island tours in phuket

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The 20 Best Tours in Phuket 🏝️

• Best of Phuket , Cruises , Tours , What to Do?
• Last updated 10 October 2023 23 May 2024

What are the most popular tours in Phuket?

There are a lot of Phuket Tours to explore in and around the island, and many places are easy to reach, so what are the best? Some other great places need a boat or a minibus ride and a bit of planning. We list here 10 of the most popular day trip tours you should consider. Of course, we know there are many more, and we will add them as we try them.

The best Phuket tours start with Phang Nga Bay and often include a few nearby islands, such as Phi Phi and Similan Islands. Tours on the island itself include the Big Buddha , the much revered Chalong temple and the exploration of the old streets of Phuket Town .

1. Phang Nga Bay Tour

(With John Gray Hong by Starlight: 3,950 baht – 11:30 am 10:00 pm – Other tours 1,600 baht)

Phang Nga Bay is a fantastic wonder of the world and is an absolute must-do while in Phuket. As with any favourite Phuket tour, Phang Nga tends to become busy, but it’s enormous, and some tours, like the famous John Gray SeaCanoe , know how to take you where and when other tourists don’t go. The massive limestone formations rising above the water seem to come straight out of the movie Avatar (or it was possibly the other way around). The place was even featured as a background in one Star Wars episode (the bad one, I think). Phang Nga Bay is one of the best tours in Phuket. Read more

What we like a) As mentioned above, it’s just fantastic. b) The sea is quiet all year round and even looks better with the big rain clouds! c) It’s not very far, and all tour agents will pick you up at your hotel — no stress. What We Don’t a) Not every tour is Eco-friendly; some have no real experience and make lots of noise and shout, disturbing the magical peace.

Popular Ways to Discover Phang Nga Bay

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2. Phi Phi Island Day Trip

(about 2,800 baht – full day)

Phi Phi seems to be the Phuket tour on everyone’s list of islands to visit. It usually is for several reasons: The islands look fabulous, with two bays surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. The beach parties are notorious and can last all night. Backpackers seem to have made Phi Phi their destination of choice. It also is an excellent snorkelling and diving destination for all levels, from beginners to wreck diving. There is an even more straightforward reason: they saw Maya Bay in the movie “The Beach” and wanted to know the place for themselves. Read more

A typical day trip to Phi Phi :

7.30: Pick up at your hotel 8.30 : Meet and greet at Royal Phuket Marina, short briefing. 9.30 : Departure by speedboat 10.30 : Enjoy snorkelling and swimming at Camel Rock, Monkey Bay Sightseeing 11.45 : Snorkeling near Phi Phi Don 12.30 : Lunch in Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don 13.30 : Head to Phi Phi Ley: pass by Viking Cave, swim at Piley Lagoon, and Sightseeing at Maya Bay. 15.30 : Relax, swim and snorkel on Koh Khai Nai, a small island on the way back. 16.30 : Arrive at the pier and depart to your hotel.

What’s good: a) It’s still beautiful a beautiful island, despite being spoiled mainly by unstoppable construction. b) It’s not very far from Phuket and affordable if you go by ferry c) The island being in a bay, it is accessible all year round (unlike Similan) d) Maya Bay is open again!

What’s Not: a) Uncontrolled constructions have spoiled the island, and it keeps extending. b) Phi Phi can get crowded with young backpackers coming here for a serious party, so it may not be your vision of relaxing beaches.

Popular Ways to Discover Phi Phi Island

3. james bond island tour and koh panyi village.

(Start at 1,800 baht, including pickup and return to hotel – join trip)

Usually, James Bond and Koh Panyi are part of any Phang Nga Bay tour. If you have time, we recommend dedicating one day to a Canoe in Phang Nga Bay, then another day to James Bond, Koh Panyi, the village on stilts and the reclining Buddha inside a cave. Read more

A typical day trip in Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Panyi Village:

9.00 : Pick up at hotel lobby 10.00 : Arrive at Royal Phuket Marina 10.30 : Visit Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) 12.00 : Buffet Thai lunch at Koh Panyee village 13.00 : Visit Khao Thalu to canoe inside a cave 15.30 : Visit Naka island for swimming 17.30 : Back at the Royal Phuket Marina and back to the hotel

What we like: a) Going there offers amazing photo opportunities; the location and the cruise to get there are jaw-dropping. b) The village on stilts is unique, unusual and fun to explore. What we don’t: a) It’s a major tourist attraction, so expect a lot of people at midday, which spoils a bit the exotic feeling

Popular Ways to Discover James Bond Island

4. south phuket with big buddha and phuket town.

The South Phuket tour is a popular option for visitors to the island, taking in many of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the southern part of the island. The tour is flexible and can be tailored to guests’ preferences, but typically includes stops at beautiful beaches such as Karon and Nai Harn, as well as viewpoints for panoramic views of the island. The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Big Buddha Temple, which offers visitors the chance to take in the stunning views and pray for good luck. Another highlight of the tour is the visit to Old Phuket Town, where visitors can explore the charming streets and take in the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture. The tour also includes a stop for lunch at Rawai Beach, known for its delicious seafood and affordable prices.

To book a such day trip, you can ask any travel agent, or even better, hire a local driver with a van to customise the trip according to your own preferences, it is cheap and super comfortable, between 2,400 and 2,700 baht, depending how far your hotel is to the south. See here a list of private vans .

Popular Ways to Discover South Phuket and Phuket Town

5. coral island day trip and racha island.

(about 1,300 baht for both islands – full day)

Often packaged as one Phuket tour day trip, those two beautiful islands have white sandy beaches and the typical atmosphere of small tropical islands. They offer excellent snorkelling opportunities with plenty of fish coming and swimming around you. Racha Island is excellent for diving, especially for first-timers. Read more

A typical Day trip to Coral and Racha Islands by speedboat

8.30 : Pick up from your hotel lobby 09.00 : Depart from Chalong Pier to Racha Island, and enjoy snorkelling and swimming 12.30 : Depart from Racha Island to Coral Island and have lunch at Kahung restaurant 14.30 : Snorkeling, swimming and relaxing on the beach 16.30 : Back to the pier and sent back to your hotel

What we like: a) It’s accessible all year round, and it doesn’t take too long to reach What we don’t: a) It can be bustling and touristic

Popular Ways to Discover Coral and Racha Islands

6. yona floating beach club.

Yona is a floating beach club in the bay of Patong. The boat is 1,200 sqm on three floors, with a central 22-metre-long swimming pool surrounded by trendy loungers and palm trees. At the back of the pool are the DJ station and a bar with a vast choice of fun cocktails to enjoy the party. Read more

7. Phuket Town Tour

(about 900 baht – half day)

In recent years, Phuket town has become a charming city with several historic streets and many beautiful old Sino-Portuguese mansions, some renovated and some partly run down. You might get to see some local markets and even visit some Thai temple and their typical intricate gold, red and green roofs. Exploring the picturesque street now full of little cafes and shops is a popular photo opportunity, mostly since they buried those horrible electric cables. Read more

What we like: a) It’s a good exploration day, especially when the weather is not favourable to be on the beach b) It’s not such a big area, so it’s easy to walk along the streets and between landmarks What we don’t: a) It’s relatively small, so don’t put your expectations too high either

Popular Ways to Discover Phuket Town

8. similan islands day trip.

(about 2,600 baht – full day)

Unique and beautiful, the Similans have the white sand and blue water you only see in postcards. It’s so strikingly beautiful that your friends might believe you photoshopped your photos. But it is that blue even in photos taken with a mobile phone!

It used to be possible to spend the night in a tent or a basic bungalow with air-conditioning, but it seems that this option is not available at this time! Apart from snorkelling, sunning, and a small restaurant, there is not much to do, but it’s a Robinson Crusoe experience you don’t want to miss. Read more

A typical day trip to the Similans

6.00 : Pick up from the hotel lobby 9.00 : Depart to Similan island 10.20 : Visit Miang Island (Koh 4) for swimming and snorkelling 11.30 : Have a Thai lunch box on the island 12.00 : Visit Payu Island (Koh 7 )for swimming and snorkelling 13.00 : Visit Ba-ngu (Koh 9) for swimming and snorkelling 14.00 : Visit Similan island (Koh 8) for swimming and snorkelling and climbing the viewpoint at Sailing rock 15.00 : Back to the pier 16.30 : Transfer back to your hotel

What we like: a) Everything! What we don’t: a) It’s closed half-year during the low season, mostly because of the sea condition. b) It’s quite a long way from Phuket. Usually, a van takes you from Phuket to Takua Pa, then 1.30 hours by speedboat

Popular Ways to Discover Similan Islands

9. island hopping on a sailing catamaran.

(6 days and 5 nights)

Spending a week on a sailing cruise is the most romantic and eco-friendly way to discover the islands near Phuket and south Thailand, an experience like no other!

Day 1 – Chalong Pier, Phuket -> Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi Day 2 – Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi -> Kantiang beach, Koh Lanta Day 3 – Kantiang beach, Koh Lanta -> Koh Rok Nok island Day 4 – Koh Rok Island -> Koh Phi Phi Leh Day 5 – Koh Phi Phi Leh -> Koh Racha Yai Day 6 – Koh Racha Yai -> Chalong Pier, Phuket

10. Andamanda Waterpark

Andamanda Phuket is an immense amusement water park built close to Phuket Town when approaching from Patong Beach. Encompassing an enormous 100,000 square meters, this water park features 25 attractions, incorporating numerous water slides, a 10,000 square meter swimming zone equipped with artificial waves, and the the longest lazy river in southeast Asia, extending to a remarkable 550 meters!

11. Elephant Sanctuaries

There are now many elephant sanctuaries around the island that allow you to interact with the elephants. You can feed them, walk with them and make unforgettable memories. The old-fashioned elephant trekking is over! Ask your hotel or travel agent for one of the sanctuaries but skip the trekking or elephant riding! Read more

What we like: a) It’s fun, unusual and the best way to see real elephants! What we don’t: a) Some of the sanctuaries may feel a little too touristic (they probably switched from trekking to the sanctuary to catch the wave)

Popular Ways to Discover Elephant Sanctuaries

12. phang nga bay private cruises.

Phang Nga Bay is an amazing destination. With its countless islands and towering cliffs emerging from the sea, the scenery is truly extraordinary. It often ranks at the top for many tourists, however, the popular areas of Phang Nga Bay can become overcrowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate its natural beauty. Therefore, on that particular day, we made a decision along with a few friends to rent a private boat and explore Phang Nga Bay in a more exclusive manner, allowing us to reach each location before the crowds arrived.

13. Koh Khai Tours

(about 1,900 baht – Full day)

This tour goes to the tiny Koh Khai islands, found just a few kilometres off Phuket looks like a cartoon postcard of a tropical island. There is not much to do there apart from sunbathing, snorkelling or swimming with hundred fish and drinking fresh coconuts. It’s so back to basics but isn’t it why you came to Phuket in the first place?

What we like: a) It’s an easy and not far, relaxing day out b) Plenty of photo opportunities to post on your Facebook and drive your friends insane What we don’t: a) Can be really busy

Popular Ways to Discover Khai Island

14. cooking classes.

