Top 10 Islands Near Phuket You Can Reach by Boat

Why Phuket Is the Perfect Base for Island Hopping

Phuket's location in the Andaman Sea puts dozens of stunning islands within easy reach. From the world-famous Phi Phi archipelago to tiny, crowd-free islets that most tourists never hear about, the waters surrounding Phuket hold some of the most beautiful island scenery in Southeast Asia. Whether you rent a private speedboat, join a group tour, or charter a luxury yacht, island hopping from Phuket is one of those travel experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype.

We've spent years navigating these routes and have narrowed it down to the 10 best islands you can visit by boat from Phuket. For each one, you'll find real travel times, up-to-date costs, and tips that will help you make the most of your time on the water.

1. Phi Phi Islands — The Iconic Duo

No island list for Phuket would be complete without Phi Phi. The archipelago consists of six islands, but the two stars are Phi Phi Don (the inhabited one) and Phi Phi Leh (home to the legendary Maya Bay). Towering limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs make this one of the most photogenic spots in all of Thailand.

Getting there: 45–60 minutes by speedboat from Rassada Pier, or about 90 minutes by ferry.

Costs: Group speedboat tours run 1,990–3,500 THB per person. A private speedboat charter costs 15,000–25,000 THB for the full day.

Highlights: Maya Bay (now operating under daily visitor caps, so the water is pristine), Pileh Lagoon's jade-colored waters, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and excellent snorkeling at Shark Point.

Tip: Leave before 8 AM on a private boat from Boooat.com and you'll have Maya Bay practically to yourself for a solid hour before the group tours arrive.

2. James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) — Phang Nga Bay's Star

Khao Phing Kan shot to fame as a filming location for The Man with the Golden Gun in 1974, and the slender rock formation known as Ko Tapu remains one of Thailand's most recognizable landmarks. But the island is just the centerpiece — the real magic is the entire Phang Nga Bay, where hundreds of karst limestone formations rise dramatically from calm, emerald-green water.

Getting there: 25–40 minutes from Ao Por Pier on Phuket's east coast, or 60–75 minutes from Chalong.

Costs: Group tours cost 1,500–1,900 THB per person. Private longtail or speedboat charters range from 8,000–18,000 THB.

Highlights: The iconic Ko Tapu rock, sea kayaking through hidden hongs (collapsed cave lagoons), Koh Panyee floating Muslim village, and panoramic views from every angle.

Tip: Take the longtail from Ao Por rather than a big speedboat from the west coast. It's cheaper, quieter, and far more atmospheric. Combine a morning at James Bond Island with afternoon kayaking through the hongs for an unforgettable day.

3. Racha Yai — The Underrated Beach Paradise

Only 25 minutes south of Chalong Pier, Racha Yai (also spelled Raya) feels like a different world. The main bay, Ao Tawan Tok, features powder-white sand that rivals the Maldives, and the surrounding reefs teem with tropical fish. Because the island is sheltered from the open ocean, conditions are calm nearly year-round — making it a great option even in the shoulder season.

Getting there: 25–35 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier.

Costs: Group tours cost 1,500–2,500 THB per person. Private charters run 12,000–20,000 THB for the day.

Highlights: Batok Bay's Instagram-worthy sand, snorkeling with reef sharks and sea turtles, the small resort area for day visitors, and crystal-clear visibility that often exceeds 20 meters.

Tip: Racha Yai is close enough to combine with Coral Island in a single day trip. If you're renting a private boat, do Racha in the morning when the water is calmest and swing by Coral Island for a relaxed afternoon.

4. Racha Noi — The Diver's Secret

Racha Noi is Racha Yai's smaller, uninhabited sister island, located about 10 minutes further south. It's rockier, wilder, and substantially less visited. There are no beaches suitable for lounging, but what it lacks in sand it makes up for with some of the best diving near Phuket — including manta ray encounters between February and April.

Getting there: 35–45 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier.

Costs: Usually combined with Racha Yai in a day trip. Private charters covering both islands run 15,000–25,000 THB.

Highlights: Manta ray sightings (seasonal), dramatic underwater rock formations, advanced dive sites, and a sense of genuine remoteness.

Tip: Racha Noi is best for experienced divers or snorkelers comfortable in open water. Currents can be strong, but that's exactly what brings in the mantas and large pelagic fish.

