“Sawasdee Kha” and welcome to tropical paradise at every look and turn!
Fill your wanderlusting cups with the best day trips from Phuket; take your pick from islands, jungle-scapes, National Parks that feel like different Earths and some of the world’s best scuba diving sites!
There’s a reason why Phuket is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia; with paramount natural beauty waiting to be discovered!
Check out my top picks to see the most iconic day trips from Phuket or scroll further down to find all the hidden gems of your dreams!
| # | Activity Type | Price | Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Similan Islands | From US$86 | 10 hours | Snorkeling tour | |
| 2 | Phi Phi Islands catamaran tour | From US$115 | 8.5 hours | Island tour | |
| 3 | James Bond Island sunset cruise | From US$129 | 8 hours | Sunset cruise |
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1 – Similan Islands
If you’ve arrived in Thailand for a scuba diving-induced break, look no further than the Similan Islands — with some diving sites considered the best on the planet!
Comprising 11 pristine islands hardly touched by mankind, the beaches are deserted and the marine life is tenfold!
Scuba among sea fans, caverns, coral walls, gigantic rocks and oversized barrel sponges.
Manta rays and whale sharks are regulars to these waters, as well as dolphins and unique tropical species, including over 200 types of coral!
Beaches with massive oversized boulders act as tanning surfaces and create little rock pools.
There are 11 islets within the Similan, and these are often referred to simply by their number.
They are: Ko Huyong (Island/Koh 1), Ko Payang (2), Ko Payan (3), Ko Miang/Ko Meang (4), Ko Ha (5), Ko Payu (6), Ko Hin Pousar (7), Ko Similan (8), Ko Ba-ngu/Bayu (9), Ko Bon/Ko Talu (10) and Ko Tachai (11).
Epic scuba diving sites include:
- Boulder City / Shark Fin Reef (near Island 3)
- Anita’s Reef (around Island 5)
- Deep Six (Island 7)
- Beacon Point / Beacon Reef (by Koh 8)
- Breakfast Bend and Christmas Point (at Koh 9)
Travel time: 1.5 hours via speedboat, 1 hour via ferry from Khao Lak
How to get there: Join a tour or catch a speedboat ride from Khao Lak near Phuket.
2 – Boat trip around the Phi Phi Islands
The sunshine and good vibes never end around one of Thailand’s most famous archipelagos.
Rearing in travelers from near and far, the Phi Phi Islands is where the party is at, but there’s much more to this tropical paradise than just beach bars, fire shows and boozy buckets.
Technically, the Phi Phi Islands is an island group comprising two main islands and four smaller isles (Koh Mai Phai, Koh Yung, Koh Pida Nok and Koh Pida Nai).
Phi Phi Don (the largest) is the main tourist island, where backpackers, solo travelers, families and couples arrive directly from Phuket. A completely car-free zone, the roadsides are lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, tattoo shops and stores selling trinket troves of all things tye-dye, crystal necklaces, crochet bikinis, colorful beach towels, banana shirts, and, and, and!
- Ferries and speed boats drop passengers at Tonsai Bay, but Loh Dalum Bay is the premier beach area.
- Enjoy a walk along the coastline to Long Beach, or escape the crowds at Laem Thong Beach (on the north end).
- For insane vistas of all the islands, head up to its Phi Phi Viewpoint.
Home to Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Le is the second largest island but remains uninhabited. Bamboo Island, i.e., Koh Mai Phai is between the two main islands. Visitors usually stop here en route to Maya Bay or spend the day snorkeling its Hin Klang coral reef.
Another popular adventure from Phi Phi Don is hiring a longtail boat to Monkey Beach or renting a kayak instead and paddling over.
Travel time: Speedboat = 1h12mins, Ferry = 2 hours
How to get there: Catch a speedboat or ferry (the lengthier option) from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town directly to Koh Phi Phi Don.
3 – James Bond Island
“Ah, Mr Bond, we’ve been expecting you …”
Cinephiles: if Khao Phing Kan seems eerily familiar, it’s because it was used as the filming location for the 1974 Bond flick: The Man with the Golden Gun, hence its byname, ‘James Bond Island.’
