Living in Phuket means the best islands in Thailand are right on your doorstep. While tourists book expensive group tours, residents know the independent routes, the lesser-known spots, and which "bucket list" islands are overrated. After 6 years, here's what I actually recommend.
The Big Names — Honest Assessment
Phi Phi Islands (Ko Phi Phi Don + Ko Phi Phi Leh)
Getting there: Ferry from Rassada Pier (Phuket Town area) or Chalong Pier
Cost: Slow ferry ฿400–500 each way (1.5–2 hours). Speedboat tours ฿1,200–2,500 all-in.
Maya Bay: Reopened 2022 (was closed for recovery 2018–2022), now with managed entry at ฿400 entrance fee. Worth visiting once. Crowds are intense December–February.
Resident Tip: Beat the Crowds
Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday in May–June. Half the boats, same stunning beauty. Or stay overnight (฿800–2,500/night guesthouses) rather than day trip for a completely different experience.
Ko Phi Phi Don: The main island has restaurants, beach bars, and guesthouses. Long tail boats, kayaking, and plenty of nightlife. Best visited as an overnight trip, not a rushed day excursion.
James Bond Island (Ao Phang Nga / Koh Tapu)
Location: Phang Nga Bay, approximately 1.5 hours from Phuket by car plus longtail boat
Tours: Group tours from Phuket start at ฿800–1,500 including transfers from your hotel.
Best way: Kayak through mangrove caves and sea caves you can't reach by longtail. Sea Canoe company pioneered kayaking here and remains excellent.
James Bond Island: Smart Booking
- Avoid full-day group bus tours (cramped, impersonal)
- Consider a private speedboat split between 4–6 people (฿3,000–5,000 total)
- Peak season: November–February
- Off-season (May–September): fewer boats, better peace
The Resident Favourites (Less Touristed)
Ko Racha Yai (Racha Island)
Getting there: 30–40 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier
Why go: Clearest water near Phuket, exceptional snorkelling with 30m visibility in the dry season. White sand beaches, minimal crowds year-round.
Cost: Day boats ฿700–1,200/person. Private speedboat charter ฿3,500–5,000/half day.
Stay longer: Bungalows on island (฿1,500–4,000/night) make this vastly better than a day trip. Two nights lets you explore properly.
Seasonal Consideration
October–April only. Racha closes May–September due to rough seas and weather. Plan accordingly if you're considering an overnight stay.
Ko Bon / Ko Hei (Coral Island)
Getting there: 20 minutes by longtail from Rawai Beach
Cost: Longtail charter ฿1,500–2,500 (negotiate before boarding—don't accept the first price).
What to do: Small island with good snorkelling off the long pier, two nice beaches. Pack lunch or eat at the island restaurant (mains ฿150–350).
Best for: Families, kids' first island trip, quick escapes, introducing friends to Phuket's islands without a long journey.
Ko Maiton (Private Island, Limited Access)
What to know: Private island resort in the Royal Phuket Marina area. Day trips only through the resort.
Cost: Day packages ฿2,500–4,500/person (includes lunch, water activities)
Pros: Quieter than public islands, excellent facilities, fewer crowds.
Cons: Can only visit through resort; higher cost than independent options.
Ko Yao Noi & Ko Yao Yai (The Authentic Route)
Getting there: Tha Rua Pier (Phang Nga side) or Bang Rong Pier (north Phuket). Ferry 40 minutes to Ko Yao Noi.
Ko Yao Noi highlights:
- Cycling through authentic Thai village (main transport for locals)
- Minimal tourism, quiet beaches, genuine local experience
- Fresh seafood at beachside restaurants (฿100–250/dish)
- No jet skis, no "bucket lists," just slow island life
Ko Yao Noi: The Insider's Island
- One night minimum recommended
- Bike hire ฿150–250/day
- Guesthouses ฿800–3,000/night
- Ferry ฿200 return (locals only, no tourists)
- Best for expats seeking escape from Phuket tourism
Mainland Day Trips from Phuket
Khao Lak / Similan Islands
Similan Islands: 2 hours north by car, then 1.5 hours by speedboat. National park entry fee ฿500.
Season: November–April only. Park closes May–October.
Why go: Best diving and snorkelling in the region. Clear water, pristine reefs, abundant marine life.
