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Islands
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 Lon
Island
This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger
boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim
inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a
long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Ko Lon leave
daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.
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Coral
Island or Hey Island
This island of Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef
that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the
splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Hey
is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various
water sports and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai and
Chalong. Package tours are also available.
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Mai
Ton Island
This tiny island of Phuket's southeast coast is highly prized for its
still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and
crystal waters; ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only
business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not
wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao
Makham Deep Sea Port. For details contact (076) 214954-7.
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Taphao
Yai Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's southeast
coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from
Phuket Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd., intersection, turn
left on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in
the vicinity of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about 200
meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are
available on the island. For details call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.
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Raya
Yai (or Racha ) Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern
coast.
- Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the
hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called
alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal
clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket. From the top
of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the
whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an
excellent site for diving.
- Raya Noi Island This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result
of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a
small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are
emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.
 To get there
contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for
details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel
time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will
make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to
dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.
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Rang
Yai Island
Lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has been developed for
out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities are snorkeling on
the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf,
and visiting the island's pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island,
boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package
tours are provided by Richy Island Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour
agencies.
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Sire
Island
Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a shallow
mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island is connected by a
causeway to the city. Wat Ko Sire, on the hill, has a large Reclining
Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest
settlement of Sea Gipsies, or Chao Ley, are on Ko Sire at Leam Tuk-kae.
Swimming is not present because of the muddy bottom. There are some
popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.
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Nakha
Island
This small, quiet island with fine sandy beaches lies just off Phuket's
northeast shore. Waters are suitable for swimming. One item of interest
at Ko Nakha Noi not found in many other places is its pearl farm. Boats
can be hired from Ao Po Pier, off Pa Khlok Rd., for travel to Ko Nakha
Noi, and package trips are available at tour agencies, generally
including lunch and a visit to the pearl farm.
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Phi
Phi Island
Phi Phi Islands are located about 48 Km southeast from Phuket,
42 km south from Krabi Town and 40 km from Ao Nang Beach and can be
reached by boat In between 11/2 to 3 hours depending on the type of boat
you take. Boats leave from Phuket, Ao Nang and the Chao Far Pier in
Krabi Town everyday.
The characterize of the islands are steep, lightly vegetated cliffs
rising vertically from the seabed and hidden bays concealing petite,
pristine beaches and calm clear waters.
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Koh
Hi (Coral Island)
The outer of two islands directly south of Chalong Bay, which
you by dive boat from Chalong Bay (Phuket) can reach in about 45 min.
Its nearness and its relatively sheltered position mean virtually all
year around diving. During the rainy season, Coral Island is the best
diving destination from Phuket.
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Koh
Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi, is one of the largest islands surrounding
Phuket and can be reached in one hour by boat from Phuket. The island is
situated within a very short distance to the well-known destinations of
Koh Bileh islands, Krabi, Phang Nga (James Bond islands). The tourism
has not been developed on a large scale on the island, thai life style
remained unchanged and peace and privacy abound. Soth of Koh Yao Noi it
has its twin island, Koh Yao Yai, wich is even bigger and wilder and
offers wonderful spots for trekking.
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 Similian
Islands
Similian Islands (Koh Similian) is a group of islands located
approximately 100 kilometers north-west of Phuket. There are a total of
nine granite islands covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by
chalk white beaches and crystal clear blue water, that offers some of
the best diving in Thailand and the world. There is a big variation in
the underwater environment to be found here that are not offered on any
other places around the world
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Koh
Bon
Koh Bon is located north of Similian Islands and offers
world-class diving. The dive site is on the southwestern point and
consists of a 33 meter wall facing the small cove, and a step-down ridge
that carries on to depths of over 45 meters. Koh Bon is one of the
better places to see manta rays, especially towards the end of the
season when there is more plankton in the water. In that area you also
have the islands Koh Tachaj, the Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock.
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Islands Map
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