Coral Island (Ko Hae)
Andaman Sea
The nearest island to Phuket at just 20 minutes by speedboat, Coral Island is a popular half-day destination for swimming, snorkelling, and watersports. Banana Beach on the north side and Long Beach on the south offer dramatically different atmospheres on the same small island.
James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)
Phang Nga Bay
The instantly recognisable vertical limestone rock (Ko Tapu) that appeared in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun has made this one of Thailand's most photographed locations. Reached by longtail or speedboat through the extraordinary karst scenery of Phang Nga Bay.
Phi Phi Islands
Andaman Sea
The most iconic island group in Thailand, the Phi Phi archipelago comprises six islands of breathtaking beauty. Ko Phi Phi Don (the inhabited island) offers backpacker hostels to boutique resorts. Ko Phi Phi Leh is all cliffs, caves, and the legendary Maya Bay — location of the film The Beach.
Racha Island (Ko Racha Yai)
Andaman Sea
Crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand beaches, and healthy coral reefs make Racha Yai one of the best day-trip islands from Phuket. The visibility for snorkelling and diving regularly exceeds 15 metres. Located 30km south of Phuket, it takes about 45 minutes by speedboat.
Similan Islands
Andaman Sea
Nine remote islands in the Andaman Sea, rated among the top ten dive sites in the world. The Similans are accessible from Phuket on an overnight liveaboard or a very early morning speedboat. The underwater world of hard and soft corals, manta rays, and whale sharks is extraordinary.