Phuket, with the white pearly sand beaches, the azure waters, and a plethora of marine creatures, is rightly a paradise for a beach lover. Every island in Phuket is a place where you can spend the most romantic holiday, exploring each of its exquisite beaches. Home to some of the exotic and rare aquatic species, the vast colonies of corals, and some unique flora, you will find every unusual and fascinating creature here. These islands, apart from their rich biodiversity, offer every thrill and entertainment that you need to make your holiday, one of the most exciting vacation of a lifetime.
Best 8 Phuket Islands You Must Visit For A Serene And Peaceful Experience
Whether it is snorkeling or scuba diving, ferry, cruises, or Island Hopping, every island in this province of Thailand is a hub for adventure. Adorning the turquoise waters and the scenic coasts, here are the best island to hop from one to the next.
1. Koh Hae
Also known as the Coral Island, Koh Hae is one of the most beautiful islands in Phuket that is popular for its long scenic coastlines. It is one of the few islands where you can enjoy activities such as, scuba diving snorkeling, and many water sports. The vast diversity of the corals has made it a great spot for underwater diving.
You can even stay at the resorts and villas lined along the coastal region of Koh Hae. The two beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach are at Koh Hae, where you can spend a day with family, enjoying the beach activities. The Long beach at Coral Island is the perfect place where you can enjoy speedboat rides and sunbathe. You can easily find equipment to snorkel and dive.
Another beach at Koh Hae is Banana Island, with many abundant cafes and restaurants and longtail boats. It is a perfect spot in Phuket where you can entertain yourself with the best food and activities.
Best Time To Visit - December to May
Famous For - Long Beach, Banana Beach, Coral Island Resort, Restaurants and cafes
Things To Do – Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Speedboating, Sunbathing
2. Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is among the best island in Thailand, where tourists arrive for a leisure vacation. Kho Phi Phi island is home to Tonsai Beach that makes it the best holiday Island in Phuket. The white sand and the beautiful beaches also offer many boutique cafes and restaurants, serving delicious Thai food.
Koh Phi Phi also features Maya Bay that is a group of islands with dramatic cliffs and fascinating rock formations. You will find a rich wilderness along the amazing beaches taking you away from the chaos of the cities. The limestone karsts are another fascinating feature that makes it just a beautiful place to spend the holiday close to nature. The beach is just 90 min away from Phuket, where you can enjoy the best water adventure. Ferries and cruises are available to reach Koh Phi Phi from Phuket.
Best Time To Visit - November to March
Famous For - Restaurants and cafes, Maya Bay, Tonsai Beach
Things To Do – Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Sunbathing, Cruises, and Ferries
3. Similan Islands
Similan Islands in Phuket is a group of islets that is popular among divers for their diverse marine beauty. While scuba diving is one of the best things to do in Thailand, the Similan Islands is the best spot for such water activities you can enjoy at the Andaman Sea. The clear waters and the vast colonies of colorful corals make it a diving spot, where you will get a certificate too.
Nonetheless their pristine beauty, the islands are mostly quiet and best for those who are looking for a peaceful and tranquil holiday spot. Not many people visit Similan Island that makes it the best Phuket Island for a beach holiday.
The endangered species, the rare marine creatures, and the landscape of Similan is something you won't find elsewhere in Phuket. The distinct landscape of the island is dominated by the boulders, making it remarkable.
Best Time To Visit – December to January
Famous For– Endangered Wilds, Sail Rock, Sunset Point, and Similan Viewpoint
Things To Do - Scuba Diving, Bird Watching, and Snorkeling
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4. Coconut Island Phuket
Located in Raby Yai Island, the village coconut island is the best leisure holiday destination in Thailand. The luxury village resort not just offers a luxuriating holiday experience but some breathtaking adventure to make your holiday fun-filled and thrilling. Located a few miles away from the mainland, the resort offers every luxury you need to spend the vacation. The grand villas, pool villas, and Jacuzzi suites are the best accommodating villas in Thailand you can reserve for a private beach holiday in Phuket.
If you are looking for some adventure, Mountain Biking, Sailing, and Kayaking are organized for the guest. The spa and sauna are always there to relax and rejuvenate. This private island in Phuket is a one-stop destination for every vacationer who needs an escape to tranquility. The resort is located in Coconut Island, Koh Maprao, just 500m off the coast of Phuket.
Best Time To Visit – December to March
Famous For– Leisure holiday, Water Adventures
Things To Do – Spa and Sauna, Yoga, Mountain Biking, Kayaking
5. Naka Island
While beach holidays are always about leisure and fun, Naka Island is one of the best holiday spots where you can easily spend an exciting holiday. The private beach resort at this best Phuket Island is a hub for couples in this best honeymoon destination in Asia.