Situated in the northeast, towering limestone karsts jut from the water (the lonesome 20-meter-tall Ko Tapu structure is instantly recognizable among them) and emerald green bays transport you worlds away …
Koh Ping Ghan is another leaning limestone formation, this one with caves to explore.
Useful to know: James Bond Island is inside the Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park and, therefore, is a protected zone. Boats can disembark on the island’s shoreline, but Ko Tapu is closed to traveling feet.
Cruise over to Koh Panyee for a delicious seafood lunch, exploring further this tiny fishing village built entirely on stilts in the water!
Kayak around the bay or enjoy a longtail boat ride, jumping into the ocean for snorkel time.
Travel time:
How to get there: Arrive via speedboat from Phuket; catch a longtail boat from Surakul Pier in Phang Nga Bay, or venture past James Bond Island during a ferry cruise.
4 – Khai Islands
Get the most out of an island-hopping experience without veering too far from Phuket around the Khai Islands — feel free to leave your clocks buried in the sand because time isn’t of the essence!
Thanks to its east coast positioning, it’s a super popular destination. Made up of three islands in Phang Nga Bay, it’s one of the best boat trips in Phuket. This is the pristine crystal Thailand ocean you’ve been dreaming of …
Nicknamed “Egg Island,” Koh Khai Nok draws in the most crowds, dazzling all with its insanely transparent waters and beachfront dotted with rainbow-striped umbrellas.
Restaurants and beach bars keep visitors satisfied, and a cute market fair is in the center of Khai Nok.
Walk around Koh Khai Nai collecting seashells, order a cocktail from the beach reggae bar and whizz around the surrounding waters on a jet ski or banana boat.
Koh Khai Nui is less frequented, and doesn’t have much around in terms of facilities. However, because it sees the least amount of people, its reef thrives and is an oasis for keen snorkelers.
Travel time: 15 minutes = speedboat, 30 minutes = longtail boat ride
How to get there: Catch a speedboat or longtail boat from the Sirae, Laem Hin, Rasata and Ao Chalong and Bang Rong piers.
5 – Phang Nga Province
New worlds await you in Phang Nga Province, where an hour’s drive out of Phuket draws you away from the tourist masses and introduces you to a different kind of topography from the typical Phuket surroundings.
Home to the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, 42 gorgeous islands comprise the Phang Nga Province, such as the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, James Bond Island, Koh Tapu, and the Koh Yao Islands.
Traveling by car up north, its Khao Lak beach is a prime starting point for discovering the area, its national park, bay and surrounding islets, and most boat trips around Phang Nga Bay and its islands depart from here.
Its other top beaches include the 2.6-kilometer-long White Sand Beach, lively Bang Niang Beach, romantic Khuk Khak Beach, family-friendly Pak Weep Beach and isolated Nang Thong Beach.
Swap soft sands for rainforests; bamboo rafting or kayaking along its jungle rivers, or go canoeing through its “Little Amazon” mangroves (in the Takua Pa district).
(Admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture in Takua Pa’s Old Town and here are a few traditional Chinese tea houses.)
Take the road less traveled and journey over to secluded Ko Phra Thong island for some snorkeling.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
How to get there: Travel by private car, taxi or shared minivan along Route 402 and Route 4 to Khao Lak Beach. You can reach Phang Nga Bay via boat from here, as well as from many of its islands, like Koh Yao.
6 – Krabi
Markets, mangroves, milking up the sunshine down at the beaches; there is so much to see and things to do in Krabi, you’re going to have to pick your daytime activities wisely for this one!
Depending on what you’re in the mood for, make this day trip all about nature, heading deep inside tropical forests, dense limestone mountains and caverns dripping in stalagmites and stalactites.
- Hike 1.5 to two hours (7.4 kilometers round-trip) up Dragon Crest Mountain to the panoramic Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint. https://tourscanner.com/s/krabi/i/hiking
- Investigate the prehistoric caves within the Khao Khanap Nam Mountains.
- Find the fairies in two magical natural pools within Khao Phra – Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary: the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool (known as Sra Nam Pud).
