Phuket Island Hopping Guide

Koh Phi Phi is considered to be one of the most panoramic islands around the world. This exquisite beauty of a beachfront, a group of six islands, have striking emerald green waters enveloped by limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, lush mangroves, and a buzzing coastal village.

Location: The islands are located around 40 kilometres from Phuket and are a part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park.

How to reach from Phuket: You can take a ferry or a speedboat directly from your resort (50 minutes).

Highlights:
- Maya Bay & Monkey beach
- Bamboo Beach for snorkelling and exploring coral reefs
- Diving at Shark Point and Anemone Reef
- Rock climbing at Tonsai Tower

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Phang Nga Bay, a protected island, has the most interesting landscape amongst all the islands. It features striking limestone cliffs jutting into the sky from the waters, ancient cave systems, and pristine golden beaches to spend tranquil time during Phuket Island hopping.

Location: The Island is located between the Malay Peninsula and Phuket (40 kilometers)

How to reach from Phuket: You can rent a self-drive vehicle or take a longtail boat for Phuket Island hopping tour.

Highlights:
- Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park to see hundreds of species of birds and marine animals
- Rafting & trekking at Khao Lak
- Kayaking to explore the ancient caves like Bat cave & Diamond cave
- Visit the Bang Niang market to indulge in street food and local shopping

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This island has been etched in the minds of the tourists due to its feature in a James Bond film. They love to get themselves photographed amidst the suddenly jutting limestone formations. The landscape of this island is fascinating with hidden caves and shallow lagoons that offer aplenty for everybody.

Location: The island is located off Phang Nga Bay.

How to reach from Phuket: You need to take a ferry from Ao Por Pier and reach Phang Nga Bay. From there, you can take a Cruise Boat, Longtail boat, or a Speedboat.

Highlights:
- See the signature rocky pinnacle and other magnificent limestone formations from the beach and explore the caves at Koh Ping Gan
- Visit Koh Panyee to see the village life of local fishermen

Checkout & Book: James Bond Island Tour from Phuket by Long Tail Boat

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Ko Hong Island, a cluster of four islands, is known for its majestic limestone formations surrounding the white sandy beaches and the green waters. This offers travellers a feeling of being secluded from the chaos and noise of the world.

Location: The Island is located off the Krabi coast, around 39 kilometers from Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The island can be reached by a long tail boat (45 minutes) or a speedboat (20 minutes).

Highlights:
- Visit the Thanbok Koranee National Park.
- Snorkelling and swimming with the colourful fish.
- Cruising through rock openings in the Hong lagoon.

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This is the smaller counterpart of Racha Yai island, together forming the Racha Islands. Koh Racha Noi is a remote beachfront that provides striking landscape views amidst tranquil environs. The waters are of shimmering blue color and the beaches pristine white.

Location: They are located at a distance of 30 kilometres from Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The islands are reachable by ferry in 60 minutes.

Highlights:
- Visit the east coast bay for diving and snorkelling
- Spot the exotic species of fish and turtles while swimming

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The beautiful island, comprising of two beaches, Banana Beach and Long Beach, is known for its massive coral reefs and is known as the top choice for Best island hopping tour Phuket. Travellers love to visit the shimmering white beaches here for escaping from the nearby crowded islands while Phuket island hopping.

Location: The Island is located 3 kilometres south of Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: Travellers can take a speedboat from Phuket (15-minutes)

Highlights:
- Snorkelling and scuba diving to explore the massive coral reefs
- Swim with scores of colourful fish
- Hike to the Banana beach and Long beach and taste authentic Thai food

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The Similan Islands are famous for its majestic rock formations covered by luxuriant forests and the massive rock boulders in the waters that form intriguing crevices for the divers to explore.

Location: The island is located around 84 kilometers northwest from Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The islands are reachable in 75 minutes via speedboats and in 4 hours by ferry.

Highlights:
- Dive from Koh Tachai to see the seabed rock formations of East of Eden and Elephant Head Rock (Hin Pousar)
- Swim along with the exotic fish- leopard sharks and manta rays
- Snorkel to see the majestic coral reefs
- Visit the Sunset Point & the Similan Viewpoint

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Surin Islands comprise of some of the remotest islands. Out of the 5 islands, only one is habited, making the place untouched and pristine. The natural beauty in these islands is breathtaking not only above the waters but also beneath them. The waters are home to exotic marine animals and coral reefs.

Location: The island is located around 150 kilometres northwest of Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: You can reach the island in 60 minutes by speedboat.

