Phuket's location on the Andaman Sea makes it the best launch point for island hopping in southern Thailand. Within a 1–3 hour boat ride, you can reach some of the most stunning islands in Southeast Asia — from the iconic Phi Phi Islands to the pristine Similan archipelago.
Here's what's worth your time, what to skip, and how to do it without overpaying.
The Must-Do Islands
Phi Phi Islands
The most famous island trip from Phuket, and for good reason. Phi Phi Don (the inhabited island) and Phi Phi Leh (home to Maya Bay from "The Beach") offer dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water, and some of the best snorkeling in Thailand.
Getting there: Speedboat tours from Phuket take 45 minutes. Ferry takes 2 hours.
Cost: Day trip ฿1,500–3,000 ($42–84). Ferry only ฿400–600 ($11–17).
Best time: November–April. Maya Bay has a daily visitor cap — book early.
The speedboat tours hit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island in one day. It's a lot of stops but each one delivers. Pileh Lagoon — a hidden emerald pool surrounded by cliffs — is the highlight for most people.
Pro tip: Book a sunrise tour to reach Maya Bay before the crowds. The standard tours arrive at 10am when it's packed.
Similan Islands
If Phi Phi is the famous one, Similan is the beautiful one. This national park archipelago (9 islands) has the clearest water in Thailand — visibility reaches 30+ meters. The underwater world here is world-class: manta rays, whale sharks (rare but possible), and pristine coral reefs.
Getting there: 1.5-hour speedboat from Khao Lak (north of Phuket) or 2.5 hours from Phuket. Cost: Day trip ฿2,500–4,000 (~$70–112) including park fee. Best time: Open November–May only. Closed during monsoon. Important: National park entry fee is ฿500 for foreigners (usually included in tour price).
The snorkeling at Similan is significantly better than Phi Phi. If you only do one island trip, and you're visiting during high season, choose Similan.
The Day Trips
James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay)
The famous nail-shaped rock from "The Man with the Golden Gun." Phang Nga Bay itself is stunning — limestone karsts rising from emerald water, sea caves, and mangrove forests. Most tours include kayaking through sea caves and a stop at the floating Muslim village of Koh Panyee.
Cost: ฿1,200–2,500 (~$34–70). Worth it? Yes, but for the bay and kayaking — not just the rock. The rock itself is a 5-minute photo stop.
Coral Island (Koh Hae)
The closest island to Phuket — just 15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier. Good for a half-day trip if you want clear water and snorkeling without a long boat ride. Two beaches: Long Beach (busier, more facilities) and Banana Beach (quieter).
Cost: ฿800–1,500 (~$22–42). Worth it? Good for families or if you're short on time. Not as spectacular as Phi Phi or Similan.
Koh Racha (Racha Yai & Racha Noi)
Two islands south of Phuket popular with divers. Racha Yai has a beautiful white sand beach and calm water. Racha Noi is uninhabited and has better diving (manta ray sightings). Less crowded than Phi Phi.
Cost: ฿1,500–2,500 (~$42–70). Worth it? Underrated. If you want a quieter alternative to Phi Phi with great snorkeling, Racha is the move.
How to Book (Without Overpaying)
Rule 1: Don't book from beach touts. The guys on Patong Beach selling tours charge 30–50% more than online prices. They also sometimes use older, less safe boats.
Rule 2: Book online 2–3 days ahead. Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator have competitive prices and verified operators. Your hotel can also book, usually at a small markup.
Rule 3: Speedboat vs. big boat matters. Speedboats are faster and reach spots earlier (before crowds). Big boats are cheaper and more comfortable but slower. For Phi Phi, speedboat is worth the premium. For Phang Nga Bay, the big boat is fine.
Rule 4: Check what's included. Good tours include hotel pickup, lunch, snorkel gear, and national park fees. Cheap tours exclude park fees (฿400–500 extra) and charge for gear.
Seasonal Calendar
| Islands | Nov–Apr | May–Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Phi Phi | ✅ Best time | âš ï¸ Rough seas, some tours cancelled |
| Similan | ✅ Open season | ⌠Closed |
| James Bond Island | ✅ Best time | ✅ Still runs (calmer bay) |
| Coral Island | ✅ Best time | âš ï¸ Possible but seas can be rough |
| Koh Racha | ✅ Best time | âš ï¸ Diving still possible, snorkeling limited |
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen — Regular sunscreen damages coral. Thailand is starting to enforce this.
- Waterproof phone pouch — ฿100 at any 7-Eleven. Worth it for underwater photos.
- Dry bag — For your wallet, phone, and camera on the boat.
- Cash — Island vendors and small boats don't take cards.
- Motion sickness pills — Speedboats in choppy water are no joke. Take Dramamine 30 minutes before departure.