Due to the immense popularity of Thai cuisine and its frequent portrayal on television and social media, cooking classes have become increasingly favoured in Phuket. The island offers a multitude of cooking schools catering to various budgets, with options available in both hotels and privately run establishments. Certain classes even offer the opportunity to explore local markets, adding an enjoyable aspect to the overall experience. Read more

Popular Ways to Discover Thai Cooking Class

ATV tours in Phuket offer exhilarating off-road adventures for visitors. These tours allow participants to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the island while riding all-terrain vehicles. With various routes available, tourists can discover hidden trails, lush jungles, and scenic viewpoints. ATV tours in Phuket cater to both beginners and experienced riders, providing a thrilling and memorable experience. From navigating through rugged terrains to enjoying breathtaking views, these tours offer an exciting way to explore Phuket’s outdoor beauty.

Popular Ways to Discover ATV Experience

16. zipline.

There are 3 or 4 Ziplines around the island, and we tried Flying Hanuman in the forest near Patong Beach. Zipline is a great way to do something fun and exciting with friends and family. You can do something active, fun and unforgettable in the dense forest in Kathu. It’s enormous, impressive and safe; anyone can do it, even a four-year-old kid! Read more

How to get there : Book directly with them or check with a local travel agent Price : starts at 2,300 baht (16 platforms) and 3,250 baht (28 platforms).

Popular Ways to Discover Zipline Experience

17. carnival magic phuket.

Carnival Magic is a new 40-acre nighttime Thai carnival theme park, known as the Magical Kingdom of Lights. It features numerous record-breaking attractions. The Kingdom of Lights is an illumination park that boasts a display of over 40 million lights, and The River Palace is an enormous indoor parade show theatre capable of seating over 2,200 spectators. It showcases the world’s largest indoor parade show, known as the River Carnival. Read more

18. Simon Cabaret Show

(starts 700 baht – 2 hours – Patong beach)

Simon Cabaret is a long-running successful stage performance with beautiful sets and outstanding choreography. Of course, people go to Simon Cabaret for reasons other than the pretty costumes and the show. They want to see the surprisingly beautiful ladyboys with their own eyes! Photos are not allowed during the show, but the ‘girls’ will happily wait for you outside the theatre for a photo session. Read more

What we like: a) Excellent stage performance. b) It’s literally in Patong Beach, so you can enjoy the show and still go out for a party after the show What We Don’t: a) Ladyboys are known to be pushy for a tip if you take photos after the show. They might pick the money from your hand; thank you very much

Popular Ways to Discover Simon Cabaret Show

19. siam niramit.

Siam Niramit Phuket is a surprising show narrating 700 years of Thailand’s history. The stage is immense, and the choreography involving more than a hundred people is spotless. The narration is simple and clear enough for everyone to understand each scene. The superb sound system immerses you in a fantastic world based on centuries of Thai myths and legends. It is seriously impressive.

20. Phuket Fantasea Show

(starts 1,800 baht – from 5 pm – Kamala Beach – closed on Thursday)

This longtime running show is still top-rated. It’s a giant theme park and a professional stage performance with dancers, acrobats and real elephants walking through the audience and then onto the stage. The setting is awe-inspiring, and the exceptionally well-executed show narrates the legend of Kamala, where the park is. Read more

What we like: a) It’s professional and beautifully crafted, including the many buildings in the park. b) There are a lot of fun photo opportunities outside the theatre. What we don’t: a) With 2,500 seats, the buffet is too big to be enjoyable b) The elephants performing in the show or giving tourists a short ride are a little controversial c) You can’t take photos inside, but we understand that it can be annoying

Contact a local tour agent in Phuket

Phuket 101 is not a travel agency, but you can get in touch with a local tour agent to get better prices as well as local information or even custom tours by using this link: https://www.johnwelcometravel.com/

Contact a local tour agent

Fast Facts about Phuket Tours

Faqs about phuket tours.

a. Popular Phuket tours and day trips include island hopping tours, visits to the Big Buddha, exploring Phang Nga Bay, visiting the Phi Phi Islands, and exploring James Bond Island. Here are some favourites: Phang Nga Bay Phi Phi Island Coral Island Samet Nangshee

a. Some nearby islands that are worth visiting on a day trip from Phuket include the Phi Phi Islands, Racha Islands, Coral Island, and James Bond Island. These islands offer beautiful beaches, snorkelling and diving opportunities, and stunning natural scenery: Similan Island Phi Phi Island Coral Island Koh Khai Racha Island Island Hopping

a. If you want to stay on the island only, there are a few interesting ways to explore Rent a van with a driver Self-explore old Phuket Town Phuket Fantasea Show Simon Cabaret Show

a. In most cases, you can book safely from an online tour agent or even buy in the street once in Phuket. It is recommended to book Phuket tours and day trips in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

a. You should bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, a camera, and any necessary medication. You may also want to bring a towel and swimwear if your tour involves water activities.

a. Meals and hotel transfers are often included in Phuket tours and day trips, but it depends on the tour. Be sure to check the tour description or ask the tour operator for details.

a. The best time to take Phuket tours and day trips is from November to April, during the dry season, as the sky is clear and the sea is quiet. However, tours are available year-round and some tours, such as Phang Nga Bay, have a unique charm during the monsoon season.

Top Tours in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Film & TV Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine

2. Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat

3. Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

4. Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips

5. Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket

6. Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer

7. Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong

8. A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

9. Fly Dining in Phuket

10. Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket

11. Phuket Paradise ATV and Zipline Experience

12. Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option

13. Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

14. Starlight Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

15. Premium Phi Phi, bamboo island tour SpeedCatamaran

16. Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour in Phuket

17. Full-Day Racha Yai Private Scuba Diving Course from Phuket

18. 2 Hours Hapa Zome Workshop Activity

19. Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

20. Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

21. ATV Big Buddha Phuket Viewpoint

22. ️ Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive

23. James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

24. Travstore Original Phuket Discovery Tour - Shared Half Day City Tour

25. Small Groups of 20 people - Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

26. Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

27. Full-Day Phi Phi and Maiton islands Tour by Speed Catamaran

28. YONA Beach Club: Phuket's Most Incredible Boat Experience

29. Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

30. An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

What travellers are saying.

• Luis Cincinnati, OH 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles James Bond's island It was amazing. The crew, was super friendly, the food delicious , the logistics were spot on... everything was great. Kung and La (our canoe driver) was fantastic. We had the best time exploring the beautiful scenery The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze. Kung and La made sure we felt comfortable and safe throughout the entire journey. The canoe glided smoothly through the water, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the tranquil surroundings. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Read more Review of: Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat Written 1 June 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

THE 10 BEST Phuket Tours & Excursions

Tours in phuket.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Film & TV Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine

2. Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat

3. Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

4. Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips

5. Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket

6. Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer

7. Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong

8. A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

9. Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket

10. Fly Dining in Phuket

11. Phuket Paradise ATV and Zipline Experience

12. Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option

13. Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

14. Starlight Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

15. Premium Phi Phi, bamboo island tour SpeedCatamaran

16. Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour in Phuket

17. Full-Day Racha Yai Private Scuba Diving Course from Phuket

18. Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

19. Float therapy in the heart of Patong Experience

20. Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

21. ATV Big Buddha Phuket Viewpoint

22. ️ Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive

23. James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

24. Travstore Original Phuket Discovery Tour - Shared Half Day City Tour

25. Small Groups of 20 people - Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

26. Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

27. Full-Day Phi Phi and Maiton islands Tour by Speed Catamaran

28. YONA Beach Club: Phuket's Most Incredible Boat Experience

29. Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

30. An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

What travellers are saying.

• Luis Cincinnati, OH 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles James Bond's island It was amazing. The crew, was super friendly, the food delicious , the logistics were spot on... everything was great. Kung and La (our canoe driver) was fantastic. We had the best time exploring the beautiful scenery The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze. Kung and La made sure we felt comfortable and safe throughout the entire journey. The canoe glided smoothly through the water, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the tranquil surroundings. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Read more Review of: Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat Written 1 June 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Top Tours in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Film & TV Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine

2. Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat

3. Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

4. Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips

5. Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket

6. Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer

7. Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong

8. A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

9. Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket

10. Phuket Paradise ATV and Zipline Experience

11. 2 Hours Unlimited 3 Main Activities + 5 Attractions & 10 Arcades

12. Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option

13. Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

14. Starlight Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

15. Premium Phi Phi, bamboo island tour SpeedCatamaran

16. Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour in Phuket

17. Full-Day Racha Yai Private Scuba Diving Course from Phuket

18. Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

19. Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

20. Phuket: Coral and Racha Islands Bodaro Catamaran

21. ATV Big Buddha Phuket Viewpoint

22. ️ Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive

23. James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

24. Travstore Original Phuket Discovery Tour - Shared Half Day City Tour

25. Small Groups of 20 people - Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

26. Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

27. Full-Day Phi Phi and Maiton islands Tour by Speed Catamaran

28. YONA Beach Club: Phuket's Most Incredible Boat Experience

29. Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

30. An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

What travellers are saying.

• Luis Cincinnati, OH 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles James Bond's island It was amazing. The crew, was super friendly, the food delicious , the logistics were spot on... everything was great. Kung and La (our canoe driver) was fantastic. We had the best time exploring the beautiful scenery The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze. Kung and La made sure we felt comfortable and safe throughout the entire journey. The canoe glided smoothly through the water, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the tranquil surroundings. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Read more Review of: Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat Written 1 June 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Phuket Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Phuket. We've got 244 adventures going to Phuket, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 50 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the largest number of tour departures.

244 Phuket tour packages with 4,191 reviews

• Island Hopping
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Thai Island Hopper West (Standard, 8 Days)

He knows everything, about almost every culture

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket

Very enjoyable tours

Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Ko Phi Phi

The scenery was beautiful. The snorkelling was amazing.

Sail Phuket to Ko Phi Phi

Everything was great!! We really had a wonderful time.

Phuket Sailing Adventure

The freedom of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and sail-boarding in a beautiful environment.

Khao Sok National Park Adventure 3D/2N

The nature and the scenery was very beautiful and a really nice way to get out of the tourist trap this is Phuket.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Thai Island Hopper West (Plus, 8 Days)

Phuket 3 Day Tropical Beach And Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive)

The sunset was beautiful and we had so much fun at the market and see Bangla road is a must do! So much fun and love the vibe.

Islands of Thailand

Clean hotels and well located, great price and everything went sweet!

Thailand Island Hopper

We met locals, traveled the sea's, met amazing characters on the way, saw beautiful sun sets, explored islands.

Khao Sok Discovery, Private Tour

Thailand Tour: Island Hopping in Thailand In 9 Days - Private tour

Our accommodations during the trip were very good, especially the Avista Grande hotel with its very friendly staff and excellent service.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Thai Intro 18 Day

The activities were so well selected with intro travel and the group leader took the whole experience to another level.

Thai Experience

A trip of a lifetime. Genuinely one of the best days of the tour!

4 Days 3 Nights Phuket Beach Break - Standard Class

Excellent hotel services, very good location- close to Bangla walking street and Phuket beach, big sunny and clean room, very tasty breakfast, very clean and good car.

What people love about Phuket Tours

This tour was unforgettable. Met some great people and visited great places. The islands visited were amazing and the nights out were good fun. Angus was a great tour guide who was very helpful aswell as making the trip more fun for all of us. Definitely recommend!!

Everything went as planned. My guide Fon was very knowledgeable & accommodating.

Fantastic trip. Don’t hesitate to book. We did the 4 days one because I was nervous about being stuck on a boat for four days but they planned great stops and activities and I never once felt bored or like I want to get off the boat. The trip went around the most magnificent scenery and the food was amazing. Would do it again in a heart beat.

Top operators

"Everything worked as planned. Great tour and amazing guides

Hoi An Express is an expert in:

• In-depth Cultural

"An excellent itinerary giving good cultural insight, food experience & history lesson. Adequate time was given in each city to have guided tours, explore on our own or choose optional add-ons.