- Rejuvenate in the Namtok Ron (Hot Spring Waterfall ), Khlong Thom where temperatures reach up to 50 degrees Celsius.
- Go kayaking Ao Thalane lagoon and through tidal estuaries with local wildlife singing songs in the coastal trees.
- Fly on Tarzan swings, cross massive zip lines and ride bicycles from one branch to the next at Tree Top Adventure Park.
Or, if you’re all about lazy beach days, Ao Nang (the main beach in Krabi) is calling your name!
From Krabi, add on extra voyages out at sea and catch a longtail boat to neighboring Railay Beach for rock climbing, Ko Poda, Tonsai Beach and Phranang Beach and Cave, where ultra-romantic The Grotto @ Rayavadee restaurant is located.
Fill your cultural cup at Ao Luek Noi Community and Choa Le Village (To Ba Leaw Community). Stay in time for Krabi’s famous markets: Maharaj Walking Street and the Chao Fah Night Market.
Travel time: Car = 3 hours; Speedboat = 1 to 2 hours
How to get there: Travel approximately 162 kilometers by car, bus or minivan along Route 4 from Phuket to Krabi. Or, catch a speedboat from Bang Rong Pier (north Phuket) or Rassada Pier (south Phuket) to Krabi.
7 – Coral Island
Calling all beach babes, Coral Island is a playground for water sports, underwater discoveries and sun-seekers searching for a pristine coastline to hang out under the Thai sunshine for the day.
Not to be confused with Thailand’s Koh Larn (nicknamed Coral Island, Koh Larn is situated in the Gulf of Thailand), this Coral Island sits just three kilometers off the southeast coast of Phuket.
Officially called Koh Hei, it has two main stretches of powdery white sands: Long Beach and Banana Beach.
The first is the busiest, and where most activities such as kayaking, parasailing, SUPing, banana boat rides and sea walking are offered. Or, unwind and melt into a beach massage.
Save your snorkel time for the latter, with fewer crowds and schools of tropical fishies close to the shore. Scuba diving is possible from both sites, and you can reach Banana Beach from Long Beach via a short 15-minute jungle trek!
Then, there’s Freedom Beach on the south end.
Right around the corner from the mainland, it’s another destination seriously favored by day trippers. Check out our complete guide with all you need to know about Phuket Boat Tours.
Travel time: 15 minutes
How to get there: Travel from Rawai Beach or Chalong Pier via longtail boat to Coral Island.
8 – Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
In recent years, global efforts have been made around these “elephant sanctuaries,” which are not really safe havens at all, rather promoting elephant rides and no proper care for the intelligent mammals.
It’s become one of Thailand’s most mainstream tourist traps, but it’s sad because many volunteers are here for a good cause, but owners of these businesses are just here for the profits.
Rest easy knowing that Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is exactly what it says it is, dubbing itself the “first ethical sanctuary in Phuket.”
Endorsed by National Geographic and World Animal Protection, watch in wonder as the gentle giants roam freely around their tropical setting, taking mud baths, foraging for their crunchy leaves and playing with their babies.
Meet friends like Mali, Than-Tawan, Chaba, Kannika, Madee and others who have all been rescued and brought here for a second chance at life. Remember, elephants live up to about 50 years old!
Located inside the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the grounds occupy 12 hectares, and the sanctuary offers various experiences.
For example, there’s the 3.5-hour ‘A Morning with the Elephants’ package, afternoon options, the ‘PES Canopy Walkway Program’ and their ‘Hands-Off Experience.’ Add on your own private guide for your duration.
Lunch is vegan, and there’s a recently built 600-meter-long canopy walkway winding through the jungle park, between ponds, open fields and rolling hills.
Travel time: 43 minutes
How to get there: Travel from Phuket town to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary by car, taxi or minivan along Route 4024 and Route 4027 for just under 30 kilometers.
9 – Racha Islands
For an unforgettable Thailand moment, charter a private catamaran to the jaw-dropping Racha Islands, where snorkeling and scuba diving are top priorities!
Similar to many of the archipelagos around Phuket, the Racha Islands are made up of two isles: Koh Racha Noi and Koh Racha Yai, and are six kilometers apart.
