exactly its charm.
10. Koh Yao Yai: The Thai Bali
Koh Yao Yai is one of the two main islands in the Yao archipelago, located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. It’s a large but underdeveloped island, ideal for a peaceful and secluded getaway far from the tourist crowds.
It’s about a 30–45 minute ride by speedboat or longtail boat from Phuket or from piers in Krabi.
It’s important to know that this is a Muslim island, so the atmosphere is more traditional and respectful — both in dress and behavior. This is the perfect destination for those seeking the “Thai Bali before tourism” – a natural, non-commercial experience.
Staying overnight on Yao Yai is not just possible — it’s the best way to truly feel the island’s atmosphere. Yao Yai has small, cozy resorts where mornings begin with birdsong and the scent of the sea, and evenings end with pastel sunsets and dinners on the sand.
Some of the islands can be reached by private boat or yacht — leave a request in the form below, and our specialists will select the right vessel and route for you.
We’ve selected the three best yacht rental companies. Fill out the form, and we’ll forward your request — they’ll contact you to provide details on the terms and pricing.
Be sure to visit Phuket’s surrounding islands to experience their unique island vibe! Browse and book the best tours around Phuket and to nearby islands in the Excursions section.