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"Rhi is an amazing trip manager, better than you can comprehend if you’ve never being on a trip with her. She is caring, thoughtful and makes an incredible effort to make sure you get everything out the trip you wanted. The Contiki itinary was already very good but with Rhi’s local knowledge, she was able to suggest extra things that weren’t included; whether that be activities or local cuisine.

Contiki is an expert in:

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Phuket Island Hopping: 15 Amazing Islands & How To Visit Them

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

Are you traveling to Phuket and want to explore some of the nearby islands, but are not sure where to start? This Phuket island hopping guide features all the most popular islands that you can easily visit as a day trip from Phuket. It also includes a few lesser known islands nearby and some well known islands a bit further away that are well worth a visit.

In addition, for each of the islands featured in this Phuket island hopping guide, we included practical tips and information on how to get there.

We have recently stayed in Phuket and used it as a base to do some island hopping nearby. However, we opted for a longer island-hopping adventure in Thailand and Phuket was just a part of it.

So in order to give you a better picture of the available Phuket island hopping options, I also asked other travel writers to share their favorite islands that they visited as a day trip from Phuket. This way you can read authentic travel stories that will hopefully help you decide which islands to visit from Phuket.

Top 5 Experiences in Phuket:

• Phi-Phi Islands & Maya Bay .
• Elephant Jungle Sanctuary .
• ATV Jungle Adventure .
• Similan Islands (amazing snorkeling!)
• James Bond Island .

Phuket is an ideal base for island hopping in southern Thailand. In fact, infrastructure is so good that it makes it possible to see so many amazing islands without ever having to switch hotels. So if you are short on time and want to explore the most spectacular islands as a day trip from Phuket , you’ll be glad to know that there are many amazing choices. Those islands are featured in the beginning of our selection (#1-8).

Many bigger islands not far from Phuket are certainly worth a longer trip and an overnight stay. So in this post, I also included a few islands that you can visit from Phuket, but where you better stay overnight . While, theoretically, they could also be visited as a day trip from Phuket, I personally would advise staying on those islands a bit longer. You’ll find these islands featured towards the end of this article (#9-10).

At the very end of this article, I also included 5 islands (#11-15) that are very close to Phuket, but are more local and therefore rarely visited by day-trippers, let alone organized tours. Each of these five islands are well worth a short visit, but they are also perfect as a place to stay in Phuket area.

Stunning location, no crowds, and exclusive luxury resorts – these islands are a great alternative if you are not keen on staying in the huge hotels along the crowded beaches on Phuket itself . After all, staying on a little paradise-like island is the ultimate island-hopping experience.

This Phuket island hopping guide not only features the most beautiful islands near Phuket , but it’s also full of practical tips and information showing you how to visit them. Find out!

TIP: If you want to see as many different islands in a short time, check out this 2-day tour that visits 12 (!) different islands.

Here are some of the best islands you can visit from Phuket:

1. Koh Phi Phi

I’ll start with one of the most beautiful islands of the Andaman sea and our personal favorite day trip from Phuket – Phi Phi islands . The name Koh Phi Phi actually refers to not one island, but a cluster of six islands. Most day trips and tours will focus on just the two biggest islands – Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Lee.

Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island of Phi Phi islands and is a real tourist hub with busy boat piers and a big choice of restaurants, shops, and accommodations for all budgets. Despite its reputation of being a party island, it’s well worth a visit due to its stunning location.

On the quieter side of the island, you can still find white sand beaches and azure blue waters surrounded by some amazing scenery. Make sure to also go up to the two viewpoints overlooking the wide surroundings. The views are stunning!

Koh Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited island, probably best known for its secluded and incredibly picturesque Maya Bay, featured in the famous movie The Beach . To get here, you’ll need to take a boat.

All the guided Phi Phi islands tours from Phuket visit both islands and make many stops along the way, including several snorkeling locations. The most popular stops are Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and lunch on Bamboo Island.

How to visit Phi Phi islands from Phuket:

• On your own. There are many ferry and speedboat connections between Phuket and Phi Phi Don. A speedboat takes about an hour (you can book a speedboat here ), whereas a ferry will take 2 hours ( you can book a ferry here ). You can easily visit Phi Phi Don on your own. However, if you also want to see Phi Phi Leh and the stunning coastline, you’ll need to hire a local long-tail boat to get there. There are plenty of boats on both harbors of Phi Phi Don and you can just negotiate the trip and the cost once you get there.
• Here is the Phi Phi islands tour that we took .
• This is the most popular tour – a great option for those who don’t want to get up at 5-6 AM…
• If you want more choices, here you can find all the best tour options for Phi Phi islands .

2. Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island

The second group of islands that are a must when island-hopping from Phuket, is Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park. There are over 100 islands in this area, but its main landmark is the so-called James Bond island .

Known for its appearance in the 1974 James Bond film ‘ The Man With The Golden Gun ‘, the stunning Khao Ping Kan with a 20-meter tall islet Koh Tapu, has gained the name ‘James Bond Island’. With flocks of tourists visiting the island to take in the striking scenery created by the towering vertical karsts on emerald-green water, it is best to get here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Just 40 kilometers off Phuket, many tour companies offer full-day and half-day tours around Phang Nga Bay. Organized day trips usually include hotel pick-ups, minivan transfers to Phang Bay and back, a long-tail boat or speedboat to James Bond Island, as well as the 200 TBH entrance fee to the national park. Organized trips also include lunch and a stop at the floating fishing village of Koh Panyee.

Other main points of interest of Phang Nga Bay are the sacred Buddha Cave Temple, Wat Tham Suwana Kuha, and Hong Island (see also as an independent day trip below). If you go with a tour, you usually have the option to explore the caves and the stunning coastline by canoe or kayak as well.

How to get to Phang Nga Bay from Phuket:

• On your own.  You can explore all the attractions of Phang Nga Bay by hiring a long-tail boat. If you have a car or a motorbike, you can drive to Klong Khien Pier and rent a long-tail boat for a half-day excursion (it can be quite affordable or rather expensive – depends on how many people share the boat). Alternatively, you can also drive to Sam Chong Seafood , a floating restaurant that serves good-value tasty food and arranges long-tail boat hires as well.
• James Bond Island by Longtail Boat . This tour includes kayaking as well.
• Phang Nga Bay: Early Bird James Bond Tour . This is a great tour that offers a bit different itinerary than most others allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery without big crowds.
• Luxury Sunset Cruise: James Bond & Hong Island with Kayaking – fewer crowds and dinner included.

No matter how you visit, Phang Nga Bay is definitely worth a trip. Without any doubt, this is one of the absolute best day trips you can make from Phuket!

James Bond Island is suggested as one of the best islands to visit from Phuket by Karolina from Lazy Travel Blog .

A paradise, away from the bustle of Phuket, is one of my favorite islands in Thailand, Ko Hong . Known as Hong Island, it is located near dozens of other uninhabited islands in Phang Nga Bay.

Hong Island is one of the larger islands in the bay. On arrival, there is a small additional park entry fee. The beach has the softest white sand with stunning views of limestone cliffs and gentle emerald waters. It is the perfect spot to lay out and relax or spend some time snorkeling.

If you come here with a tour, you then continue to the back of the island, where a small entrance leads into a lagoon inside the middle of the island. It is perfect for kayaking!

Dedicated Ko Hong tours spend most of their time at Hong Island. However, they also take the time to explore the nooks and corners of several other stunning islands in the area.

How to get to Ko Hong from Phuket:

• On your own. It is possible to hire a private long-tail boat from a local fisherman for the day. This is a perfect option for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a more intimate experience and more say in the time spent on the island. It is easy to find local fishermen near the main pier in Phuket or anywhere along the beach. There are often language barriers in Thailand, but with persistence, we found a local Thai person to help arrange the tour for us and negotiate a price. The tour was basic, with nothing provided (no food, water, etc…); just a long-tail boat, wind against our faces, and a smiling captain steering the boat.
• With an organized tour. Tours to this part of Phang Nga Bay by long-tail boat range in cost. Prices depend if the tour is on a long-tail or a fast boat. There seem to be more tours going to Ko Hang from Krabi than from Phuket, but there are a couple of James Bond Island tours that visit Hong Island as well. You can find some Hong Island tour options here .

This stunning little island is suggested as an unforgettable day trip from Phuket by Yana from Beard and Curly .

4. Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi

The Racha Islands, Racha Yai & Racha Noi can be found a mere 20km south of Phuket. Despite being so close to the busy Phuket, the islands are still quite off the beaten path. The laid back atmosphere and lack of major development will give you an inkling of how Koh Phi Phi was 20 years ago.

In the Thai language “yai” means big and “noi” means small. The smaller Racha Noi island is uninhabited and has more rocks than beaches. Fishing and diving are the main attractions at Koh Racha Noi. The larger island, Koh Racha Yai , is the main attraction with gorgeous beaches, secluded bays, a few bars, and accommodations.

Crystal clear water and an abundance of sea life make for excellent diving and snorkeling, which is one of the biggest draws to the Koh Racha Yai. Patok Bay has the longest beach of brilliantly white sand and it’s here that all the boats moor. From the jetty continue up the beach and follow the track to the village in the middle of the island. The little village has hut-like restaurants and shops that stock most things you would need for a short stay.

If you continue with the dirt track up and over the hill you’ll reach the equally beautiful Siam Beach. This is the quieter side of the island where you can escape from the day-trippers on Patok Beach. If you’re lucky, you may see the huge monitor lizards and the odd water buffalo in the coconut groves. Walking from one side of the island to the other should take about 15 minutes.

Transport on Koh Racha Yai is mostly by foot, but you can hire bicycles and motorbikes. Make your way to the West of the island for some spectacular sunsets.

How to get to Koh Racha Yai from Phuket:

• On your own. Boats to Koh Racha Yai leave from Chalong Pier or Ra Wai Beach and take 35 min. You can hire a speedboat or a ferry shuttle. It is also possible to take a long-tail boat from Chalong Beach to Racha Yai, but it will take more than an hour and could be dangerous should the weather suddenly change.
• Book a tour. While not as popular or well-known as the other island-hopping options from Phuket, it is possible to find organized tours to Koh Racha Yai . Most of them involve scuba diving, but there are also more relaxing tours more focused on water sports, snorkeling, and beaches. Here’s one of the best-rated Koh Racha Yai tours from Phuket . It actually visits two white-sand islands near Phuket – Racha Island and Coral Island (see below).

Koh Racha Yai day trip from Phuket is suggested by Jeanne from Learning to Breathe Abroad .

5. Coral Island – Koh He

Ko He (also Koh Hay or Koh Hae) or in English Coral Island, is located nearest to Phuket of all the islands in this selection. Despite that, it’s not hard to find places that are not yet completely overrun with tourists. It’s a great getaway for those looking to visit a white-sand blue-sea island near Phuket.

Coral Island is famous for its big variety of water sports and activities like diving and snorkeling. The place to be on Coral Island is the white-sand Long Beach, but it can get really crowded with day-trippers from Phuket. A better option for those looking to escape the crowds a bit more is Banana Beach, just 10-15 minutes walking distance.

How to get to Coral Island from Phuket:

• On your own. You can get to Coral island by boat from Ao Chalong pier .
• With a tour. You can join an organized tour that visits Racha Yai and Ko He as a day trip from Phuket .

6. Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are a group of eleven islands off the coast of Southern Thailand that can be visited on a day trip from Phuket or Khao Lak. This island archipelago is one of the best snorkeling spots in Thailand and I can highly recommend a visit if you are looking for an unforgettable island hopping experience in the Phuket area.

