Bon Island Phuket 🏝️ Lunch at Koh Bon Restaurant

Where is Koh Bon Island?

Bon Island (or Koh Bon) is located just south of Rawai Beach in Phuket and is just a short longtail boat ride away. A few sandy beaches pepper the coast of this tiny island, and despite being so close to Phuket, it is not too busy with tourists.

There are only two real beaches on Koh Bon (‘Koh’ means island in Thai). The first beach was once the landing spot of the now-closed Evason Resort Phuket, and the second beach is the hideaway of Bon Island Restaurant. The island is not as impressive as Coral Island or Similan island, but it is so close to Phuket island that it’s a fun escape for lunch.

Note that Bon Island is not related to James Bond island! It’s not even in the same area, but people sometimes confuse them.

The Restaurant

With thatched roofs and wooden salas, Bon Island restaurant has a little ‘castaway’ atmosphere. Of course, you won’t be alone on Koh Bon during the high season as no restaurant would survive with just a couple of guests. Just like some other travellers searching for a hidden spot will land here for lunch, often repeaters who fell in love with the place, plus a couple of speedboats stopping over for lunch on their way to some other Phuket attractions.

Once those speedboats are gone, the beach is yours to play with: snorkelling, kayaking, or hanging here watching yachts and sailing boats passing by with a local beer or a freshly opened coconut.

Life on Bon Island is like a slice of heaven, with a small white sandy beach, palm trees swaying in the summer breeze and little clouds gently drifting in a bright blue sky. Every day, enough customers cross to the island to enjoy delicious pepper prawns (280 baht) or Tamarin prawns (also 280 Baht), and all seems to be idyllic and perfect.

What to Order

• Deep-Fried ‘Tempura’ Chicken – 240 Baht
  
• Garlic Prawns – 280 Baht
• Tamarind Fish – 370 Baht
• Pineapple Fried Rice Prawn – 240 Baht
• Chicken and Cashew Nuts – 260 Baht
• Papaya (Somtam) or Cucumber Thai Salad – 120 Baht
• Chicken with Basil over Rice and Fried Egg – 240 Baht
• Fried Fillet of Fish with Sweet Chilli Sauce (plah rahd prik) – 370 Baht
• Sweet and Sour Chicken – 240 Baht
• Prawn Fried Rice – 180 Baht
  

Photos of Bon Island

Pepper Prawns

How to Get to Bon Island

The best way to get to Bon Island is to ride a longtail boat, always waiting on Rawai Beach. Make sure you agree on the price, usually about 1,300 baht per boat for a round trip. Prices may vary with seasons, demand, or the number of passengers, but this should give you a ballpark to bargain. Note that you pay the boat fare on the way back. Any agency or driver would add their commission to this price.

Note: while Koh Bon seems nearby, it would be extremely dangerous to consider swimming across the channel!

During the low season, check if the restaurant is open is recommended as the weather sometimes doesn’t allow boats to cross. You can call 081 892 1156 or check directly on their Facebook page.

FAQs about Bon Island

More Reading

Rawai Beach ⛱️

15 Islands Near Phuket 🏝️ Phuket Island Hopping

There are so many big and small islands around Phuket; it would take forever to visit them all. Most are not far, and you should consider island hopping for your trip or even a private cruise. These are just a few islands near Phuket ... Read More

Phi Phi Island, Thailand

Phi Phi islands are open, the beaches and other nearby islands are more beautiful than ever. The island looks quiet, and many shops, restaurants and hotels are still closed, but things start to look better ... Read More

Similan Islands – What to Do in the Similans?

The Similan Islands form a fabulous archipelago in the Andaman Sea, just 120 km northwest of Phuket island. These small islands are so stunning; you don't even need to be an excellent photographer to come back with amazing photos ... Read More

Koh Racha Island near Phuket 🏝️ Koh Racha Yai

Koh Racha Island or Koh Racha Yai (also called Raya Island) is a small idyllic island just 12 kilometres south of Phuket, popular for day trips, snorkelling and scuba diving. The island is so small it can only accommodate a few resorts ... Read More

Coral Island Phuket (Koh Hey) 🏝️

Coral Island, or Koh Hey, is one of the few beautiful islands you can reach within 15 minutes by speedboat from Rawai Beach in south Phuket. You can spend half a day or a full day playing on the beach, snorkelling or even scuba diving, even during low season. It might seem strange to go ... Read More

Maiton Island (Koh Mai Thon) 🏝️

Maiton island is an understated paradise with a long and exciting history. It’s a fantastic day out, only 15 minutes from Phuket by speedboat. The island is small but with a large and quiet beach and a green hill as a backdrop. Maiton is a private island with a small hotel and just a few ... Read More

Koh Yao Noi 🏝️ Amazing Koh Yao Islands

Koh Yao Noi is a small island just 20 kilometres away by boat from the east coast of Phuket. Koh Yao consists of two distinct islands: the smallest and most populated is Koh Yao Noi, and the largest but mostly uninhabited is Koh Yao Yai ... Read More

Koh Khai Islands 🏝️

Koh Khai is a group of famous tiny islands just 15 minutes speedboat ride from Phuket's east coast. There are three islands: Koh Khai Nai, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nok, but their names get a little confusing, especially once you know that 'Koh' means 'Island' in Thai. Two of them (Koh Khai Nai ... Read More

FAQs about Bon Island