Phuket is full of wonders and this beautiful island is a vacation destination in itself. But sometimes you feel the need to travel a little further afield to see some of the other sights this part of Thailand has to offer. Fortunately there are some stunning island getaways within easy reach of Phuket. These island stars are one of the reasons why so many people visit Phuket every year. Which one will you visit this year?
Coral Island
Want to get away, but don’t want to go too far? Try Coral Island, one of the only major islands you can reach within 15 minutes by taking a fast boat from Phuket. Because Coral Island is so close to Phuket you will be sharing it with a lot of other day trippers. If you like to take in the atmosphere, have a good time with a few beers, and spend the day playing sport or taking part in water activities, Coral Island is for you. If you like your peace and solitude you may want to consider one of Phuket’s less crowded options. Or you could visit the island and stay overnight. Once the day boats have all departed Coral Island is a different place – tranquil, calm, and lovely. The Coral Island Resort is not five-star luxury but you will enjoy a romantic, relaxing few nights and you can soak up the atmosphere by having breakfast on the beach and staying in a cabin that looks out over the ocean. Coral Island is a fine day trip, but an even better overnight stay.
Racha Island
Take a two-hour boat trip to Racha Island which contains Racha Resort, a luxury hideaway and some stunning sandy beaches. The diving here is fantastic and you’ll also enjoy some peaceful snorkeling if you want to get up close to the fishes. Racha Resort has villas and pool suites plus a spa and a nice restaurant. The main reason to come to this island is to relax. Soak up some sun, watch the waves, and maybe do a little swimming. If the pace of life on Phuket becomes too much, this is your ideal getaway.
Koh Panyee
Also known as Koh Panyi, this island located close to the main island of Phuket is a tourist trap but also a place that is definitely worth visiting. If you get there as early as you can, you can see the place before the crowds descend. But even with all the other travelers surrounding you, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy on Koh Panyee. Koh Panyee is in the limestone bay close to Phuket and as you take the boat to the island you’ll see the strange, towering cliffs rising out of the water. Once you reach the island you’ll notice the many restaurants close to the area where the boats dock – if you’re hungry then the seafood is always the best option. The village is constructed on stilts and was set up around two centuries ago. The precarious houses and shops teeter on these stilts above the ocean. You can walk round and explore the little stores selling all manner of interesting souvenirs, and see how life goes on day by day for the people who live in this extraordinary village – while it may be a tourist place, this is still very much a living island and you can see the school, police station, and the mosque.
Koh Bon
Take a long tail boat from Rawai Beach on Phuket to reach Koh Bon in a short time. The small island of Koh Bon has a private beach for guests at the resort, and another lovely little beach with a great restaurant and plenty of space to lie down and relax on the sands. For a short trip from Phuket, Koh Bon is a good option.
Koh Yao
The two spacious islands of Koh Yao are located directly between the island of Phuket and Krabi. Within the islands you can find several resorts which come with all the necessary luxuries for a relaxing stay close to Phuket, including spas and restaurants. While the islands are not as standout stunning as others they are peaceful and interesting, with traditional villages and laces to walk and ride bikes.
Rang Yai Island
This private island is the place to go if you want to be “marooned” on your own desert island. You can camp here, and there are also bungalows to stay in. While the pace of life is of course very slow, there are still ways to entertain yourself with mountain biking, swimming or kayaking in the clear waters. Take a trip from this island to a pearl farm that produces beautiful pearls for the jewelry you can buy in Phuket souvenir shops.
For the vacation of a lifetime, visit Phuket with PhuketOn. Take a look at the information and articles on PhuketOn to plan your trip and where to stay.
