There are hundreds of exotic islands in the vast bay between Phuket and Krabi. Phi Phi Island is the best known, but there are other gems, such as Racha Island, Coral Island, Rang Yai and Koh Yao, to name a few. Island hopping is very easy to organise for an unforgettable day trip. The Similans are the most amazing islands you could dream of visiting on the west coast.
Phuket island hopping tours link famous spots like Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay’s James Bond Island, and Coral or Khai Islands into efficient speedboat days with snorkelling, beach stops, and lagoon kayaking in clear water.
Nestled in the heart of Sathorn, Eat Me Restaurant blends contemporary design with creative international cuisine in a cosy atmosphere created by smart lighting focused on each table, while the rest of the rooms are in an elegant darkness.
Banana Beach on Coral Island (Koh Hae) is now one of the most famous day trip beaches near Phuket. Ranked the world’s number 2 beach by Tripadvisor for 2025, it’s a busy spot with clear water, white sand, and many activities.
LAKU Beach Club is one of the newest reasons to hop over to Koh Maphrao, just off the east coast of Phuket. It’s part of the Barcelo Coconut Island resort, but you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy it
Only a few minutes’ drive from Phuket Town, Sindh Spa at Sinae Phuket Luxury Hotel offers the ultimate getaway for anyone who wants to unwind. Inspired by the Sanskrit term “Sindhu” (river), this spa captures the calming, rejuvenating spirit of water in each therapy.
Koh Maphrao, commonly known as Coconut Island, is just a short boat ride from Phuket’s east coast and is a little-known, quiet retreat that has remained under the radar for decades. Despite its proximity to popular seafood restaurants, this island has only recently begun attracting attention with the opening of its first hotels.
Connected by a sandbar that emerges during low tide, Koh Tup and Koh Mor offer a spectacular island escape. These tiny jungle-clad islands linked by a brilliant white sandbar surrounded by clear turquoise sea waters are truly a photographer’s dream
Koh Poda is an uninhabited island of picture-perfect tropical scenery with a tall karst surrounded by powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters
Sinae Phuket luxury hotel is for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful stay in Phuket with unobstructed sea views. Located on Koh Siray, this 5-star hotel offers ocean-view pool villas and a quiet atmosphere just minutes from Phuket Town.
This video of James Bond Island takes you to one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks. Located in Phang Nga Bay, this small limestone island became world-famous after appearing in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
There are many restaurants in Koh Yao Noi, and you will easily find a good choice along the coast and inland. Most restaurants serve Thai food, and some are run by expats, serving Western and Italian food.
Pyramid Restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring international and Thai cuisine. Diners have the option to enjoy their meals directly on the beach, providing a unique seaside experience
The Sundown Pirate Bar is a fun place to end the day in Koh Yao Noi. There are few lively places to have a drink after dinner, and the colourful Sundown Pirate Bar is a welcome haven for music and life
Rong Na Cafe and Restaurant in Koh Yao Noi offers a unique dining experience surrounded by scenic rice fields. The menu includes a mix of Thai and Western dishes, served with views of lush paddies and grazing water buffalo
Café Kantary from Cape Kantary Hotel is a small and cosy coffee shop near the sea. As you explore the island, you can stop for a sweet treat with tea, coffee or a smoothie and cool down in the air-conditioned room.
Pradu Seafood is another excellent local Thai restaurant next to Tha Ton Do Seafood. The restaurant is divided into two open-air rooms, and the setting is casual and easygoing
Tha Ton Do Seafood is a lovely local restaurant entirely made of wood and built on stilts in the middle of the mangrove
This video of the Koh Khai Islands takes you to a group of small but beautiful islands near Phuket. Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from the east coast, these islands are known for their clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and excellent snorkelling.
This video of James Bond Island takes you to one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks. Located in Phang Nga Bay, this small limestone island became world-famous after appearing in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
The Sunset Bar is a lovely little gem on the west coast of the south peninsula of the low-key Koh Yao Noi. The bar opens at 4 pm and is very popular at sunset, offering beautiful ocean views over the coconut trees.