Racha Islands
Also known as Raya, the Racha Islands are two islets situated some 20km south of Phuket. Racha Yai and Racha Noi are especially famous for their top-notch diving and snorkelling sites, as well as for their ‘full of fish’ surrounding waters.
Racha Yai is the only island of the two featuring accommodation options and a small local population of Muslim fishermen and farmers. Relatively busy during daytime with the passage of day-trippers, it regains its tranquillity after 16:00, and offers its guests laid-back evenings spent in the few bars and restaurants available, or stargazing on the beach.
Khao Phing Kan
Popularly known as the James Bond Island (for obvious reasons – it features in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun), Phing Kan is counted among the quiet islands near Phuket. It is popular for its limestone formations, especially the funnel-shaped rock that is the perfect setting for the perfect shot.
The mangrove forests and calm waters are also popular for trekking expeditions here and kayaking. The Khao Phing Kan islands near Phuket map is easily available online as well as in many departmental stores in Phuket.
Similan islands
Eleven gorgeous islands that are located just 84 km north-west of Phuket border with rocky outcrops. Koh Similan is one of the well-known island groups in the Andaman Sea surrounded by clear blue waters where you can encounter wonders that still await to be discovered, and it is among the most interesting dive areas in the world.
Lately, yachts and tour boats are taking this archipelago as one of their favorite destinations. Each of the Similan Islands has a name and number as well.
Surin Island
Close to the Similan Islands, the Surin Island is in the Mu Koh Surin national park. One of the few islands near Phuket resorts, Surin Island is most famous with visitors for its whale sharks, which are found just off the coast here. These enormous aquatic creatures can be as much as 12 metres long, yet they do not pose a danger to humans.
In fact, the sharks are pretty friendly to the fishermen who live in villages here. Shark sighting diving tours are common, and seeing these animals in the wild is certainly an experience of a lifetime. The Surin islands near Phuket map is easily accessible in Phuket.
Koh Panyi
Koh Panyi islands next to Phuket are entirely built on stilts. This village is an unusual and exciting place to visit. The island boasts of a grandiose mosque that serves as the meeting point for the Muslim community. Despite the rise in tourism, Ko Panyi’s economy depends majorly on agriculture and fishing.
Koh Bon
Directly opposite Rawai Beach, off Phuket’s southeastern coast, Koh Bon is a small rocky island that features a long beach to its eastern side and a small sandy patch at its northwestern tip where the only restaurant of the island is situated. Under British management, it is a cool place to enjoy fresh seafood, as well as Thai and western delicacies.
A perfect destination for a short break, Koh Bon is a tranquil island offering good swimming and a great natural escape from the hustle and bustle of Phuket. On your way there, ask the driver of your long-tail or speedboat to stop by the southwest corner of the island; it hosts an excellent snorkeling spot.
Rang Yai Island
Rang Yai Island is a beautiful private island located about five kilometer east of the Boat Lagoon and Royal Phuket Marina. If you want to experience a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle, Rang Yai offers camping and bamboo bungalows. You can spend some time kayaking or mountain biking and even visit a pearl farm. Reaching it by long-tail boat from Laem Hin pier costs around 1,200 baht round trip.