Phuket Island is surrounded by another 32 smaller islands. Many of them are not inhabited, many of them are palm plantations, and many offer very nice sandy beach, which are famous as Thailand Andaman Beaches and Seacoast, with tropical coral reefs. Phuket beach bungalows and resorts are available in some of these islands. And some islands are accessible only by small speedboats or local long-tail boats.
Coconut IslandLying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.
Coral Island or Hey IslandThis island off Phuket's south coast is well known for its coral reefs and two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Heh is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various water sports, and diving are all available. You can travel there by boats from Rawai and Chalong. There are also package tours offer for visitors.
Kaew IslandA fine beach with natural surroundings and coral are located 3 kms from Rawai, south of Prom Thep. You can take chartered boat to be there only 15 minutes from Rawai .There is also a huge statue of the Buddha you can visit.
Khai Island
Lying off Phuket's East Coast, this small island has beautiful beaches and tropical reefs so close that you can wade out to see colorful fishes and sea urchins.
Lohn Island
This great, mountainous island is only 20 minutes from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. You can take regular passenger boats, which leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier. jost people living there are Muslim whose careers are fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast.
Mai Ton Island
It is a small island off Phuket's southeast coast. It is awarded for its perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal water best for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business here is the plush Maiton Island Resort. For those who do not wish to stay overnight, they may take a daytime trip leaving from Ao Makam deep sea Port.
Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.Lying off Phuket's East Coast this small island has been used for coconut plantations and is now under development for resorts and private housing.
Rang Yai Island
Lying off Phuket's East Coast, this small island has been developed for outdoors-minded tourists. Many activities there are sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. For travel to Koh Rang Yai, boat may be hired from Laem Hin Pier, just outside Phuket Town before the town of Sapam.
Raya Islands or Racha Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast and southwest off Phuket's southern coast.
Raya Yai Island
On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hills that stretch away from it like two arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. The sands are sparkling clean and the water crystal clear like those of the Similan Islands. From the top of a hill on the bay's south is a viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay is a coral reefed where diving is excellent.
Raya Noi Island
This islands 10 kms from Koh Raya Yai. It is originated from coral reef building up and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at this island are emerald green. Fishing is famous, but swimming is not advised. To get there , you can find a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to a travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. But by larger boats operated by tour companies, it takes about one hour. Travelling to the Racha Islands is restricted to the dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.
Similan Islands
For divers and marine life fanatics, no trip to Thailand is complete without a few days spent at the Similan archipelago, which is rated as one of the world's top dive destinations. The tropical beauty of the pristine 9-island group will appeal to non-divers as well - the virgin jungle, fine sands and unusual granite formations on the islands are nearly as breathtaking as the depths of the sea that encompasses them. Accommodation is limited to basic government-run bungalows and tents that get booked up very quickly - it's therefore recommended to join a liveaboard trip and stay on the boat.
...Read more