Both offer unparalleled snorkeling, but Racha Noi is the most accessible, with a string of beachfront resorts and a handful of beaches to take your pick from.
- U-shaped Patok is the main beach.
- Siam Beach is around the corner but is not as crowded.
- Kon Kare Bay is a snorkeling and diving hotspot!
- Home to an easy-to-reach shallow reef, Lha Bay is lovely for snorkeling between colorful corals.
- No less than 200 meters from Lha Beach is deserted Lha Bay — great for couples.
Racha Yai, on the other hand, is unoccupied and has a wilder and more rugged feel, including the landscape. This has its advantages for snorkelers, boasting uninterrupted bays.
On the scuba diving front, the sites around Koh Racha Yai are suitable for experienced divers, and even when it’s raining, you’ll find clear visibility beneath the surface.
Travel time: From 45 minutes to one hour
How to get there: Catch a speedboat or longtail boat from Chalong Pier or Rawai Beach.
10 – Koh Lanta
Distinctly cool and ultra-laid back, gypsy souls and bohemian fairies, this one’s for you!
With so much to do around Koh Lanta, it’s easily one of the best day trips from Phuket — especially for globetrotters seeking a different side of Thailand that isn’t just snorkeling and lazing on the beach all day (but of which you can do plenty of).
Sip on organic teas and enjoy vegan snacks from Asalanta Organic Teahouse, marveling at the sustainably built earth homes here in the middle of a bamboo forest.
Take home a new culinary skill after an authentic cooking class, or relax and unwind with a traditional Thai massage.
If your idea of relaxation is yoga, you’ll love Oasis Yoga (doubling as a retreat), or let the cocktails do the trick (with your feet in the soft sand) at a groovy beach bar. Iconic locales? Freedom Bar, The Reggae Bar, Majestic Bar and Why Not Bar.
Go chasing Khlong Chak Waterfall, followed by a jungle hike to Khao Mai Kaew Cave — otherwise known as “The Bat Cave” because of its residents (bats).
Shop and eat your way through Lanta Old Town, and this is another destination where renting a scooter for the day to get around is every bit worth it!
Travel time: 1.5 hours
How to get there: There are direct ferries departing from Phuket Rassada Pier.
11 – Maya Bay
Along with Koh Phi Phi Don, Maya Bay is one of the most visited places in southern Thailand! So much so, the famous location shut down for a few years so that its ecosystems and reefs could regenerate due to damage from over-tourism.
Let’s first get one thing straight. Maya Bay and “Phi Phi Island” aren’t separate locations: Maya Bay, in fact, forms part of the Phi Phi Islands chain and is situated on the second biggest island here, Koh Phi Phi Le.
So, what’s the buzz? After The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, premiered in 1999, everything changed for the glistening turquoise bay. Today, globe trekkers flock in the hundreds to pose for a picture in front, toes touching the exact same powder-white sands!
Encircling you are three 100-meter-tall patchy green limestone cliffs, and the main beach stretches on for 200 meters.
But there’s more to Maya than being marked as a famous filming locale, and it’s time to get your snorkel on! Discover some great diving sites around Maya Bay, too.
As part of Phi Phi Le, enjoy the other activities around the island.
Travel tip: The rules for visiting Maya Bay have changed since reopening in 2023. Boats cannot pull directly into the bay; instead, they disembark elsewhere on Phi Phi Le. Daily tourists to Maya Bay are limited to just under 400.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
How to get there: No ferries can enter Maya Bay, and you will need to travel from Phuket via speedboat. Alternatively, if you’re visiting Phi Phi Don (the main tourist Phi Phi island), catch a 30-minute boat ride from there to Maya Bay.
12 – Maiton Island (Koh Maiton)
Swimming pool or ocean? You decide for yourselves during a snorkel expedition around the sheer waters of private Mai Ton (also spelled Maiton) Island!
Home to schools of tigerfish, parrotfish, cuttlefish and Nemos, i.e., clownfish, lucky sailors have spotted pods of playful dolphins dancing around their natural habitat (there are dolphin-watching tours that bring travelers to Maiton for this sole reason).