Depending on where you are staying in Phuket, and from which pier your tour departs, the total journey to Similan Islands by car and speedboat can take up to 2-3 hours. Journey times can become longer due to traffic and bad weather, but it’s worth the trouble.

How to get to Similan Islands from Phuket. The best way to get the most out of your visit is to take an organized day trip to the Similan Islands . If you book a tour, they will arrange everything including pick up from your hotel, drop off at the end of the day, and take you to all the best snorkeling spots in the Similan Islands.

On a 1-day trip from Phuket, you will visit 2-3 different islands. The Similan Islands have the clearest and most turquoise waters I have ever seen, paired with soft white sandy beaches. The islands are a protected national park and there is a wide variety of marine flora and fauna. If you’re lucky enough, you might even be able to snorkel with turtles!

Similan Islands day trip from Phuket is contributed by Greta from Greta’s Travels .

7. Surin Islands

Surin Islands , north of Similan Islands, is an archipelago of 5 islands. They are a bit further away from Phuket than most other islands and are therefore not as widely known or visited. It’s a real paradise with natural unspoiled beauty, the way many popular Thai islands used to be some 20 years ago…

With emerald green waters, colorful coral, and lots of sea life, Surin Islands are known as one of the absolute best snorkeling and diving locations in Thailand.

How to get to Surin Islands from Phuket. Surin Islands are quite far from Phuket, so the best way to get there is by booking an organized day tour . If you rather go on your own, there are boats running from Khao Lak, but depending on the schedule you might have to stay there (camping?) at least one night.

8. Koh Jum – Ko Pu

Koh Jum, also known as Ko Pu , is one of Thailand’s quieter and less developed Andaman islands. The island with two names (the northern part is known as Koh Pu, while the southern part is designated Koh Jum) is accessible from both Krabi and Phuket.

The beaches that make up Koh Jum’s western coastline are an obvious highlight. Popular stretches of sand include Lubo Beach, the island’s northernmost beach, Ao Ting Rai, and Ao Si. There is a smattering of low-key bungalow resorts along the beachfront that serve drinks and food (drop-ins welcome). Further south, Golden Pearl Beach is home to a few luxury villas. Water activities include swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving with local outfit, Koh Jum Divers.

There’s not a whole lot else to do on Koh Jum—and that’s precisely what makes the island so appealing. You won’t find any rowdy bars, full moon parties or shopping malls (at the time of our visit, there wasn’t even an ATM).

Hire a motorbike or bicycle to explore more of the island. Don’t miss Baan Ko Pu and Baan Ko Jum, the largest towns, which both have markets and mosques to see (the island’s residents are predominantly Muslim). You can also hike in the jungle interior and up Mount Pu, but make sure to hire a local guide who knows the area well.

How to get to Koh Jum – Ko Pu from Phuket. A high-speed ferry connects Phuket’s Ao Po Pier to Baan Koh Jum. The trip takes around 1.5 hours. Visitors also have the option to purchase a van-ferry joint ticket from Phuket Airport or the bus terminal. Note that boats are sometimes canceled during the rainy season, so it’s best to check availability in advance.

This lesser-known island not far from Phuket and Krabi is suggested by Emily from Wander-Lush .

9. Koh Lanta

Located about 70km away from Phuket, Koh Lanta is not immediately the first destination that comes to mind when exploring island hopping options from Phuket.

I personally wouldn’t advise going to Koh Lanta for just a day, but if you can stay on the island overnight, it’s definitely worth the trip. It was one of the favorite islands from our trip in Thailand!

Even if you take the earliest boat from Phuket to Lanta in the morning, you’ll probably have just 4-5 hours on Koh Lanta. The last boats from Koh Lanta to Phuket leave around 1-1.30 PM. Koh Lanta is a big island with lots going on, therefore I suggest that you stay on Koh Lanta for at least 1, ideally 2 nights. That way you can actually explore the island a bit more.

Koh Lanta has miles of calm, sandy beaches and very few people compared to the other popular islands nearby. This makes it a welcome respite from Phuket, which is usually packed with tourists.

The island is also surrounded by healthy coral, so snorkeling is always a pleasure here. The best way to do it is by boat via a snorkeling tour that allows you to reach more remote snorkeling locations near Koh Lanta. Here you can find a big selection of the most popular tours in Ko Lanta .

The Mu Ko National Park in the southwest of Koh Lanta is great for hiking. Don’t miss the lighthouse where you can enjoy some beautiful views. There are also remote beautiful white sandy beaches here.

Other popular things to do include kayaking tours to the nearby sea caves . You can also visit Lanta’s Old Town where you can see the Chinese Temple or do some shopping.

How to get to Koh Lanta from Phuket. Lanta is a short (1.5 hour) speedboat ride from Phuket. If you are just visiting Koh Lanta just for a day or two, don’t take a slow ferry as it can take over 4 hours. The speedboat costs more, around 1300-1500 TBH, but it’s so worth it. Boats to Lanta leave from Rassada Pier in Phuket. On Koh Lanta, the boats arrive at the Saladan Pier , which is located on the northwest side of the island.

You can book a boat transfer from Phuket to Ko Lanta and just visit for a day, but if you are on a tight schedule, make sure to book a boat there and back in advance!

Once you get to Ko Lanta, you can then do the tours that start on the island itself . At the moment, there are no day trips from Phuket that would include the transfer as well as sightseeing, because it is really easy to arrange yourself. And also because most people stay in Ko Lanta longer than a day (this is my personal recommendation as well).

Koh Lanta is suggested by Stefan from Nomadic Boys .

10. Ko Samui

Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. This is one of the islands where you’d want to stay longer! And not just because it’s really far from Phuket, but also because it has so much to offer that it would be a shame to not explore this island a bit more. After all, Ko Samui is one of Thailand’s largest islands.

I was not sure if I would include Ko Samui in this selection of islands to visit from Phuket and I myself would definitely not just go there for a day. But it turns out that it’s possible to do that, so if you have just limited time and want to visit Koh Samui from Phuket, I want you to know that it is possible. Below you can find all the practical information, in the meantime here are some insider tips on how to see the best of Ko Samui in just a day.

Start the day at the Rich Resort in Lamai – their breakfast is healthy and yummy and very affordable. On top of that, you can also take a dip in their swimming pool overlooking Lamai beach.

Next, you may want to hire a motorbike or a car for the day as it’s much easier to go around. If you are visiting Ko Samui for just a day, make sure that you arrange to drop off the vehicle at the airport; this would make things so much easier. And don’t forget to drive on the left!

The first stop I recommend is the Lamai viewpoint. Afterwards continue to Grandpa & Grandma rocks (Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks). Another few minutes drive further you can see Overlap Stone. Don’t miss the Secret Buddha Garden (or Magic Garden). After that, you can visit Na Muang Waterfall 2 (not 1, it is a bit too far if you are short on time).

I suggest heading to Na Than Pier for lunch (a great spot for sunsets too). After that, you can drive back towards the airport and check out Chewang area along the way. Alternatively, if you still have half a day left, make a loop through Maenam beach, fisherman’s village, and The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai).

How to get from Phuket to Koh Samui:

• By plane. For a day trip, the best way to travel from Phuket to Ko Samui is by taking a plane. Return flight from Phuket to Koh Samui will only take 55 minutes and Bangkok Airways offers several flights a day. You may spend more on flights (approximately $100 one way), but gain the whole day to explore Ko Samui. You can drive across the island in about an hour, but with various stops, you certainly need at least one full day to see some of the best places of Ko Samui. If you are planning to do this, make sure to book your flights well in advance.
• By car. The second option is to rent a car in Phuket, drive to Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani and get on a ferry. It departs every hour from 6 am to 7 pm. This route takes about 6 hours one way and isn’t really feasible if you have just a day. So in this case, you definitely want to stay in Ko Samui for at least one night. Even then, start early, so that you have some time to explore the island.

Ko Samui is suggested as one of the best islands to visit in Thailand by Anna Sherchand, who was also adventurous enough to actually visit it from Phuket.

The selection above features some of the best islands that you can easily visit from Phuket. This list is not complete, of course, and there are countless possibilities. Below you can find several wonderful lesser known local islands close to Phuket .

These islands are more suitable for those looking to escape the crowds. They are so close to Phuket that can also serve as a perfect alternative home base for your island-hopping excursions.

We ourselves also opted for this option and, instead of staying in busy Phuket, chose a resort on a little island nearby.

Here is a selection of some incredible off the beaten path islands close to Phuket:

11. Coconut Island

We stayed in a beautiful The Village Coconut Island Beach Resort on Coconut Island , just 5 minutes by boat from Laem Hin Pier in Phuket.

It’s a quiet island with a local village and no day tourists at all. In addition, it is so close to Phuket that it allowed us to easily book day trips to the other islands nearby without having to pay more for the same tours offered by the hotel.

TIP: booking online is so much cheaper! See also our practical tips a bit further below.

12. Naka Yai Island

Naka Yai island , just a stone’s throw away from mainland Phuket, is popular with day-trippers as well as honeymooners. It’s called the Pearl Island and no visit would be complete without a short stop at the pearl farm.

With many wide sandy beaches, few people, and spectacular views of nearby Phang Nga Bay, it’s a perfect day trip from Phuket. There is also an exclusive resort on the island that makes me want to book a trip back to Thailand right away. Check it out – The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa .

The best way to get to the Naka island is by taking a long-tail boat from Ao Por Pier ; it takes just 15 minutes.

13. Ko Yao Yai

Another wonderful island that I heard nothing but good things about is Ko Yao Yai , just 25 minutes by speedboat from Bang Rong pier in Phuket.

There are several really nice accommodations on this island and many budget options .

It’s a perfect offbeat island getaway for everyone looking for a more unique island experience near Phuket.

14. Ko Yao Noi

A bit more developed nearby Koh Yao Noi island is also easily reachable from Bang Rong Pier. It takes about an hour to get there.

You could visit for a day (check out this local Koh Yao Noi bike tour ) or stay on the island a bit longer (there are quite a few accommodation options ).

It’s a very local island with few tourists and eco-friendly activities and accommodations (you have to check these adults-only Treehouse Villas !). If you are looking for a somewhat different island experience in the Phuket area, this could be it.

15. Ko Mai Thon

If you are looking for a unique and romantic island getaway near Phuket, make sure to check Ko Mai Thon . Maiton is a private island and the best way to visit it is by staying at the exclusive resort Maiton Private Island By Favstay (I’m not sure it’s still operating at the moment of the last update though…).

Crystal clear green waters and white-sand beaches, in combination with this beautiful resort – it’s a dream island vacation and an experience you won’t find in Phuket itself.

Maiton is a perfect honeymoon island in Thailand! If you are on a tighter budget, you can also visit Maiton island as a day trip from Phuket .

Phuket island hopping – which boat to choose

Depending on which islands you are visiting, you may want to consider different options in terms of transportation.