Khao Lak town: 80km north of Phuket. Worth an overnight stay for the town's restaurants, Andaman Discoveries tours, and peaceful vibe. Take Route 402 north.
Phang Nga Town & Sarasin Bridge Area
Distance: 1 hour drive across Sarasin Bridge
What to do:
- Phang Nga Bay kayaking (alternative to James Bond Island tours)
- The River Kayak for mangrove exploration
- Phang Nga Town market: genuinely untouristy, authentic southern Thai experience
- Khao gaeng (curry with rice) ฿50–70 at local restaurants
Phang Nga Town Gem
Most tourists skip the town entirely. Residents know it's where to find real Thai food, friendly locals, and zero English menus. Go with a Thai friend or be prepared to point at dishes.
Krabi
Distance: 3 hours by car OR 1.5 hours by speedboat/ferry
Railay Beach: Only accessible by boat (longtail ฿100–150 from Ao Nang). Limestone cliffs, world-class rock climbing. King Climbers is the established guide service.
Ao Nang: More accessible with beach restaurants. Base for "4 Islands" day tours.
Koh Lanta: Worth a weekend escape. 4+ hours by car plus ferry from Krabi.
Practical Transport Options
| Transport Type | Destination | Time | Cost | Book Via |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group speedboat tour | Phi Phi | 8–10 hrs | ฿1,200–2,500 | Local tour agents |
| Private longtail | Coral Island | 1.5 hrs | ฿1,500–2,500 | Rawai Beach |
| Private speedboat | Racha Yai | 2 hrs | ฿3,500–5,000 | Chalong Pier |
| Ferry | Ko Yao Noi | 3 hrs return | ฿200–400 | Bang Rong Pier |
| Rental car | Khao Lak | Full day | ฿1,200–1,800 | Rental agency |
Insider Tips
Resident Secrets
- Book private boats directly at Chalong Pier: Walk the pier, compare prices. Don't use hotels—prices double.
- Rawai Seafood Market post-trip: Cook your catch. Wet markets sell cleaned seafood by weight (฿180–600/kg).
- Best months for island trips: November–April for west coast islands; year-round for Phang Nga Bay.
- Kids under 12: Coral Island is the easiest and safest first island experience.
- Swimming dates: Avoid June–October on west coast (monsoon swells). Eastern bays stay calmer.
Booking Strategy
For group tours: book the night before at local agencies (not online markups). For private boats: negotiate at the pier itself. For overnight trips: book accommodation before departing Phuket—popular guesthouses fill Friday–Sunday.
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Snorkel gear (bring your own or rent ฿150–200)
- Underwater camera (GoPro or waterproof phone case)
- Dry bag for valuables
- Cash (many island restaurants, especially on Ko Yao Noi, are cash-only)
- Light jacket (boats can be windy, even in warm months)
Frequently Asked Questions
Phi Phi is worth visiting once, but not as a rushed day trip. Go on a quiet day (Tuesday/Wednesday), stay overnight if possible, and explore beyond the beaches. The Maya Bay views are genuinely stunning, but you'll share them with thousands. Expats often prefer quieter islands for regular trips.
Walk to Rawai Beach (south Phuket), find a longtail operator, negotiate a charter price (฿1,500–2,500 round-trip), and go. Takes 20 minutes. Bring cash. No online booking needed—the pier operators are used to independent travelers. Alternatively, book a day-trip package from your hotel (฿800–1,200).
Ko Racha Yai has the clearest water (30m visibility dry season) and most pristine reefs. Similan Islands are exceptional but require November–April season and longer travel time. For a quick snorkel trip, Ko Bon is your best bet; for serious underwater time, Racha Yai.
Technically yes—2 hours north by car, 1.5 hours by boat, gives you 3–4 hours on the islands. But you'll spend half the day traveling. Better to overnight in Khao Lak (80km north) and take a full-day dive boat early the next morning. Much more satisfying than a rushed day trip.
For a day trip? No—it's 4+ hours away, too long. For a weekend or longer? Absolutely. Koh Lanta is genuinely peaceful, with quiet beaches, local life, and excellent seafood. Take the drive as part of the experience. Many expats stay 2–3 nights and never regret it.