Highlights:
- Visit the Ban Buthom Basketry Village in Muang Thi
- See the silk-making process at the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Centre
- Learn about the local heritage and culture at the Surin National Museum
- Scuba dive to see the exotic fish species like yellow mask angelfish, Bumphead parrotfish
- Interact with the Moken (sea gypsies) community

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Koh Jum and Koh Pu are two relatively smaller islands that span for only 19 kilometers and have a very unique landscape. The southern part of Koh Pu has flat beaches heavy with rubber trees and is perfect for spending quiet time on the beach. The northern part (Koh Jum), also known as Crab Island, is rocky and is great for short hikes, including the one till Pu Mountain, which is the landmark of the island.

Location: The island is located in the Nuea Khlong district in Krabi province, around 40 kilometres from Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: You can reach the island in about 90 minutes by ferry for Phuket Island hopping tour.

Highlights:
- Snorkeling & scuba diving at King Cruiser Deck
- Exploring the island on motorbike
- Swimming at the Magic Beach
- Interact with the fishermen communities

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Koh Lanta has been rated amongst the top islands around the world for its magnificent landscape. The island has plenty of things to keep travellers engaged. Right from having some of the best diving sites, to intriguing cave networks, kayaking in the lush mangroves, and even spending time with rescued dogs at the island’s animal welfare centre. This makes this place a highlight of the best island hopping tour Phuket.

Location: The island is located around 90 kilometres to the south of Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: Koh Lanta is reachable from Phuket in 2 hours by ferry for Phuket Island hopping tour.

Highlights:
- Explore the ancient caves at Ghost island and Khao Mai Kaew while kayaking
- Visit the organic teahouses in the island’s bamboo forests
- Explore the Mu Ko Lanta National Park

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Koh Samui is known for its lively atmosphere with travellers from across the world visiting this tropical gem. The beaches are dotted with palm trees with vast expanses of blue-green waters. This place has super luxury properties along with a variety of options for budget travellers who want to indulge in Phuket island hopping.

Location: Koh Samui is around 300 kilometres from Phuket

How to reach from Phuket: There is one flight by Bangkok Air that connects Phuket to this island. Alternatively, a scenic road connects the two places (6 hours). Other options are buses and ferries (7 hours)

Highlights:
- Visit the Ang Thong National Park for its lush jungles, waterfalls, coves, and exotic wildlife
- See the 12-metre Buddha statue at the Big Buddha beach
- See the jaw-dropping natural rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai

This tiny tropical island is a rather remote beachfront covered in thick mangroves a famous stop during Phuket island hopping. The waters are balmy & calm and the sands are warm & inviting. The island is home to long tail macaques and varieties of fish.

Location: The island is around 5 kilometres away from Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The best way to get to the island is to take a ferry (45-minutes). You can opt for a bus (30-minutes).

Highlights:
- Explore the island on a motorbike
- See the rustic village life and the rubber plantations
- Indulge in snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing with the locals

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Racha Islands, a cluster of Koh Racha Noi and Koh Racha Yai, are two spectacular islands with glimmering white sands and blue-green waters. With plenty of resorts and activities to indulge in during Phuket island hopping, this island is a perfect option for couples and families.

Location: The Island is located around 12 kilometres south of Phuket

How to reach from Phuket: Travellers can opt for a long tail boat (60 minutes) or a speedboat (40 minutes) from Phuket.

Highlights:
- Open water diving
- Snorkelling
- Scuba Diving

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Naka Yai, also known as the Pearl Island, is one of the few sites in Thailand where pearls are cultivated. This charming and quaint island is fast becoming popular for its super luxury resorts and the panoramic landscapes. The beaches with shimmering green water dotted with coconut trees look out into Phang Nga Bay.

Location: The island is located around 17 kilometres north from Phuket

How to reach from Phuket: Naka Yai is reachable by a 30-minute ferry ride.

Highlights:
- Visit to the Pearl Farm to see the cultivation & processing of pearls
- Snorkelling
- Fishing with the locals
- Kayaking

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The best thing about this quaint island is that it seems to be frozen in time. It has hardly changed in the last 3-4 decades and this is what makes the place even more charming. This laid back island has luxuriant mangroves, off-white sands, and glimmering green waters.

Location: The island is located around 24 kilometres north of Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The island is reachable by a 50-minute boat ride

Highlights:
- Kayaking to explore the crevices in the mangroves.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Exploring the quaint village on a motorbike or on foot.

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The best thing about this quaint island is that it seems to be frozen in time. It has hardly changed in the last 3-4 decades and this is what makes the place even more charming. This laid back island has luxuriant mangroves, off-white sands, and glimmering green waters.

