Paradise Awaits! Explore the Best Islands from Phuket

Phuket is the ultimate starting point for island-hopping! Just a boat ride away, you'll find a variety of must-visit islands with movie-worthy cliffs. Each island from Phuket offers something unique, from crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs to vibrant marine life and unforgettable scenery. Here’s your guide to the top island getaways, perfect for family fun or thrilling adventures—there’s something for everyone.

1. Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are a top island-hopping destination from Phuket, and one of the most iconic islands from Phuket, known for turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re snorkeling among coral reefs or relaxing on the white-sand beaches, Phi Phi Islands are an absolute must-see on any Phuket island trip.

Phi Phi Don, the largest island, is the main hub with hotels, restaurants, and the pier at Ton Sai Bay, where you can find most amenities. From Ton Sai Bay, you can walk to Loh Dalum Bay, a beautiful spot with clear water perfect for swimming.

The Phi Phi Islands are a year-round destination for diving, but the best time to visit is in May when the water is exceptionally clear and comfortably warm, around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

How to get there: You can take a speedboat from Klong Jirad Pier or Krabi Marina, which takes about an hour to one hour and a half and costs around 350 - 500 Baht (approximately $12 to $14).

2. Coral Island (Koh Hey)

Coral Island, or Koh Hey, is a family-friendly paradise just 10 kilometers from Phuket, making it one of the easiest islands to reach. Known for its vibrant coral reefs, Koh Hey offers excellent snorkeling, banana boat rides, and a laid-back beach vibe. The main attractions, Long Beach and Banana Beach boast crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a beach escape.

Once a hidden gem, Banana Beach has now become a famous “secret beach” and a must-visit island from Phuket, where many visitors come to capture stunning photos of its pristine scenery. This beach is ideal for families, with calm waters that are safe for children to swim and snorkel. For adventure-seekers, Banana Beach Phuket also offers exciting water activities like parasailing and kayaking.

How to get there: It’s just a quick 10-15 minute speedboat ride from Phuket, or about 45 minutes by longtail boat if you prefer a more scenic trip.

The TAGTHAi Phuket Day Pass brings unmatched value, offering a seamless day trip to Banana Beach on Koh Hey, complete with snorkeling, a delicious lunch, and round-trip hotel transfers from Phuket City or Patong. Choose from two convenient time slots: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM or 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, allowing you to spend a relaxing morning or afternoon exploring this tropical paradise.

But the pass offers more than just the island tour! With the Phuket Day Pass, you also gain free access to additional exciting activities across the island. After your day at Banana Beach, enjoy more experiences, such as ziplining at Hanuman World or unwinding with a traditional Thai massage. This all-inclusive pass combines convenience and savings, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable Phuket adventure.

3. James Bond Island

Famous for its appearance in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun filmed in 1974, James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) is another stunning island from Phuket. Located in Phang Nga Bay, the island is known for its unique limestone rock formations that rise dramatically from the emerald-green waters. 

However, visitors are not allowed to approach Koh Tapu closely due to safety regulations set by authorities. Years of sea erosion have significantly worn down the island’s base, making it much narrower than the upper section, raising concerns that it could eventually collapse. For this reason, tourists can only view the iconic limestone formation from a safe distance, preserving both the island's unique structure and visitor safety.

Despite this restriction, a boat tour around James Bond Island, a popular island from Phuket, offers an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking views of the towering rock formation amidst the emerald waters and surrounding limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay. It’s an adventure that perfectly combines natural beauty with the allure of cinematic history.

How to get there: From Phuket, James Bond Island is about a 50-60 minute speedboat ride or around 2 hours by longtail boat, giving you time to soak in the scenic views of Phang Nga Bay.

4. Similan Islands

The Similan Islands, also known as "Koh Kao" or "Nine Islands" from the Malay word "Similan," originally consisted of nine islands aligned from north to south. This stunning group of islands from Phuket is known for both its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant underwater ecosystems, offering fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities. 

With both shallow and deep dive sites teeming with colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and diverse tropical fish, the Similan Islands are an ideal getaway. Their powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make these islands an unforgettable escape for families and ocean lovers seeking a top island adventure from Phuket.

For those who want to experience some of the world’s best diving, the Similan Islands are a must-visit. These islands are part of a national marine park and are famous for their diverse marine life and incredible underwater visibility. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will be in awe of the colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish species.

How to get there: Located about 90 minutes from Phuket by speedboat, the journey to the Similan Islands begins at Thap Lamu Pier and takes you through pristine waters and lush scenery.

Ready to Set Sail Again? Your Next Island Awaits

With so many breathtaking islands from Phuket to explore, there’s truly something for everyone, from family-friendly Coral Island to the adventurous Similan Islands. To make the most of your trip, consider the Phuket Day Pass from TAGTHAi, which provides convenient access to many top Phuket attractions. Whether you’re here for a quick Phuket day tour or an extended vacation, this pass ensures an unforgettable island-hopping experience.