• Take local long-tail boats  for shorter distances or off-the-beaten-path experiences – they are perfect for that! Believe me, you really don’t want to sit in a long-tail boat for more than an hour – 90 minutes at a time, even if the sea is very calm. Also keep in mind that long-tail boat drivers hardly ever speak any English at all. So sometimes it might be difficult to explain where exactly you want to go.
• Book speedboat tours for all bigger distances, such as visiting Similan Islands or Koh Lanta, but also Phi Phi islands and James Bond Island. It allows you to see so much more in a short time and you can spend more time sightseeing than sitting on the boat. It’s also rare that anyone gets seasick on a speedboat. But the best of all is that organized tours have set itineraries and English-speaking guides.
• Book ferries only for short distances or if you have a lot of time to visit different islands. Ferry transfers are really not ideal for further day trips. Ferries are much slower, you have no flexibility, the groups are much bigger, and if the sea is rough you’ll get seasick quicker.
• Private speedboat. Many companies offer the possibility to book a private speedboat for day trips near Phuket. However, for longer trips of 8-9 hours, you’ll quickly pay 800-900 EUR. Still, it might be worth looking into these options if you are visiting with a big family or a group of friends. If you look well, you might be able to find cheaper options; we didn’t find any. Long-tail boats can be a much cheaper alternative for private island hopping tours, but once again, you don’t want to do that for very big distances.

Practical tips for island-hopping day trips from Phuket

When looking into all the options for island hopping from Phuket, you will get overwhelmed with choices. If you don’t research in advance, you’ll find yourself drowning in the tour brochures and offers everywhere you go… From tour kiosks all over the place, taxi or van drivers, hotel lobby areas and resort activity centers – everyone seems to be selling island hopping tours in Phuket.

You might think that booking tours in Phuket itself will save you time and money, but our experience shows quite the opposite. Booking online lets you compare different offers, itineraries, prices, and read customer reviews.

Furthermore, if you book with a reputable agency (we recommend GetYourGuide  which we also used for our tours in Thailand), you have the option to cancel any tour up to 24 hours in advance . It’s also easier to get a refund in case of any problems. Try to reschedule a tour or get a refund from a local kiosk…

But that is not all! We found that most island hopping tours were not cheaper if booked in Phuket. Even worse, most tours organized by hotels and resorts were about 50% more expensive. That’s a difference of hundreds of euros for a big family like ours… per tour.

The cheapest option by far is to try and arrange all your island hopping tours yourself. However, this is easier said than done and is not always a feasible option if you are short on time.

First, you have to get to the right pier that has the best connections for the islands that you want to visit.

Second, keep in mind that ferries have strict schedules. Most ferry connections in southern Thailand seem to happen in between 8 AM and 1-2 PM; if you want to come back later, you have to make sure there will still be a ferry available.

Third, boat transfers are ok for getting from A to B, but you won’t see anything on the way. In most cases, you will still need to hire a long-tail boat to bring you to places worth visiting, but the ‘guides’ won’t speak English… It’s a lot of organization, research, and even more hassle if things don’t go as planned.

My advice for you is take a real vacation and book organized tours for all island hopping trips that involve visiting more than one destination on the same day . Please see our hand-picked tour suggestions and practical information for each destination above.

Are you visiting southern Thailand and are looking for more ideas on where to go and how to plan your trip?

Check our 2-week Thailand island hopping itinerary that includes many places mentioned in this post, but also brings you to some amazing islands further away. It also includes an incredible nature destination not far from Phuket – Elephant Hills at Khao Sok National Park . Take a look!

Some travel inspiration for Bangkok:

• Bangkok in 1 Day
• Where to Stay in Bangkok
• Bangkok Canal Tour

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends who are planning to visit Phuket. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Hi Jurga I am messaging you from Perth Australia We are heading to Thailand in May its my second trip but my Girlfriend first we are both 61 years old. I have been looking for the best way to see as much of the Islands as possible in one day with out blowing the budget up to much. The trip i am finding on the net is drop off for a time where we have one day so see as much as possible like you we will have cameras in hand what we like to do. we spoke to our travel agant ansd she said book it over there but you say not to do that. Can you give me a few links as to getting a boat to show us with out stopping on beaches do not want to swim or be dropped off Just like to explore and take pics of the Islands Happy to go into James Bond Island and etc then leave Hope i have given you a challange as i am not having much luck with this. Enjoyed reading this page got some very helpfull tips

Friday 17th of February 2023

Hi Brendan, I think your best bet is to book a private trip and then ask your guide/skipper exactly what you want. You can find quite a few private boat tours here. And otherwise, indeed, try to figure it out when you get there. But I think it will not be very easy to try to do it there without losing way too much time. Also, keep in mind that long-tail boats can't travel that fast (=far), so you can't cover that much ground in a day as e.g. with a speedboat or so. If you just want to visit one area, it shouldn't be a problem, but if you want to see several places that are somewhat further away, it might not always be possible in a longboat in just a few hours. Good luck!

Sunday 6th of November 2022

Hello going to be doing solo female travelling so i'm nervous & overwhelmed with all the info- 1. I really want to experience the long tail boats as they look so cool (also experience abit slow travel sometimes atleast) but then i have to independently arrange everything? 2. How do i manage if the boat drivers dont speak any english ? (It seems the organized tours mostly use speedboats) 3.Without hotel pickup how do i get to these boat stops? I dont drive so no renting anything for me. 4. How do i determine which islands are safe to travel by long boat vs speedboat 5. The get your guide tours seem quite expensive with each tours costing over $100 and covering 1-2 islands- so theres no way to experience tailboats within that arrangement ? (The viator 12 islands deal seemed cheaper interms of coverage but it seems crazy hectic) 6. Whats the safety situation? Like if i'm snorkling whose going to watch out for my bag as it will have money & valuables? 7. You mentioned none of the popular resorts are near the island hopping terminals? Like if i stay in a hotel in phuket and do daytrips then that doesnt apply to me right unless i stay at an island and do hopping from there like u guys did? (I was thinking of doing daytrips so i dont have to pay for another hotel plus face more complications)- whats your suggestion ??

Wednesday 9th of November 2022

Hi Shahrin, that's a lot of questions and I really have no time to properly address them all properly (I run this blog on my own and there are just not enough hours in a day). You're overthinking it. It's simple enough to just book a tour, most of them offer a pick-up from your accommodation, and it's usually the easiest way to see a lot. And if you are alone, it's much cheaper than trying to arrange anything individually. There are so many tour options - read the descriptions, the reviews, and you'll easily find something that suits you. Regarding safety. Don't take any belongings that you don't absolutely need, but it's usually safe enough to leave them on the boat when you are in the water (if you go on a tour). I would be careful leaving your stuff unattended on the public beach though (but this is everywhere, not Thailand-specific). I'm not sure you can do lots of longboat tours - they usually travel much slower and it will be quite a lot more hassle to arrange everything (and will be more expensive). But there are many places where you could hire them if you absolutely want to try. Hope this helps a bit. Have a great trip!

Jonas Johnsson

Thursday 29th of April 2021

I would not to island hopping like this. It does not give you the time to get to know the place and its charms. But I go to Thailand often so I have time to spend more time on each place :) To rent a motorbike cannot be 3000 bath, maybe 300 bath a day :)

Friday 30th of April 2021

Hi Jonas, everyone travels differently and the majority of people simply have no time to travel slow. I absolutely agree with you that it's better to travel slower and spend more time at each place, but many people have very limited vacation time and want to see as much as possible. Thus the popularity of day tours to all these areas. As for the motorbike or car rental, I assume you meant the part about Ko Samui that was contributed by a fellow travel writer. I just double-checked current rates and it seems that there was indeed a zero too many. Edited to correct now. Thanks a lot!

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Thanks for your response. I got the tickets from a website where I can see the boat pics. I'm okay with speed boat sized boat. Just can't wait to get trough this covid storm and start to exploring. Stay safe, Jurga!

Tuesday 7th of January 2020

Hi there I f I want to do some island hopping day tours (with snorkelling), where is the best area to stay in Phuket? I have never been to Thailand before, and there are sooo many options. thank you

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

Hi Char, it's so hard to say because there are so many different harbors in Phuket and, depending on which tour you book, they leave from different places. We found that the most excursions we were interested in were leaving from the northeastern part of Phuket island - and to approx. center. So staying somewhat in the middle of the eastern coast worked well for us. We stayed on Coconut Island and never had a transfer longer than 30 minutes. Most popular resorts are on the western coast, however, but that's not where the tours leave from. That being said, if you stay somewhat in the center on the western coast, it's also a very good central location. For example, Patong Beach is a good area, I think, and the beaches there are very popular. All the tours usually offer free transfers from any Phuket hotels, but it's not fun if you have to spend two hours in the minivan before and after your tour. So yes, it's very smart of you to research this upfront. Enjoy your trip!

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Family Friendly Island Tours In Phuket

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY ISLAND TOURS

Family Friendly Island Trips

Whether you’re a family with young kids or on a large family vacation, we ensure you & your family an amazing day out with delicious food, amazing sceneries, and top-notch customer service.

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Providing small exclusive boat trips to all the must-visit islands near Phuket, like a true local. We often limit our boat trips to only half the max capacity of our boats, so our island trips are never more than 20 adults.

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Our family-owned business has been operating since 2004. That’s 18 years in top-notch customer service. We are here to show the wonders of the Andaman Sea the way we locals experience it.

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Islands Near Phuket Thailand

PHI PHI ISLAND

Phi Phi Islands are fantastic for snorkelling and exploring beaches. With clear emerald waters, amazing white sandy beaches, and breathtaking views, Phi Phi is one of the must-visit islands for many when visiting Phuket. Some of the fantastic places in Phi Phi include; The Viking Caves, Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh Lagoon, spotting wild monkeys and snorkelling over coral reefs. 

>> SEE THIS DAY TRIP <<

KOH HONG & KOH PHANAK

Koh Hong & Koh Phanak are some of the highlights of the picturesque Phang Nga Bay. These two places are draped with dramatic, steep limestone karsts, striking caves, and hidden turquoise lagoons. Both Koh Hong & Koh Phanak are famous for kayaking explorations. Some of the most impressive caves are the Bat Cave, Mangrove Cave, Hong Island Cave and the Climbing Cave. 

>> SEA CAVE CANOE TOUR<<

SUNSET CRUISE

One of the most romantic things to do in Phuket – is enjoying a Private Sunset Sailboat cruise. Charter your private 1930s solid teak sailboat as you enjoy an afternoon out exploring the hidden wonders of Phang Nga Bay. Fantastic for popping the big question, celebrating your anniversary or birthday. 

>> SUNSET DINNER CRUISE IN PHUKET << 

JAMES BOND ISLAND

Impressive by day & magical by night. James Bond Island – locally known as Koh Tapu (famous from the James Bond Movie), is a must-visit for many visiting Thailand for the first time. Its main drawcard is its stunning natural beauty, best enjoyed away from the crowds. 

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WONDERS OF KRABI

Krabi is famous for its scenic views, and breathtaking beaches and islands. Every year visitors from around the world and locally would make time to visit Krabi. Unlike Phang Nga Bay, Krabi offers the best of both worlds, the majestic limestone cliffs and clear waters for snorkelling. 

BIOLUMINESCENT PLANKTON

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Are you planning your family vacation to Phuket? Here are a couple of tips from us as the local expats. Everything from must-see & visit places around Phuket, best family friendly boat tours & day trips, excellent restaurants to try out, and so much more.

Experience Elephants In Thailand: Best Elephant Sanctuaries

Captain Mark’s Guide To Phuket Town – Things To Do & See

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Gluten-Free Restaurants in Phuket

Phuket Island Hopping Tours

We run a variety of full-day, afternoon and sunset group tours with only small numbers on board to give you an intimate experience. Perfect for friends, families or single travellers, our small group tours will give you an idyllic day out on the water. We are also happy to arrange private tours to fit your schedule.

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From (THB) Adult 4,700

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The Best Island Hopping Phuket: How to Do It Right

• December 12, 2022
• This article may contain compensated links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

UPDATED December 9, 2023 — Welcome to our guide about island hopping Phuket, Thailand ! Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural beauty.