Location: The island is located around 24 kilometres north of Phuket

How to reach from Phuket: The island is reachable by a 50-minute boat ride

Highlights:
- Kayaking to explore the crevices in the mangroves
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
- Exploring the quaint village on a motorbike or on foot

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Ko Mai Thon is a private island. This has helped in the island retaining its natural tranquil beauty and unspoiled vistas. This place is rich in marine wildlife and coral reefs. You might even spot a dolphin or reef sharks while swimming!

Location: Ko Mai Thon is located around 24 kilometres south-east of Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The island is reachable by a 20-minute speedboat ride from Phuket.

Highlights:
- Snorkelling to explore the rich marine life
- Indulge in traditional Thai seafood
- See the sunrise and sunset from the secluded vantage points

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Racha Islands is a pair of two strikingly beautiful islands- Koh Racha Noi and Koh Racha Yai. The islands have clear green waters and pristine white beaches and are known for luxury resorts and secluded spots with massive coral reefs.

Location: They are located at a distance of 30 kilometres from Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The islands are reachable by ferry (60-minutes).

Highlights:
- The island is known for its amazing diving spots
- Snorkeling to explore the massive coral reefs & manta rays

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Koh Keyao, also known as the ‘Small Green island’, lies around 700 metres from the Ya Nui beach. Reachable by a short kayak ride, this island has rocky expenses covered with thick forests. There are some great spots rich in coral reefs, perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Location: The island is located off the Ya Nui beach, around 40 kilometres from Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: The beach is reachable by a 60-minute long tail boat ride, then through a tuk-tuk till the island.

Highlights:
- Snorkeling to explore the underwater marine life
- Hike in the jungles and the rocky trails
- Sea-walking and body boarding

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The island, an exotic & charming getaway, is a beautiful sight with luxuriant mangroves, limestone coves, and glimmering white sands. It provides peaceful tranquillity away from the hustle-bustle of the busier islands.

Location: Koh Bon Island lays two kilometres of the Rawai beach on the south-eastern coast of Phuket.

How to reach from Phuket: Through a longtail boat (15-minutes)

Highlights:
- Swimming and snorkelling to explore the rich marine life
- See scores of hermit crabs, octopuses, and indigenous birds
- The resorts house some of the best spas around Phuket

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Longtail boats are the traditional non-mechanised hand rowed form of water taxis. Traditionally referred to as Rua Hang Ho, they were once used to traverse the canal systems of Bangkok. They cannot travel very fast, but are a fun way to island hop. They can accommodate 8 people at a time.

How to Get: These boats are readily available for a direct hire at the beaches or can be arranged by your resort or tour operator.

Cost: Chartering a longtail boat from Por Bay for Phuket island hopping costs around 20,000 THB (INR 44,500). This includes captain, snacks, fuel, English speaking guide, insurance, fees of the national parks, etc.

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A ferryboat is one of the most popular forms of transport used by tourists for indulging in Phuket island hopping. They are air-conditioned interiors and have open decks with seating.

How to Get: A ferry can be hired directly at the beach or arranged by your resort.

Cost: The average cost of hiring a ferry for a full day Phuket island hopping tour is around 30,000 THB (INR 66,70) including insurance, captain, English-speaking guide, etc.

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Speedboats are another popular and faster way to indulge in an island hopping in Phuket. They have facilities like lunch decks, foldable anchors, and sun-beds, and fishing & snorkelling gears. A speedboat accommodates around 8 people.

How to Get: There are many operators that rent speedboats. Alternatively, they can be arranged by your resort for island hopping in Phuket.

Cost: A full day tour costs around 45,000 THB (INR 1,00,000) including the on-deck facilities, insurance, English speaking guide, etc.

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Privately chartered longtail boats are the best way to indulge in island hopping in Phuket at your own pace in a comfortable privacy.

How to Get: These boats can be hired directly or arranged by your resort.

Cost: The average cost for 5-6 people for a full day tour is around BHT 33,700 (INR 75,000) including the cost of fuel, captain, life jackets, etc. 

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These are the luxury boats that help you enjoy the islands at your own pace and in the privacy & comfort. These work better for couples and smaller groups and can accommodate up to 20 passengers for island hopping in Phuket.

How to Get: These boats can be hired directly or arranged by your resort.

Cost: The average cost of hiring a luxury boat is around BHT 77,000 (INR 1,70,000) for up to 10 people and includes accident insurance, national park fees, life jackets, personalised music systems, etc.

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