5. Similan Islands — World-Class Underwater Beauty

The Similan archipelago, roughly 84 km northwest of Phuket, is a national marine park consistently ranked among the world's top 10 dive destinations. The water clarity here is extraordinary — visibility of 30–40 meters is common — and the diversity of marine life is staggering, from tiny nudibranchs to whale sharks.

Getting there: The journey involves a 90-minute van transfer from Phuket to Khao Lak's Tab Lamu Pier, followed by a 60–80 minute speedboat ride.

Costs: Day trips cost 2,500–3,200 THB per person (including park fee, lunch, and snorkel gear). Private speedboat charters from Khao Lak run 35,000–55,000 THB for 8–10 passengers.

Season: Open November through May only. The park closes during monsoon season.

Highlights: Snorkeling over pristine coral gardens, the iconic Sail Rock (Donald Duck Rock), nesting sea turtles, and marine biodiversity that's hard to match anywhere in Thailand.

Tip: The Similans are a long day trip from Phuket — expect 4+ hours of total travel time. If you have the budget, consider a 2–3 night liveaboard instead. For a day trip, choose operators that cap boats at 25 passengers for a dramatically better experience.

6. Coral Island (Koh Hae) — The Quick Escape

Coral Island is Phuket's closest island neighbor and the ideal choice for families, anyone short on time, or travelers who simply want a laid-back beach day without spending hours on a boat. The island has two beaches — Long Beach (the main one with restaurants and activities) and Banana Beach (quieter and more scenic).

Getting there: Just 10–15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier.

Costs: Group tours cost 800–1,500 THB per person. Private speedboat hire runs 5,000–8,000 THB for a half-day.

Highlights: Calm, swimmable water year-round, snorkeling right off the beach, parasailing, sea walking experiences, and affordable beachfront restaurants.

Tip: Most group tours only visit Long Beach, which gets crowded by midday. Browse boats on Boooat.com and hire a private speedboat to Banana Beach on the north side — you'll find soft sand, clear water, and a fraction of the crowds.

7. Koh Yao Noi — The Authentic Island Life

Koh Yao Noi sits in the middle of Phang Nga Bay and offers something increasingly rare in the Phuket region: genuine local culture and a slow pace of life. Rice paddies run down to the shore, fishermen mend nets by hand, and the handful of boutique resorts feel worlds away from Patong's neon.

Getting there: 30–40 minutes by speedboat from Ao Por Pier, or about 60 minutes by longtail.

Costs: Longtail transfer costs 200–400 THB per person. Speedboat transfers run 500–1,000 THB. Day trip tours from Phuket cost 1,800–2,800 THB per person.

Highlights: Cycling through rice paddies, kayaking through mangrove forests, authentic Thai-Muslim fishing villages, rock climbing at Tha Khao, and panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay's karst formations.

Tip: Koh Yao Noi deserves at least an overnight stay. But if you only have a day, combine it with a James Bond Island visit in the morning. The two are only 20 minutes apart by boat, and it makes for a perfect full-day itinerary.

8. Koh Yao Yai — The Bigger, Quieter Sibling

Koh Yao Yai is the larger of the two Koh Yao islands, and it's even more laid-back than its northern neighbor. Development is minimal, beaches are long and often empty, and the interior is thick with rubber plantations and jungle. If you're looking for an island that feels genuinely undiscovered, this is it.

Getting there: 40–50 minutes by speedboat from Ao Por Pier, or about 20 minutes from Koh Yao Noi.

Costs: Similar to Koh Yao Noi. Longtail boats run 200–400 THB per person. Day trips that cover both Koh Yao islands cost 2,000–3,000 THB.

Highlights: Loh Paret Beach, Klong Son waterfall, the viewpoint at the southern tip, and absolute tranquility.

Tip: Rent a scooter once you're on the island — it's the best way to explore. The coastal road on the east side has jaw-dropping Phang Nga Bay views that very few tourists ever see.

9. Khai Islands — The Photogenic Trio

The Khai Islands (Khai Nok, Khai Nui, and Khai Nai) are a cluster of tiny islets located between Phuket and Koh Yao. They've become extremely popular on social media thanks to their bright turquoise shallows, white sand, and photogenic rock formations. These are small islands — you can walk around each one in under 10 minutes — but they pack a visual punch.