One of the best ways to experience all Phuket has to offer is island hopping. Each island has unique character and charm, from peaceful coves and secluded bays to bustling markets and vibrant nightlife.

In this article, my fellow travel bloggers and I share with you how we planned our island-hopping adventures, including:

• which islands we visited,
• how we got there and
• what activities we did once we arrived.

So grab your reef-friendly sunscreen, and let’s start island hopping Phuket!

Don’t have time to read the whole article? This is our favorite island hopping tour and top boat tour , exciting ways to experience island hopping Phuket.

In this article, seven active travel bloggers reveal their favorite island-hopping around Phuket. Here are the highlights of what they’ve uncovered for you:

Hop from Karon Beach to James Bond Island

Maya Bay , the ultimate island hopping from Phuket

Sunset Jaunt with dinner on La Moet Phuket

Standup Paddle Boarding After Hopping to Kahung Island

Dolphin Watching While Island Hopping from Phuket

Yes, you can island hop from Phuket. And the convenient ferries to Phi Phi islands, James Bond Island and elsewhere make it easy to do so.

In this article, we’ll help you plan island hopping in Thailand. You’ll get the inside scoop from seven travel bloggers who recently visited Phuket for TBEX, The Travel Bloggers Exchange .

Afterward, many of us went island hopping. Read on to learn how these experts did it!

1.) Island Hopping Phuket: Karon Beach to James Bond Island

“As a big fan of 007, I knew I had to visit the iconic James Bond Island while visiting Phuket, Thailand,” says travel blogger Feuza Reis.

“We were at Karon Beach, and there were tour stands all over. So I asked the waitress for her top pick and went with her recommendation.

“The boat trip, consisting of five island stops, plus lunch and transportation, cost about $42 each.

“Since high tide kept us off the first island, we continued to Khao Phing Kan, the famous James Bond Island,” continues Feuza.

“It’s known as James Bond Island because British moviemakers filmed scenes from The Man with the Golden Gun here. The magnificent upside-down rock is so different that it felt like we were in a movie.

“Steps led through lush greenery to intriguing caves. We had fun doing 007 poses while scoping out the island at several photo spots.

Hop to the next island: Ko Panyi at Phang Nga Bay

“Our next stop was at a Muslim village in Phang Nga Bay called Ko Panyi, where we ate lunch.

“Their structures are built on stilts and sit out over the water. These so-called floating villages were colorful, and the lunch was yummy.

“We stayed here for about an hour, then headed out again. The tour guide would always tell us how long until our next stop and how long we would have on each island, which helped us stay on track.”

We found this James Bond Island hopping tour online .

“Next up, we headed out to do the canoe tour, which was my favorite part of the whole trip,” revealed Feuza.

“The canoeing occurred at Phang Nga Bay, which was gorgeous and peaceful. Then we returned to the first island and were greeted by cute monkeys.

“Before getting off the speedboat, they gave us hard hats, and I had no idea why. Little did I know we would be heading inside a cave where we had to duck low with water up to our ankles.

“It reminded me of this ’80s movie where this teacher gets kidnapped by guys in clown masks, and she and her students have to swim under caves.

“Anyhow, it was exciting and adventurous.

“On the other side was this pretty nature-loving section filled with mud and species of the island,” the blogger describes.

Panya Beach island hopping Phuket

“Our last stop was at Panya Beach at Naka Island. Here we could purchase some yummy drinks and snacks, hang out at the beach and swim.

“Overall, this is a fun-filled trip for this midlife traveler who isn’t so adventurous, and I still loved it.”

Need a place to stay in Phuket? We found some incredible options on Expedia.

2.) Long-tail Boat to Maya Bay for Best Island Hopping Phuket

“An absolute must-do and my personal favourite boating experience around Phuket was hiring a long-tail boat for the day to visit Maya Bay,” says Australian and UK travel blogger Tracy Collins.

“Maya Bay and its stunning beach were reopened in 2022 after being closed by the Thai government for nearly four years. Famous for being THAT beach in the film of the same name, getting to Maya Bay is best achieved by long-tail boat,” reveals the creator at Tracy’s Travels in Time .

Hire a long-tail boat (with its owner)

“Hiring a long-tail boat (with its owner) to sail you around these beautiful islands is surely one of those bucket list experiences that everyone dreams of. 

“Just ensure you head to Maya Bay first before the crowds arrive. Boats are no longer allowed to pull up to the beach, so expect an interesting disembarkment onto a floating pontoon before a short walk across boardwalks to the back of the bay,” she reports.

“After soaking in the beauty of the bay, head back to your long tail boat for further adventures exploring the paradise of Phi Phi islands.”

Tracy took a ferry from Phuket to Ko Phi Phi and spent the night at a beach bungalow . The front desk arranged for the long-tail boat island hopping tour.

Alternatively, you could book a tour from Phuket and hop the islands to Maya Beach on a speedboat.

3.) Island Hopping with La Moet Phuket Makes It Easy for You

“I always have the best time on board La Moet Phuket. It’s my boat of choice for my family’s boating adventures,” reveals travel blogger Jenny Littlewood, who lives in Phuket.

“Their Sun and Sunset tour on Phuket’s Andaman Sea is one of my absolute favourites,” says Jenny, who goes by Little Wren on Instagram and her website Littlewanderingwren .

“La Moet is spacious, comfortable and with lots of comfy cushions! I love the relaxing cruise gliding through the sparkling turquoise waters in search of a perfect secluded cove to swim and snorkel,” Jenny recommends about island hopping Phuket.

4.) Family-style Food While Island Hopping Phuket​

“We have great memories of the food while island hopping Phuket to Kahung Island ,” says travel writer Carla Rupp . “When we arrived by boat at Kahung Island, travel bloggers piled around tables in the island’s restaurant with our big appetites. Family-style bowls of Thai food were a welcome sight. Snorkeling and swimming at several spots along the way had left us famished.

“‘I remember everything being very fresh,’ recalls YouTuber Dan Zeek when we chatted recently. We raved about the food, remembering our friend Stacey Wittig,” continues Carla.

“My YouTuber son Jason Rupp and I were lucky to have a freshly made vegetarian platter that all of us shared at our table. There were dishes to suit all tastes: delicious coconut curry, fresh shrimp, an array of fruit, fresh calamari, fish with a yummy sauce and more.

Family-style meal draws fellow travelers together

“We loved our meal, and the servers were wonderful, bringing out new things. The family-style meal was perfect for drawing us all together as we passed the food and had fun conversations like ‘family’ and best travel friends.”

5.) Don’t Miss SUP While Island Hopping Phuket

“After our meal while island hopping Phuket and its surroundings, my mom Carla and I went into the water. It felt so amazingly good—the cleanest, most beautiful water,” describes Jason Rupp, vblogger and TBEX regular . They had hopped from Phuket to Kahung Beach on Coral Island.

“Our friend Dan Zeek grabbed a lounging chair to admire the scenery and catch some sun. Soon I noticed someone come out of the water with a stand-up paddle board, and I wanted to do that!

Paddle boarding as part of island hopping Phuket

“It is always my dream to paddleboard anywhere in the world that I can. So the staff helped me with the board, and I managed to go out in the water with it and stand up on it.

“I paddled as I stood up. It is such a thrill to stand on the board. Just the beauty of Kahung Island and Phuket is awesome! I loved it.

“It is a challenge to stand up. Eventually, I fell into the water.

“My mom noticed a double kayak, so we did that activity until it was time to leave. I hope we can go back there someday: Nikorn Marine Tour did a great job taking care of us.”

Jason Rupp is a vblogger on YouTube with over 571K subscribers.

Instagram @dontmisstheplane_jasonrupp

6.) Dolphin Watching While Island Hopping Phuket

“Everyone knows about Phi Phi and James Bond Islands near Phuket, but the lesser-known islands are where you are more likely to find dolphins.

“During our time in Phuket, we visited small islands in search of the beautiful yet elusive mammals. Dolphins pods are known to frequent the bays at small islands like Mai Ton, Thai Tai and Coral Islands,” reveals world traveler Kevin Flint.

Island hopping Phuket

“To get to these islands, we used companies like Nikon Marine in Phuket. There are a lot of tour operators based on the east and west coast sides of the island.

“They offer anything from sailing catamarans to large 45+ foot power boats to yachts and more. They also have the snorkeling equipment you need, plus some offer inflatable slides for easy and fun access to the water.

If you want to add more adventure to your dolphin hunt, we recommend going with a company that offers scuba diving. But, even if you don’t find the dolphins, the aquatic life on the coral reef of these islands will impress you.”

7.) Island Hopping Phuket With Nikorn Marine

“For island hopping Phuket, I’d recommend Nikorn Marine. I sailed out of Phuket with them on two occasions. Once on a motorized catamaran to Papakang Maiton Island and later on a powerboat to Kahung Beach ,” explains travel writer Stacey Wittig.

“The catamaran had more space for dancing and dining. The powerboat hopped us to islands and snorkeling spots at a faster pace.

“If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the speedboat to Kahung Island because of the restaurant, chilling on the beach and water sports found on the island. Carla and Jason described that so well in their sections above,” the travel expert says.

“The catamaran had a sunset dinner on board, but I preferred lunch at the Kahung Beach restaurant. Both were fun island hopping Phuket that took me to places I would never have seen without the boat excursions.”

Nikorn Marine island hopping tours leave from Chalong Pier in Phuket.

Table of Contents

Faq best island hopping phuket.

Island hopping in Phuket is soooooo worth it! The cost to rent a boat with a captain is very inexpensive compared to prices here in the US. You can even book a tour on some of your trusted sites like Viator . 

The more costly part of your trip is your flight to Thailand. However, if you use my secrets to find cheap flights and are flexible on your times, island hopping Phuket is quite affordable.

Island hopping Phuket is so easy! We simply asked the front desk person to sign us up!

However, we wanted to be the first boat out, and those were already filled. So we had to beg her to find a friend or cousin to take us out early. We were fortunate that she found someone.

To avoid that problem, book a tour on some of your trusted sites like Viator .

Currently, you can book a highly-rated, day-long island-hopping Phuket tour for $50 to $180 USD. If you’d like an overnight or custom luxury tour, expect to pay up to $1400 USD. It’s easy to check all your options at favorite online sites like Viator . 

Check the amenities offered for each tour. How much it costs to go island hopping in Phuket depends on the boat type and amenities offered, like snorkeling, scuba, lunch or more. 

Yes, you can get to other islands from Phuket. From Phuket, we took the ferry to Phi Phi Leh. The next day, our boatsman picked us up at the beach next to our hotel and went to other Phi Phi Islands, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach and Maya Bay.

Most hotels and resorts can arrange transportation to the the harbor. Tip: I suggest arranging your accommodations near the harbor so it takes less time in traffic.

The islands near Phuket include Koh Phi Phi, Kahung Island, Koh Lanta and Similan Island. See the descriptions above!

Hi, I’m Stacey

UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. I also occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. I hope you enjoy what I post here. Feel free to leave comments! Read more…

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2 thoughts on “The Best Island Hopping Phuket: How to Do It Right”

Thank you for these great tips! We are heading to Phuket for the first time later this year – I will be referring back to this article!

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21 AWESOME Tours in Phuket [Hidden Gems!]

Phuket is a bucket list destination for most travelers! This island paradise in Thailand boasts picture-perfect beaches, a vibrant and unique culture, a historical old town, delicious food, and an overall sense of fun!

