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, 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 it seems that people confuse them sometimes.

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 in search of 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 in hand.

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 make the effort of crossing the sea 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 in Rawai Beach. Make sure you first agree on the price, usually about 1,300 baht per boat for a round trip. Prices may vary a bit 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 to be nearby, it would be extremely dangerous to consider swimming across the channel!

During the low season, it is recommended to check if the restaurant is open 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

What’s Around?

Rawai Beach ⛱️

Coral Island Phuket (Koh Hey)