This long and quiet island is perfect to seek leisure and admire the white sandy shores along the azure waters. The resort offers a private pool, luxury amenities, spacious rooms, and other facilities that will make your staycation the best experience of a lifetime. The Naka Island, a luxury collection of resort and spa, even offers the guest, revitalizing experience of traditional spa therapies. There are speedboats arranged by the island report for guests to reach from the off coast of Phuket. The secluded island even boasts of limestone cliffs and beachside restaurants where you can taste the most delighting zest of Thai cuisine.
Best Time To Visit – November to March
Famous For– Leisure holiday, Luxury resort, Water Adventures
Things To Do – Spa and Sauna, Speedboat
6. Khai Island
The Koh Khai Nai, Khai Nai Island, and Koh Khai Nok are three small islands in Phuket in the Khai Phuket. Lying 10 km off the Phuket East Coast, Khai Island is indeed a place where you can spend the best vacation. As Island hopping is the best thing to do in Phuket, the Khai island with its three small islets, offers a perfect beach tour. Among the three, Khai Nai is the biggest island with white sand and green seawater.
Get your diving and snorkeling gears and be all prepared for some adventure. The Khai Nai is the perfect spot where you can try almost every water activity like scuba diving. It is the marine life and the corals that have made the underwater world, one scenic place to discover.
Another attraction at Khai island, the egg-shaped Khai Nok Island is the best place to shop for handicrafts and other souvenirs.
Best Time To Visit – December to January
Famous For– Koh Khai Nai, Khai Nai Island, and Koh Khai Nok
Things To Do – Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Shopping
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7. James Bond Island
A picture-perfect attraction in Phuket, James Bond Island is one of the exciting and enthralling Phuket Islands you can visit. The region's lush green beauty, caves, and spectacular landscape have made it one of the most popular islands to visit. With a limestone cliff in the middle of the island, the destination has risen to the top of several travelers' bucket lists. There is an Ice Cream Cave and a wide range of biodiversity dwelling along the untamed terrains where you will find some rare wild plant species.
The island gained some popularity when James Bond filmed some old movie scene. At this well-known island near Phuket, indulge yourself in the nightlife, fine dining, cruising tours, and souvenir shopping. James Bond island, also known as Koh Tapu, is recognized for its stunning marine scenery. A variety of water sports can be enjoyed here for an entertaining experience.
Best Time To Visit – November to March
Famous For– Scenic Beauty, Water sports
Things To Do – Kayaking, Sailing, Surfing, Cave tour, Swimming
8. Maiton Island
Another Private Island in Phuket, the Maiton Island is among the best attraction in Thailand a that is perfect for a romantic holiday. Famous among honeymooners, the island offers a serene and peaceful escape. The emerald green waters here make snorkeling, the best activity to enjoy. If you are looking for some leisure, feel, plan a picnic or just spend the evening.
With some exotic marine life, diving here can be really fun. The Maiton Island is one of the best points in Phuket, where you can spot turtles, cuttlefish, and other creatures. The beach, lined with palm fringes and hiding some exotic coral colonies, should surely be on your bucket list.
Best Time To Visit – December to March
Famous For– Scenic Beauty, Coral Reefs, Marine life, Water sports
Things To Do – Surfing, Swimming, Picnic
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Phuket Islands are nothing lesser than a hidden paradise where you can find every fascinating beauty of nature. Adorning the long coastline, and emerald waters of the sea, every island here is one picture-perfect region to discover. There are adventure tours, leisure activities, and luxury villas, appointed with every amenity to make your staycation a pleasant experience in the islands. Make sure to pack all your diving and swimming gear and book your Thailand flights today to experience the best island vacation in Phuket.
FAQs
The best islands you can visit in or near Phuket are:
- James Bond Island
- Koh Phi Phi Island
- Maiton Island
- Naka Island
- Coconut Island
The international airport in Phuket- Phuket International Airport (HKT), is connecting this island destination to almost every country. Flights to Phuket are daily operated by top airlines.
Yes, there are many private islands you can visit in Phuket like:
- Naka Island
- Coconut Island
- Maiton Island
If you are an adrenaline junky and need some breathtaking adventures, you can try snorkeling scuba diving, Kayaking, and Parasailing. There are other activities like hiking tours and rafting also available.
The Similan group of Islands is considered to be the best diving spot in Phuket. The clear waters and colorful colonies of coral make diving, one of the best experiences at Similan Island Phuket.
While every beach in Phuket is known for its pristine beauty, the Banan beach in Coral Island is one of the most beautiful beaches to visit once. The crescent coastline and fringes along the coast make it a picturesque attraction.
The James Bond Island is around 60 km, towards the northeast of Phuket. There are ferry rides available to reach James Bond Island that will take approximately one hour.
Phuket in Thailand is the most popular destination that is perfect for a honeymoon vacation in Asia. There are a number of islands and beaches with the best water resorts and luxury villas available to make it your most romantic holiday.