To see the most that Phuket has to offer, consider taking some tours from the island. Whether you choose to go on short tours to discover more of Phuket or use the island as a base to see more of Thailand, you will be in for a treat.

Here is our guide to the best Phuket island tours. We hope that they help you to experience this destination to its full extent!

• The 21 Best Tours in Phuket •

#1 – phi phi, maya, bamboo, and maiton island day trip.

• Visit 4 different Thai islands
• Travel in style by luxury speedboat

One of the main attractions in Phuket for many visitors is the incredible surrounding islands! Consider this Phuket island hopping tour for an unforgettable experience!

Your speedboat will take you from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands for a day of fun! Visit Maya Bay, famed for being the location of the film “The Beach”. From there you will still visit the stunning Bamboo and Maiton islands. For some serious island-style fun in the sun, take this exciting tour.

#2 – Half Day Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Tour

• 5 – 6 hours
• Spend some time up close with elephants
• Learn all about the local elephants and their behavior

Thailand is home to a population of gentle, giant elephants. Visit this ethically-run elephant sanctuary to spend some time enjoying these amazing creatures.

Your guided tour of the sanctuary will involve feeding the elephants, swimming with them, giving them a mud bath, and more! You will get to learn all about the history and behaviors of these animals, as well as the importance of ethically run sanctuaries like this. The half-day visit includes a delicious local lunch.

Editor’s Tip: make friends by staying at a cool hostel in Phuket!

#3 – City Highlights and Viewpoints Tour

• Explore various Phuket landmarks
• A professionally guided small group tour

Take this tour of Phuket island to discover some of the best things to see and experience here! This 5-hour tour is guided by a knowledgeable local who will teach you all about the most important sites and attractions on the island.

Visit the Big Buddha, Chalong Temple, Phuket Old Town, amazing viewpoints and more! This tour is a fantastic way of getting a better understanding and feel for the sights and culture of the island.

The sights in Bangkok are amazing – check out the coolest tours in Bangkok!

#4 – Excursion to James Bond Island

• Visit the iconic James Bond Island
• Explore plenty of interesting island attractions along the way

Taking a tour to James Bond Island is a must do for Phuket visitors! This tour allows you to see some of the best island attractions and sights all from a traditional longtail boat.

The tour includes paddling around the sublime blue waters by sea kayak, visiting the famous monkey cave, a stunning fishing village for lunch, witness the reclining gold Buddha, and more! This full-day tour is a fantastic island hopping experience!

#5 – Water Sports Boat Cruise

• Take your pick from a variety of watersport activities
• Enjoy a fun boat trip around Koh Racha Yai

If you’re looking to have some fun in the crystal clear island waters, then this is one of the best Phuket boat tours! Enjoy a cruise aboard a comfortable boat as you head towards the island of Koh Racha Yai.

Once there, take your pick from a variety of fun water activities! These include snorkeling, kayaking, water sliding, or even scuba diving! All of this is guided by a certified and qualified instructor.

Not finding the right hostel? Phuket has a selection of party hostels too!

#6 – Tour to the Siam Niramit Performance

• Watch the award-winning Siam Niramit show in Phuket
• Tour includes hotel transfer service

The Siam Niramit show is a breathtaking performance featuring over 100 performers! This magical experience is a great way to learn about Thai history and culture through an entertaining show in Phuket.

Your trip here includes a delicious, authentic Thai dinner buffet, and round trip transport. This is a fantastic way to experience the local cultural heritage, history, religion, music and more!

Have an early flight? Book a hostel near Phuket AIRPORT to have a stress-free morning!

#7 – Phuket Bar Crawl Tour

• Visit some of the best bars in Phuket
• Receive free drinks throughout the night

Phuket has a lot going on, with its party scene being a total highlight! Take this bar crawl in Phuket to discover the best places to drink, party, and meet people on the island!

The tour includes 2 of the top bars on the island, as well as a visit to a fun nightclub! You will receive free shots throughout the night and will get to party with people from all over the world. Your expert guides will give you some great insider tips on the best places to party on the island.

#8 – Banana Beach Day Trip

• Swim, snorkel and relax on Banana Beach
• Enjoy a speedboat transfer to the island

For the ultimate relaxation in Phuket day trips, consider taking this tour to Banana Beach. Banana Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded island destinations – a total paradise for a day in the sun.

Choose to relax on the beach, go kayaking in a glass-bottomed kayak, snorkeling in Coral Bay, or swimming in the warm waters. Your tour includes a premium lunch at the waterside Hornbill Restaurant.

#9 – Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

• Learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes
• Pick fresh ingredients from the garden and local market

Thailand is famous for its incredible food, and many visitors would love to learn the secrets behind this cuisine. This Phuket tour allows you to do just this with a 4-hour cooking class and market tour!

You will be guided around the local market where you can learn all about the fresh ingredients and local produce. Afterward, your expert cooking guide will teach you some authentic Thai recipes and kitchen secrets.

Will you be in Bangkok a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from Bangkok for exploring the area!

#10 – Private Driver Flexible Tour of Phuket

• 4 – 8 hours
• Explore Phuket at your own pace
• Choose your own itinerary

To experience Phuket in absolute style, book this private car with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver. You will be able to visit all of the best attractions across the island without having to worry about other tourists or delays.

Your local driver will be able to inform you on the best itinerary to suit your personal tastes. You will get some great insider knowledge, without the hassle of an organized group tour.

#11 – River Rafting, Zipline, and Waterfall Adventure

• Experience some exciting outdoor adventures
• Visit a stunning waterfall and monkey cave

For some thrills in Phuket, take this full-day adventure tour on the island! The tour will have you river rafting down some white water rapids, ziplining along lush jungle treetops, and swimming underneath an amazing waterfall!

Along the way, you will get to stop into a monkey cave at Suwan Kuha Temple. This cave also houses a 15 m long reclining Buddha image. Choose this tour for some of the best thrills in Phuket!

#12 – Mangrove Jungle and Hidden Beach Quad Bike Tour

• 1 – 2 hours
• Navigate thrilling terrain on a quad bike
• See some awesome sights along this adventure

For a fun way of exploring Phuket’s natural beauty, try this quad bike tour! You will ride through the muddy trails of the mangrove forests guided by a local expert. Experience the untamed rainforests from a thrilling perspective.

Discover a hidden, unspoiled beach along the way of your fun ride. This tour is perfect for anyone aged 8 and up!

Thailand is big! You’ll have to prioritize which places to visit when you go!

#13 – Phang Nga Bay Kayaking Tour

• Discover the breathtaking islands of Phang Nga Bay
• Kayak around the clear blue waters guided by an expert

This Phuket island tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring some iconic islands by kayak! You will get to paddle around Ao Phang Nga National Park where you can explore sea caves, internal lagoons, beautiful beaches, and amazing limestone rock formations.

This full day excursion will take you past the famous James Bond Island, as well as a memorable stop on Hong Island. Boat trip and lunch included.

MUST READ! We’ve organized the best places to stay in Phuket  for all types of trips!

#14 – Phuket Old Town Food Tour

• Taste 15 of the best dishes in Phuket
• Learn about the interesting culinary traditions of the area

If you love food, and want to learn more about Thai cuisine, then this food tour is essential! Enjoy this 4-hour tour around the Phuket Old Town, where you’ll get to sample 15 different dishes.

Learn all about the unique food culture of the island, and discover the many traditional and authentic dishes that Phuket has to offer. Be sure to arrive hungry!

#15 – Phuket Highlights Small Group City Tour

• See the top attractions and sights in Phuket
• Learn all about the interesting culture and history of the island

This small group tour is the perfect way to discover the magic of Phuket! Your friendly knowledgeable guide will take you to see the most important sites and attractions around the island.

Between the major points of interest, you will get to learn about the unique architecture, the Sino-Portuguese history, and have time for a leisurely lunch. The tour ends at a local distillery where you will get to enjoy a rum cocktail!

#16 – Scuba Diving at Racha Noi & Yai

• A total beginners course in diving
• Includes 3 dives in incredible locations

If you would like to learn the basics of scuba diving and how to use the gear, try this PADI Discover 3 dive tour from Phuket! It would be tough finding a more beautiful place to learn how to scuba dive than the warm waters of Racha Noi and Yai.

The experienced, qualified instructors will teach you everything you need to know. All you need to do is enjoy the amazing marine life that the Andaman Sea has to offer!

See the hidden gems of Chiang Mai! With the best tours and sights in Chiang Mai! 

#17 – Bike Tour to Turtle Sanctuary and Waterfall

• Cycle along the idyllic Andaman coastline
• Visit a turtle sanctuary and a beautiful waterfall

Exploring Phuket by bicycle is one of the best ways to see the island! Take this bike tour along the stunning coastline to witness some of the best sights in Phuket!

Enjoy the fresh air as you cycle past beaches, lush forests, and through local villages. You will enjoy a tasty lunch at a beachside restaurant before seeing turtles in a brilliant sanctuary. Finish off the tour with a swim underneath a big natural waterfall!

#18 – Full Day Cruise Along the Andaman Coast

• Set sail across the pristine Andaman coastline
• Enjoy warm clear waters, hidden beaches, and fantastic swimming

There’s no better way of experiencing the Phuket coastline than through a relaxing cruise. This Phuket day trip is suitable for anyone wanting to see the best that the Andaman Coast has to offer!

Sail through turquoise waters, and discover the many charming bays, coves, and beaches along the island. Swim and snorkel from the boat, and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet during the cruise.

#19 – Coral Island Tour

• A fun day of relaxing on the beach and enjoying a stunning island
• Enjoy some fun watersports during this tour!

Coral Island is one of the most picture perfect places near Phuket. If you are looking to enjoy some island relaxation and fun, then this is one of the best Phuket tours out there!

The tour includes underwater walking with a bubble mask, a cruise to Ko Hey Island, a leisurely exploration of Coral Island, and a delicious lunch. This is the perfect relaxing day out from Phuket.

#20 – Snorkeling and Dolphin Spotting in Maiton Island

• Spend a day on idyllic Maiton Island
• Spot dolphins jumping out the water and enjoy some snorkeling

When looking at tours in Phuket, there is a great number of island excursions. For those wanting to experience one of the best islands in the area, this is a top tour option!

Spend the day on Maiton Island – a beautiful paradise! Spend some time relaxing on the white sandy beaches, swimming in the crystal clear waters, and snorkeling with the fishes. On clear days, you should be able to spot dolphins jumping out of the water as you cruise past the islands.

#21 – Countryside Bike Tour

• Experience lesser seen sights around Phuket
• Cycle through the islands beautiful natural landscapes

Escape the buzz of the busy beaches and town, and enjoy a peaceful bike ride out in nature. This is one of the best tours in Phuket for those wanting to experience a quieter side of the island that most tourists don’t get to see.

You will cycle past a stunning waterfall, a gibbon rehabilitation project, and an unbeatable viewpoint! If you are worried about the cycling aspect, there is a backup bus if needed.

Now that you know about what tours to take in Phuket, it’s time to make sure you are ready for them! Here are some common questions around tours on this island.

How do I book a Phuket Tour?

With all of the different tour operators and tourism hubs in Phuket, it can be difficult to know where the best place to book your tour is. Our favorite, safest option would be through a site like getyourguide.com . This way you just need to book online and everything else will be sorted out!

What should I pack for a tour in Phuket?

Thailand is hot and humid, and most tours in Phuket involve some outdoor activity and the ocean. Therefore, be sure to pack comfortable clothing that may get wet! Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimming costumes, and comfortable shoes are always a good idea here. Bringing along bottled water also comes highly recommended.

