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: 15.05.2026

35 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

The islands surrounding Phuket are true treasures for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and just a peaceful getaway. Each one offers unique experiences, from vibrant coral reefs to pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. In this article, I’m going to take you through the seven best islands near Phuket, sharing their unique vibes, what I loved about them, and some hotel recommendations to help you pick the perfect spot for your next escape.

Honestly, these islands are just fantastic for whatever kind of break you’re after — whether it’s action-packed adventures, pure beach relaxation, or really diving into the local culture and nature.

1. Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are seriously a stunning archipelago, famous for their absolutely breathtaking natural beauty. Phi Phi Don, the main island, has a bunch of different zones for travelers: there’s the lively village tucked between Tongsai and Dalum bays, packed with hotels and restaurants, then the peaceful Laem Tong beach, and those gorgeous southern shores.

You’ll find perfect conditions here for snorkeling and diving, no joke. And Phi Phi Leh, with its iconic Maya Bay beach, offers unparalleled views and so many excursion possibilities.

For hotels, I’d say The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket and Barcelo Coconut Island, Phuket are fantastic choices for a comfy stay with some truly stunning sea views.

2. Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are part of a national park, and honestly, they’re famous for their untouched natural beauty. This spot is a total diver’s paradise, all thanks to the unbelievably clear water and that vibrant underwater world. The pure white-sand beaches, lush greenery, and unique rock formations just make the Similans absolutely perfect for anyone looking for solitude and a real connection with nature.

Trips to the Similan Islands usually run from mid-October to mid-May, which is when the sea’s calm and the weather’s just right for visiting. During this period, you can really make the most of the amazing diving and snorkeling conditions there.

Accommodation-wise, you’ll find tent camps and some pretty simple bungalows, all offered by the park management itself.

3. Racha Islands

The Racha Islands, sometimes called Raya, are actually made up of Racha Yai and Racha Noi. Racha Yai gives you tons of options for active stuff like diving and snorkeling, plus a good range of places to stay. The island is super well-known for its calm beaches and lovely views. Racha Noi is a bit further out, so it’s usually better for just day trips.

For hotels, A2 Pool Resort – SHA Plus and NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort are popular spots, and they’ve got some really great facilities for a relaxing vacation.

4. Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi

These two islands, nestled right between Phuket and Krabi, offer a really cool mix of traditional life and modern comforts. Koh Yao Noi is a bit more developed for tourism, and you’ll find all sorts of hotels there, from budget-friendly to super luxurious. Honestly, these islands are just perfect for a peaceful getaway and getting a feel for the local culture.

If you’re looking for luxury, Royal Phuket City Hotel and Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra are absolutely stunning resorts, offering top-notch service and some truly incredible views.

5. Coral Island (Koh Hae)

Coral Island is super close, just a 15-minute boat ride from Phuket, which is pretty convenient. It’s famous for its pristine white-sand Long Beach and Banana Beach, plus it’s got excellent snorkeling conditions. There’s only one hotel on the island, the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, which offers cozy accommodation and easy access to all the beach fun.

So, I Pavilion Hotel Phuket is your go-to if you’re really looking to spend some time in solitude and soak up the pure beauty of a tropical island.

6. Koh Khai Islands

The Koh Khai Islands, located just east of Phuket, are fantastic for day trips. Koh Khai Nok, the biggest one, is well-known for its beaches and snorkeling spots. You can totally chill out at the local bars and restaurants there, just soaking in that laid-back tropical vibe.

No hotels right on the islands themselves, unfortunately, but you can always stay on Phuket and just visit them as part of a day tour.

7. Koh Bon

Koh Bon is super close to Phuket’s southeast coast, offering a really peaceful escape with nice beaches and restaurants where you can grab some fresh seafood. It’s absolutely ideal for short trips and a bit of snorkeling.

Again, no hotels directly on the island, but you could easily stay in Rawai on Phuket and just take a quick trip over to Koh Bon.