Getting there: 20–30 minutes by speedboat from Ao Por Pier or Laem Hin Pier.

Costs: Group tours cost 1,200–1,800 THB per person (often combined with other stops). Private speedboat charters run 8,000–12,000 THB for a half-day.

Highlights: Crystal-clear shallow water perfect for non-swimmers, colorful reef fish that come right up to the shore, and picture-perfect scenery on every side.

Tip: The Khai Islands are often combined with Phi Phi tours as an add-on stop. If you rent a boat through Boooat.com, ask the captain to visit Khai Nui first (the smallest and least visited of the three) — it's the best spot for photos without crowds in the background.

10. Koh Maiton — The Hidden Gem

Koh Maiton (also called Honeymoon Island) is a privately owned island about 9 km southeast of Phuket. It's home to a single resort, but day visitors are welcome at designated beach areas. The island's appeal lies in its exclusivity — daily visitor numbers are limited, which means pristine beaches, clear water, and a feeling of genuine luxury without the luxury price tag.

Getting there: 20–25 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier.

Costs: Day trip packages (including transfers) cost 2,500–4,000 THB per person. Private boat charters run 10,000–18,000 THB.

Highlights: Dolphins are frequently spotted in the surrounding waters, the beach is immaculate and never overcrowded, snorkeling is excellent with soft corals and schools of tropical fish, and the overall atmosphere is serene.

Tip: Maiton is one of the best-kept secrets near Phuket. Unlike Coral Island, which gets packed by noon, Maiton stays peaceful all day. It's perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone who values exclusivity.

Island Comparison at a Glance

| Island | Travel Time | Group Tour Cost | Best For | |---|---|---|---| | Phi Phi | 45–60 min | 1,990–3,500 THB | Iconic scenery, snorkeling | | James Bond Island | 25–75 min | 1,500–1,900 THB | Karst landscapes, kayaking | | Racha Yai | 25–35 min | 1,500–2,500 THB | White-sand beaches | | Racha Noi | 35–45 min | Combined with Yai | Diving, manta rays | | Similan | 60–80 min* | 2,500–3,200 THB | World-class diving | | Coral Island | 10–15 min | 800–1,500 THB | Families, quick trips | | Koh Yao Noi | 30–40 min | 1,800–2,800 THB | Culture, relaxation | | Koh Yao Yai | 40–50 min | 2,000–3,000 THB | Off-the-beaten-path | | Khai Islands | 20–30 min | 1,200–1,800 THB | Instagram-worthy shallows | | Koh Maiton | 20–25 min | 2,500–4,000 THB | Exclusivity, dolphins |

*From Khao Lak pier; add 90 min van transfer from Phuket.

Practical Tips for Island Hopping From Phuket

Best season: November through April offers calm seas and clear skies. January to March is the sweet spot. The Similan Islands close entirely from mid-May to October.

What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen is banned at national parks), a dry bag for electronics, a rash guard for sun protection, cash for park fees (Phi Phi: 400 THB, Similan: 500 THB for foreigners), and water shoes for rocky shores.

Private vs. group: If you're traveling with 4+ people, a private boat often works out to roughly the same per-person cost as a premium group tour — but with far more flexibility, privacy, and the ability to beat the crowds. Compare options and book directly on Boooat.com to find the right vessel for your group size and budget.

Safety: Always verify that the boat carries life jackets for every passenger, a GPS unit, and a working radio. Licensed operators display their Marine Department registration number — don't hesitate to ask.

Plan Your Perfect Island Day

The beauty of Phuket's position is that you can mix and match islands to create your ideal itinerary. A few of our favorite combinations:

• Morning at Racha Yai + afternoon at Coral Island — great for families, only 25 min from Chalong
• James Bond Island + Koh Yao Noi — culture and scenery in a single day
• Phi Phi + Khai Islands — the classic combo, best done by private speedboat to manage timing
• Koh Maiton + Coral Island — a relaxed day hitting two close islands with minimal travel time

Whatever route you choose, the key is getting on the water early and picking the right boat. Browse available boats on Boooat.com to compare options, see real photos, and connect with verified operators who know these islands inside out. Your best Phuket memories are waiting just offshore.