Which islands near Phuket are best for diving and snorkeling?

The Similan Islands are a diver's paradise known for unbelievably clear water and a vibrant underwater world. The Phi Phi Islands, especially around Phi Phi Leh, also offer perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving. Racha Yai, part of the Racha Islands, is another great spot for active diving and snorkeling.

When is the best time to visit the Similan Islands?

The ideal period to visit the Similan Islands is from mid-October to mid-May. During these months, the sea is calm and the weather is suitable for enjoying the exceptional diving and snorkeling conditions.

What are the accommodation options like on the Similan and Phi Phi Islands?

On the Similan Islands, accommodation is limited to tent camps and simple bungalows provided by the park management. In contrast, Phi Phi Islands offer more developed options, such as Zeavola Resort and Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, providing comfortable stays with stunning sea views.

Are there any islands very close to Phuket suitable for day trips?

Yes, Coral Island (Koh Hae) is just a 15-minute boat ride from Phuket, known for excellent snorkeling and pristine beaches. The Koh Khai Islands, located east of Phuket, are also fantastic for day trips with beaches, snorkeling, and local bars.

Which islands offer a blend of local culture and modern comforts?

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, situated between Phuket and Krabi, provide a unique mix of traditional life and modern amenities. These islands are perfect for a peaceful getaway and experiencing local culture, with Koh Yao Noi being more developed for tourism.

Can you recommend luxury accommodation options on these islands?

For a luxurious experience, Six Senses Yao Noi and Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa on the Koh Yao islands offer top-notch service and incredible views. The Racha on the Racha Islands is also a popular spot with great facilities for a relaxing vacation.

What are the options if an island doesn't have hotels directly on it?

For islands like Koh Khai and Koh Bon, which lack direct accommodation, it's best to stay on Phuket. You can easily visit them as part of a day tour, for example, staying in Rawai for quick trips to Koh Bon.

Top 7 Islands Near Phuket

Date modified: 05.06.2026

98 views

Phuket Places

1. Phi Phi Islands
2. Similan Islands
3. Racha Islands
4. Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi
5. Coral Island (Koh Hae)
6. Koh Khai Islands
7. Koh Bon

Look, the islands around Phuket are just incredible. They’re perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, or anyone who just needs a quiet getaway. Each one has something special to offer. Think vibrant coral reefs, pure white-sand beaches, and water so clear you won’t believe it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my seven favorite islands near Phuket. I’ll share what makes them unique, what I loved, and even some hotel recommendations to help you plan your next escape.

Seriously, there’s an island here for any kind of trip you can imagine. You’ll find what you’re looking for. It could be action-packed adventures, total beach relaxation, or getting a real feel for the local culture and nature.

1. Phi Phi Islands

Let’s start with a classic. The Phi Phi Islands are a jaw-droppingly beautiful group of islands, and they’re famous for a reason. The main island, Phi Phi Don, has a few different zones for travelers. You’ve got the bustling village between Tongsai and Dalum bays that’s packed with hotels and restaurants. Then there’s the much quieter Laem Tong beach and the gorgeous southern shores.

The conditions for snorkeling and diving are perfect here. It’s no joke. And you can’t forget Phi Phi Leh, home to the iconic Maya Bay beach. It offers amazing views and plenty of excursion possibilities.

For a place to stay, I think The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket and Barcelo Coconut Island, Phuket are both fantastic choices. You’ll get a comfortable stay with some truly incredible sea views.

2. Similan Islands

Part of a national park, the Similan Islands are famous for their completely untouched natural beauty. This place is a diver’s paradise. Why? Because the water is unbelievably clear and the underwater world is teeming with life. With pure white-sand beaches, lush greenery, and unique rock formations, the Similans are perfect if you’re seeking solitude and a true connection with nature.

Just a heads-up: you can only visit from mid-October to mid-May. That’s when the sea is calm and the weather is ideal for a trip. During this time, you can really enjoy the amazing diving and snorkeling conditions.

As for accommodation, it’s pretty basic. You’ll find tent camps and some simple bungalows, which are all managed by the park itself.

3. Racha Islands

Sometimes called the Raya Islands, the Racha Islands are a pair of islands: Racha Yai and Racha Noi. Racha Yai has lots of options for activities like diving and snorkeling, along with a good range of places to stay. People love it for its calm beaches and lovely views. Racha Noi is a bit more remote, so it’s usually just a destination for day trips.

When it comes to hotels, A2 Pool Resort – SHA Plus and NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort are popular spots. They’ve got great facilities for a vacation where you just want to kick back and relax.

4. Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi

You’ll find these two islands sitting right between Phuket and Krabi, and they offer a cool blend of traditional life and modern comforts. Koh Yao Noi is more developed for tourism, so you can find all kinds of hotels there, from budget-friendly spots to luxury resorts. These islands are just perfect for a quiet escape where you can get a real feel for the local culture.

And if you’re looking to splurge, Royal Phuket City Hotel and Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra are stunning resorts. They offer incredible service and some truly fantastic views.

5. Coral Island (Koh Hae)

Coral Island is an easy one. It’s just a 15-minute boat ride from Phuket, which is super convenient. It’s famous for its beautiful white sand on Long Beach and Banana Beach, and the snorkeling conditions are excellent. There’s only one hotel on the island, the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, which gives you a cozy place to stay with easy access to all the beach activities.

So, I Pavilion Hotel Phuket is your go-to if you want to find some real solitude and just appreciate the pure beauty of a tropical island.

6. Koh Khai Islands

Just east of Phuket are the Koh Khai Islands, which are fantastic for day trips. Koh Khai Nok is the biggest of them, known for its beaches and great snorkeling spots. It’s the kind of place where you can just chill out at a local bar or restaurant and soak in the laid-back tropical vibe.

You can’t actually stay on the islands, though, as there are no hotels. But it’s easy to stay on Phuket and just visit them on a day tour.

7. Koh Bon

Koh Bon is another island that’s super close to Phuket’s southeast coast. It’s a peaceful little escape. You’ll find nice beaches and restaurants serving fresh seafood. It’s absolutely perfect for a short trip and a bit of snorkeling.

Again, there aren’t any hotels right on the island. Your best bet is to stay in Rawai on Phuket and just take a quick boat over to Koh Bon.