Jump into its warm paradise-like ocean for the swim of a lifetime! On the odd occasion, a turtle may even join you as a swimming buddy!
One useful bit of information to know straight off the bat about Koh Maiton is that it’s a private island and off-limits to everyday travelers. The only way to enjoy its sought-after waters teeming with aquatic life is with a scuba diving venture or boat tour.
That being said, it’s usually included on the best day trips from Phuket to other islands, such as the Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo Island, Coral Island and the Racha isles.
The island itself is tiny, at just 2.5 kilometers long, and is located nine kilometers southeast of Phuket.
Feeling fancy? Private charter a boat to Maiton for affordable prices thanks to its close proximity.
Travel time: Speedboat = 15 minutes, catamaran = 1 hour
How to get there: Catch a speedboat from Chalong Pier or join a tour.
13 – Hong Islands
Southern Thailand dreams are made of these; cue the dramatic mystical limestones that feel like they belong in the dinosaur ages, secret bays covered in thickets of jungle, and iridescent waters showing off aqua blue hues!
Escape the mobs and venture through a group of untouched islands, and because it’s not on everyone’s radar (although it seriously should be), the Hong Islands have a real mysticism about them.
Situated along Krabi’s coastline, the small island group is part of the Koh Hong Archipelago, forming part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park. With 12 surrounding islands, four of the Hong Islands are open for exploration.
Koh Hong (also called Ko Laopilae) is the chief isle where most boat tours bring visitors. (You can hire a longtail boat from Krabi’s Ao Nang Beach and ditch the tour groups.)
Swim and snorkel around stunning Pelay Beach (the only beach on this island); discover the magic of Ko Hong Lagoon (Thale Nai) and its emerald waters; trek 420-odd iron steps up a limestone cliff and through whippets of lush greenery to the panoramic viewpoint.
Other Hong destinations visited by passing boatees include:
- Pakbia Island for its maze of sea-eroded caves.
- Daeng Island entrances people with its verdant coral reef (especially at low tide) and is an awesome snorkel spot.
- Koh Lao Lading is nicknamed Paradise Island for good reason, and thanks to its palm tree setting, is another popular Hong Island and where cove-dining is a thing.
Travel time: 1 hour via speedboat
How to get there: Join a day tour or charter a private boat.
14 – Surin Islands
How many times in your life can you say you’ve gone diving with whale sharks? Get up close and personal (in the right season) with these gentle giants in the Surin Islands — a famous location in Thailand for spotting carpet sharks.
Fun fact: Whale Sharks are harmless, and the slow-movers are actually very friendly!
The most famous site in Phuket, and in the entirety of Thailand, for diving with the largest shark species in the world, is Richelieu Rock, located 18 kilometers off of Ko Khai.
The beaches and bays around this five-island archipelago are equally impressive as the aquatic life!
Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai are the two largest Surin islands, along with three smaller landmasses: Ko Khai (also called Ko Torinla), Ko Glang (Ko Pachumba) and Ko Chi (known as Ko Satok).
With snorkeling rentals, swimming bays (Ao Mae Yai, Ao Luek and Ao Chak) and walking trails, Ko Surin Nuea is the most visitor-friendly.
Look out for pig-tailed macaques, monitor lizards and flying foxes lounging in the Surins’ lush rainforest.
Travel time: 1.5 hours via speedboat
How to get there: Catch a speedboat from Khao Lak or join a day tour.
15 – Khao Sok National Park
Like a scene out of Jurassic World, float in between monster-sized craggy cliffs where low-hanging clouds envelop you in the early morning mist and you can just picture a Triceratops roaming around the deep-green tropicana landscapes.
Known as the “Little Guilan of Thailand” this is because it resembles China’s Guangxi Province and the granite rock formations littering the Li River.
Canopied by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, the wildlife here is spectacular, and so is the natural beauty — obviously!
Hike to caves, kayak through marshy areas, enjoy a traditional boat ride along milky Cheow Larn Lake, and while here, look out for hornbills and other bird species.
A guided tour, cruise or safari is an awesome way to experience the national park, learning its history and plenty of interesting facts about this natural wonder.
Something unique that Khao Sok offers is floating accommodation in the middle of the lake!
