Maiton Island: Day Trips and Tours from Phuket

Although it is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Koh Mai Thon — otherwise known as Maiton Island — is a remarkable destination in its own right. Just a short boat ride away from Phuket, the island has managed to preserve its peaceful nature and idyllic shores.

In order to experience your own slice of paradise, take a Maiton Island day trip from Phuket. You can spend the day marveling at its aquamarine waters or soaking up the rays from its silky sands. Either way, you'll be guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

You will find below all you need to know about Maiton Island, a fascinating destination for day trips from Phuket.

How to get to Maiton Island from Phuket?

Maiton Island is located around 15 kilometers off the southeast coast of Phuket. It is on the west side of Thailand in a stretch of the Andaman Sea.

From Phuket to Maiton Island by boat

You can charter a selection of boats from Rawai Beach, including speedboats, longtail boats and catamarans. By speedboat, it takes around 15 minutes to make the jaunt to Maiton Island. Other vessels take a little longer but are often more comfortable.

Guided tour to Maiton Island from Phuket

Many people find it easier to leave the planning to someone else and make the journey to Maiton Island via a guided tour. You'll be picked up from your hotel between 7 AM and 9 AM, and you can expect your excursion to last approximately eight hours.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Maiton Island from Phuket?

The itinerary of all Maiton Island day tours differs, depending on many factors, such as other destinations on your excursion. However, you'll generally begin your day by being picked up from your hotel and transported to Rawai Beach in the south of Phuket.

From there, you'll board your vessel, which may be a speedboat, longtail boat or catamaran. You'll sail the short distance to Maiton Island through Thailand's peaceful turquoise seas. As you near the private island, you'll be able to admire its preserved natural beauty from the deck of your boat.

On arrival, you'll have free time to lounge on Maiton Island's shimmering sands and listen to the gentle waves rolling in. Alternatively, you can take a dip in its dazzling seas, or participate in leisurely water activities, such as kayaking or snorkeling.

Once you've enjoyed the peace that the island brings, you may continue on to other neighboring isles, including Coral Island and the Racha Islands. Alternatively, your Maiton Island excursion may take you as far as Koh Phi Phi in order to see the resplendent Maya Bay.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Maiton Island?

You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a Maiton Island day tour. These are a few of the most popular:

Private tour to Maiton Island from Phuket

Those who enjoy luxury will revel in the exclusivity of this private day tour to Maiton Island. As the island comes into view, you'll understand its popularity among honeymooners, with its tranquil beaches and bowing palm trees.

You'll spend the day immersing yourself in its crystal-clear waters with activities including snorkeling and kayaking. As you laze on Maiton Island's sunny shores, you'll feel yourself unwind and let go of your troubles.

Day trip to Maiton Island plus Racha Islands and Coral Island from Phuket

Because of the island’s small size, many day trips to Maiton Island also visit various other surrounding destinations.

Once you've lounged on Maiton Island's sandy beaches, your tour transports you to Coral Island to indulge in a variety of water sports. You can snorkel between the group of islands through a sheltered reef, which provides a home to a multitude of sea creatures.

Day tour to Maiton Island plus Koh Phi Phi from Phuket

This tour journeys further out to Koh Phi Phi in order to spot some of the most remarkable natural landscapes in Thailand. You'll visit the renowned Maya Bay — often as hailed the most beautiful beach in the world — with towering limestone formations as far as the eye can see.  

Reaching Maiton Island, you'll participate in both kayaking and paddle boarding before a barbecued lunch.

How much does a tour to Maiton Island from Phuket cost?

You'll pay between US$40 and US$70 per person for a Maiton Island day trip that incorporates Coral Island, and the Racha Islands into its itinerary.

Maiton Island day tours that include Koh Phi Phi range from US$70 to US$130 per person. Those on the higher end of this spectrum journey on a luxury catamaran.

A private excursion costs approximately US$740 for a group of up to six participants. With the maximum group size, you'll pay just over US$120 per person.

What will you see and do on a Maiton Island day trip from Phuket?

Maiton is a private island that sits just off the coast of southern Phuket. The island is a paradisiacal escape from the crowds and attracts honeymooners because of its serenity. In order to preserve its luxurious nature, Maiton Island's owners only allow a select number of tourists to visit its shores per day. This has had the desired effect of the isle remaining relatively unknown, resulting in an unspoiled nirvana of palm trees and powdery beaches.

Maiton Island is ideal for those wishing to step away from the chaos of everyday life, as there is very little to do once you reach its shores. You'll find a smattering of eateries and bungalows dotted among the tropical flora of the island.

However, if you are looking for thrilling activities, you should take to the water. Whether you choose to kayak, paddle board or snorkel, you'll find searching the brilliantly blue waters for sea creatures exhilarating.

Among the cuttlefish and barracuda you may find swimming around the island are a collection of gentle green giants — sea turtles. As Maiton Island is largely undisturbed by tourism, the coral surrounding it flourishes. You'll be able to see the rose-colored marine animals thriving, with a plethora of ocean dwellers finding a home among the reef.

When is the best time to visit Maiton Island?

The best time to plan a day trip to Maiton Island is during the dry season — between November and March. Throughout these months, the seas surrounding the island are tranquil and you can take advantage of its tremendous snorkeling. You can also expect lower humidity levels and long, sunny days.

Travel tips

• If you wish to take your loved one on a romantic day out, plan a day trip to Maiton Island. It is often referred to as "honeymoon island" for its popularity among couples.
• There is just one hotel on the island, where you can book a massage, without a room reservation.
• There is limited shade on Maiton Island during the heat of the day. Bring a sunhat and sunscreen with you on your excursion.