Travel time: 4.5 hours
How to get there: Drive directly here from Phuket, and there are multiple options along/from Phuket’s route 402.
16 – Koh Yao
An easy way to differentiate between the two primary Koh Yao islands is just by remembering their names: Khao Yao Yai means “big (yai) long island” and Khao Yao Noi means “little (noi) long island.”
Whichever of the two you choose to day trip to, you’re blessed with exquisite scenery, ocean activities and a calming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel zen!
Oddly, the larger of the two is the quietest, but the best beaches are on Koh Yao Yai.
- Chill on Laem Haad’s hidden sandbank when the tides are low.
- Powdery white Loh Jark Beach is picture-postcard perfect.
- Loh Pared is the main swimming beach.
- Spot starfish along the shores of Son Bay Beach.
We recommend renting out a scooter on Koh Yao Noi and driving the round-loop road around the entire isle. Or, there are bike tours if you’re more comfortable cycling. Whizz past bright green rice paddies, local villages and viewpoints.
Kayak through mangroves, get educated on rice cultivation, pop into local fishing villages, feel the thrills on jungle ATV rides or learn how to scuba dive!
Although smaller, Koh Noi is more developed than Koh Yai and is home to many more restaurants and places to stay.
Some fabulous eatery options are La Sala, Rice Paddy Restaurant, Thakhao Bay View Restaurant, Pum Pui Restaurant, La Luna Pizzeria and Kaya.
Excellent dining options on Koh Yai include Ban Rim Nam Restaurant, Krouw Baanrow, Chill Chill at Pai, Isaan Fine and Chantara Restaurant.
Travel time: 1 hour
How to get there: Catch a ferry, speedboat or longtail taxi from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket’s east coast. There are also longtail boats departing from Ao Po Pier to the Koh Yao Islands.
17 – Koh Bon
Technically part of the Surin Islands (as of 1998), Koh Bon deserves its own day trip itinerary!
Super close to Phuket, it’s actually not as busy as some of Phuket’s neighbors like Coral Island, deeming it perfect for travelers searching for a tourist-free zone!
Just 1.2 kilometers long, it exudes all of the deserted tropical island feels.
Don’t be surprised to see casts of crabs scuttling across its beaches (a famous site of Koh Bon), and there are dozens of little sea coves to picnic in!
Apart from its land beauty, the ocean surrounding Koh Bon is an incredible scuba diving site, but savored for more advanced divers. (But feel free to snorkel close to shore instead.)
Discover a sea ridge with a drop of 40 meters on the south side of the island, and it’s a manta ray-spotting mecca. Also here is the Koh Bon Pinnacle, reaching depths of up to 50 meters.
Travel time: 15 minutes
How to get there: Located offshore from Rawai, rent a longtail boat from Rawai Beach or down at the Rawai jetty.
18 – Koh Haa – Five Island
Avid scuba divers, we’ve got something a little exciting in store for you!
You may want to forget everything else and head directly to Koh Haa for the day, where the underwater sites seem endless and the hours slip by in the blink of an eye as you swirl among throngs of fish and explore interesting aquatic bathymetry.
Also known as “Five Islands,” funnily enough, it’s made up of six little islands. The largest — Koh Haa Yai — is the only one with a sand beach, and its bay is shallow enough to snorkel and swim. The rest are uninhibited rocky protrusions.
Another plus for Five Islands is that the diving here is suitable for all levels, from novice to pro!
- Koh Haa Lagoon Diving Site is idyllic for first-timers.
- Koh Haa Chimney has a famous tunnel system and small chambers, and all levels can scuba around here.
- The Cathedral (also called ‘The Cave’) is the largest of the Koh Haa islands with a max depth of 35 meters. It dazzles with sea caves, amazing coral, turtles and sharks!
- Spot seahorses swimming around The Secret Garden of Haa Island (technically the sixth island, it’s known as Koh Haa Six).
Blacktip reef shark, bluespotted ribbontail ray, pipefish, barracuda, spotted garden eel and tigertail seahorse are a few examples of the sea animals to find swimming around Koh Haa.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
How to get there: Travel from Phuket by speedboat to Koh Haa. You can also catch a 30-minute boat ride from Koh Lanta to Koh Haa.
19 – Koh Rang Yai
Adventurous hearts, Koh Rang Yai is an outdoor playground just waiting for you …
The best part? With hardly anyone around, catch major air on jet skis without worrying about random bathers; hike to the top of viewpoints with no one else to interrupt your photos; and play on beachfront swings without another person in sight!
A popular way to reach the island is by kayaking over from Phuket — amazing!
From the shore, enter an oasis of coconut and pine trees, with sandy paths winding in between, opening up for bicycle journeys.
Make a beeline for Rangyai Pearl farm (established in 1971), where you can purchase them raw or crafted as jewels. Koh Rang Yai is often referred to as Pearl Island and is a sought-after day trip for this very reason!
P.S. The waters in these parts are especially warm, great for swimming and snorkeling comfortably and for kids.
Travel time: 15 minutes
How to get there: Catch a boat from Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina or hire a longtail boat or join a tour leaving from Laem Jin Pier (next to the famous Laem Hin Seafood restaurant in Koh Kaew).
20 – Koh Jum
It’s the authenticity of Koh Jum that makes this destination so special, from the local people to the Thai food to its unspoiled beaches, which each have something different to offer.
There are direct ferries here from Phuket, so it’s like taking a cultural day trip outside of town, just along the ocean instead! It’s just over an hour away, and the oceanic scenery en route is glorious.
Speaking of, Koh Jum is on the way to Koh Lanta, so if you’ve chartered a boat for the day, consider adding this to your agenda.
The best way to explore this wild isle is to pack a picnic and beach gear (like towels, snorkels, sand buckets and spades, and umbrellas) for the afternoon and arrive to the calming sounds of Mother Nature.
If you’re after a “deserted island” feeling, Ko Pu (as it’s also known) is up there, and there are quite a few beaches to take your pick.
- Magic Beach is home to the singular Loma Bar.
- Hidden Banyan Beach is all about tranquility.
- Golden Pearl Beach (the largest of them) and Andaman Beach are directly connected.
- Peppering the beachfront of pretty Ting Rai Beach (on the north side of the island) are low-branching Banyan trees!
- Feel worlds away from everything and anyone at Ao Si.
Some lovely local dining spots are Koh Jum Seafood Restaurant, Sabaidee Luboh and Golden Pearl Beach Restaurant.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
How to get there: Catch a direct ferry from Rassada Pier in Phuket to Koh Jum. Ferries here run three times a day.
Read more: Boat tours from Phuket
21 – Koh Ngai
Have you chosen Phuket as your honeymoon destination, or are you here on a romantic getaway? Favored by both these types of visitors, Koh Ngai is home to a handful of luxe oceanfront stays in a surreal island oasis setting — but who’s to say you can’t enjoy this slice of heaven on a day trip?
Hidden away from the regular travel guides, you feel like you’re in your own little tropical love bubble! And it’s one of those places where expect to splurge a bit at mealtime — date day, anyone?
There are three beaches: Main Beach and Paradise Beach (which it truly is) and Ao Muang Bay (situated between the two of them). Snorkel spots are easily accessible from either.
Get lost in the jungle, trekking a wild coastal trail to Koh Ngai Viewpoint; float around aimlessly in the warm crystal, transparent waters, or rent a kayak and explore your island surroundings.
Travel time: 2h45mins
How to get there: Take a direct ferry from the Rassada Pier in Phuket, or alternatively, catch a speedboat
Final Thoughts
Tropical paradise doesn’t get better than this, and it’s all right on your doorstep, or rather, shoreline! All that’s left to do is decide which of these best day trips from Phuket suits you best, and then let the adventuring begin!
If you’re not sold on the idea of a day trip and prefer to keep things to one city, stay on the mainland for the day and explore the plethora of things to do in Phuket, from visiting Big Buddha to its colorful Sino-Portuguese Old Town!
Not your first time in Phuket? What are some of the things that you love most about this tropical destination, or what are your favorite destinations nearby? Share with us in the comments; we love to hear from our readers!
As always, happy travels in the Land of Smiles!