How much money do tours in Phuket typically cost?

Tour prices in Phuket vary pretty widely depending on what the tour involves. Most tours offer great value though, with private transportation, professional guides, activities, and food included. Prices of tours in Phuket generally cost anywhere between $25 – $70.

How much time do tours in Phuket last?

Phuket has a wide range of tours available to suit all kinds of schedules. You can choose from half day tours, full day tours, or short tours. Generally, these tours are anywhere between 3 – 10 hours.

Final Thoughts on Phuket Tours

Traveling to Phuket is a big adventure, and it should involve all kinds of fun! While it can be great to just sit back and relax on the island’s beaches, taking some tours from Phuket will really make your stay far more memorable!

Whether you are looking for day trips from Phuket, the best Phi Phi island tour , or fun ways to explore the old town, there is a tour suitable for you. We hope that this guide helps you to make the most out of your trip to Phuket!

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . Your support helps me keep the site going :)

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Top Tours in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Film & TV Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine

2. Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat

3. Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

4. Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips

5. Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket

6. Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer

7. Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong

8. A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

9. Thai Private Cooking Class at Amphoe Thalang

10. Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket

11. Phuket Paradise ATV and Zipline Experience

12. Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option

13. Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

14. Starlight Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

15. Premium Phi Phi, bamboo island tour SpeedCatamaran

16. Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour in Phuket

17. Zipline, Roller Coaster, Skywalk & with Lunch

18. Full-Day Racha Yai Private Scuba Diving Course from Phuket

19. Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

20. Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

21. ATV Big Buddha Phuket Viewpoint

22. ️ Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive

23. James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

24. Travstore Original Phuket Discovery Tour - Shared Half Day City Tour

25. Small Groups of 20 people - Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

26. Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

27. Full-Day Phi Phi and Maiton islands Tour by Speed Catamaran

28. YONA Beach Club: Phuket's Most Incredible Boat Experience

29. Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

30. An Afternoon with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

What travellers are saying.

• Luis Cincinnati, OH 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles James Bond's island It was amazing. The crew, was super friendly, the food delicious , the logistics were spot on... everything was great. Kung and La (our canoe driver) was fantastic. We had the best time exploring the beautiful scenery The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze. Kung and La made sure we felt comfortable and safe throughout the entire journey. The canoe glided smoothly through the water, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the tranquil surroundings. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Read more Review of: Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat Written 1 June 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

10 Unmissable Things to Do in Phuket with Kids and Tips for Visiting in 2024

P huket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, known for its stunning white sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. However, it’s not just a destination for adults, there are many things to do in Phuket with kids, making it an ideal destination for the whole family.

With plenty of family-friendly activities and accommodations to choose from, there’s something for everyone. 

If you’re thinking of visiting Phuket with kids, this guide will provide you with tips and ideas on how to make the most of your family trip to Phuket.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Is Phuket a good place to visit with kids?

When people think about  what Phuket is famous for , they usually conjure up images of Patong Beach and Bangla Road which is known for its wild nightlife and seedy tourism.

However, this is only a small part of Phuket, and the rest of the island is a fantastic destination for families with kids. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and adventurous attractions, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. 

The island of Phuket has many family-friendly accommodations ranging from luxurious beach resorts to budget-friendly hotels, that cater to the needs of families. 

It also has plenty of activities that are perfect for kids, including visiting elephant sanctuaries, splashing around in water parks, and zipping through the jungles on an ATV tour. 

Families can enjoy quality time together while exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of this amazing destination. 

With its warm weather, friendly people, and welcoming atmosphere, Phuket is a great place to create unforgettable memories with your children.

Things to Do in Phuket With Kids

There are plenty of family-friendly attractions in Phuket to choose from. Here are some of the best things to do in Phuket with kids.

1. Visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Visiting an elephant sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Phuket but you should choose the sanctuary with care. Not all sanctuaries offer ethical experiences, by allowing visitors to ride, feed, bathe, and play with elephants.

The  Phuket Elephant Sanctuary  allows visitors to observe but not interact with the elephants, allowing them the freedom to go about their day undisturbed.

As you observe these gentle giants, you will learn about where the elephants were rescued and learn about the conservation efforts.

Don’t miss a chance to walk along Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, walk the nature trails through the park, and watch the environmental documentary in the Tree Top Lounge.

2. Take a Boat Tour of Phang Nga Bay

The whole family will enjoy a boat tour of this stunning bay, known for its towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. This tour also includes a visit to James Bond Island, which was featured in the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun,” as well as Panyee Island, which is where you will find the famous floating village which was built on stilts.

Perhaps the best part of this tour is when you visit a lagoon where you can enjoy canoeing around the limestone formations, looking out for monkeys and sea birds, and exploring sea caves.

3. Visit Phuket Old Town

Take a walk through the historic streets of the charming Old Town, known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and colorful markets.

Cool down with a refreshing Thai Milk Tea in one of the boutique cafes, or visit one of the markets and shop for souvenirs. 

Don’t miss the Naka Weekend Market if you’re visiting on a weekend, which runs from 4 pm – 10 pm. The night markets are a great place to try traditional Thai street food.

This is a great first-day activity if you are feeling jet-lagged or tired from traveling.

4. Hit the Beaches

Phuket has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. You will find a more relaxing atmosphere at beaches like Kata Beach and Karon Beach where you can swim in the sea and spend quality time on the beach.

If you have kids who need more entertainment, head to Patong Beach or Kamala Beach where you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, go parasailing, jet skiing, and more. 

Most of the towns in Phuket have convenience stores where you can buy buckets and shovels, footballs, and volleyballs, so take your kids to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.

5. Watch a Cultural Show at Siam Niramit

If you’re looking for things to do in Phuket with kids at night, then check out Siam Niramit.

Famous for its cultural show, visitors get to watch live entertainment themed around Thailand’s history, traditions, culture, and mythology through dance and music. The show also features spectacular special effects, elaborate costumes, and music.

Visiting Siam Niramit is a unique way to experience Thai culture and enjoy a fun-filled evening out with your family whilst enjoying a buffet dinner.

6. Splash Around in Splash Jungle Water Park

Splash Jungle Waterpark  is a must-visit attraction in Phuket. It is perfect for families looking for a fun and exciting day out. 

Located in Mai Khao Beach, the water park features a range of water slides, pools, and attractions suitable for all ages. There are thrilling rides like the Whizzard, a waterslide with a 360-degree loop, and Boomerango, which has a 15-meter vertical wall.

Younger kids will enjoy the relaxing Lazy River, Wave Pool, or Splash Park, or the whole family can go on the raft ride. There is something for everyone. 

The water park also offers dining options, lockers, and shower facilities, making it easy to spend the whole day there.

Another water park that’s worth checking out if you have more time and enjoy Splash Jungle Waterpark is Andamanda Park .

7. Visit Aquaria, The Phuket Aquarium

Located in Cape Panwa, this aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.

Aquaria is a magical underwater experience, where you can get up close to 25,000 marine animals and learn about Thailand’s marine ecosystem from the knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Don’t miss a chance to visit the aquarium’s Trick of the Eyes exhibit , an AR exhibit that allows you to awaken all of your five senses.

8. Go ziplining

Ziplining in Phuket is an exhilarating activity that is perfect for families with older kids. The island offers a range of zipline parks, including  Flying Hanuman  and Jungle Xtrem Adventures , which offer a unique way to experience the beauty of Phuket’s natural surroundings. 

Ziplining is an  adventurous outdoor activity in Thailand  that not only allows you to feel the thrill of the experience but also to be in touch with Phuket’s nature.

The parks offer a variety of zipline courses suitable for different ages and skill levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

9. Take an ATV tour 

An ATV tour in Phuket is an exciting experience that the whole family can enjoy. Driving around on an ATV allows you to experience the island’s nature in a unique way, and get off the beaten path.

Not only is riding an ATV a thrilling way to get your children excited about outdoor adventures, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the stunning scenery of Phuket. You can choose between riding around jungle trails, along beachside paths, or around the mountainside. 

An ATV tour in Phuket is a fun way to create unforgettable memories with your family that you’ll cherish for years to come.

10. Take a Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand and are the scene on many postcards. It’s an easy day trip from Phuket and makes for an exhilarating experience the whole family can enjoy.

The Phi Phi Islands are known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and thriving marine life. 

On a day tour, you get to visit the famous Maya Bay, a pristine beach made famous by the Leonardo Dicaprio movie, The Beach , as well as visit lagoons for swimming and snorkeling.

Tour operators provide safe and comfortable boats with knowledgeable guides to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience for the whole family. 

Phi Phi Islands Tours

• Get Your Guide Phi Phi, Maya, and Bamboo Island – CLICK HERE
• Best of the Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling tour with Viator – CLICK HERE

Where to Stay in Phuket

When visiting Phuket with kids, it’s important to choose accommodation that is safe, and comfortable and offers the amenities and services that families need. Fortunately, Phuket has a wide variety of options available to suit different budgets and preferences. 

Some of the best areas to stay in Phuket with kids are Kata Beach, Kamala Beach, and Karon Beach. Patong Beach is where you will find parties and nightlife, so it’s not recommended to stay here with young kids, however, it’s a great place to visit in the daytime as the beach has lots of watersports on offer.

Popular family-friendly hotels in Phuket

• Holiday Inn Resort Phuket – This beachfront resort is located in Patong Beach and offers a range of family-friendly facilities, including a kids’ club, swimming pools, and a family suite with separate bedrooms and living areas.
• Pullman Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa – Located in Karon Beach, this resort offers a range of fun activities for families, including a kids’ club, waterslides, and a pool with a two-level water slide.
• Novotel Phuket Resort – Located in Patong Beach, this resort offers a range of family-friendly activities, including an outdoor swimming pool and a children’s playground.
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa – This 5-star beach resort is located on Mai Khao beach and it’s fairly close to the airport. Guests have access to a spa, three outdoor pools, a modern fitness center, and activities such as Thai cooking classes. Most rooms have a terrace or balcony and there are several room configurations that work for families.

Getting Around Phuket With Kids

When traveling with kids, it’s important to plan how you will get around. While taxis and tuk-tuks are available, they may not be the most convenient option (or cheapest option), especially if you have young children. 

Ways to Travel Around Phuket with Kids

• Rent a Car : Renting a car is a great option if you want to explore Phuket at your own pace. Most car rental companies offer child seats for an additional fee.
• Hire a Driver : Hiring a driver can be a good option if you don’t want to drive yourself. Drivers are often available for hire by the hour or day.  Click here to book a driver .
• Use Public Transport : If you’re on a tight budget, public transport such as a tuk-tuk and songthaews (local buses) are a good option. Keep in mind that public transport is very slow as it stops at multiple places, and there isn’t really a set timetable. It’s important to plan ahead if you plan on taking public transport with children and allow extra time.
• Use Grab : Grab is the most famous  riding-sharing app in Phuket . It allows you to book a driver and take you from A to B quickly and efficiently. They can be more expensive than public transport, but they are much faster.

Tips for Visiting Phuket with Kids

When traveling in Phuket with kids, it’s important to take extra precautions and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting Phuket with kids:

• Arrive before your kid’s bedtime – Depending on where you are flying from, your kids may be cranky and tired when they arrive. You should try to arrive just before their bedtime so they can go straight to sleep. Try not to arrive in the dead of night as it’s not always easy to find taxis at the airport.
• Stay hydrated – The weather in Phuket can be hot and humid, so it’s important to keep your family hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
• Dress appropriately – When visiting temples or other cultural sites, remember to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees and avoiding revealing clothing.
• Look out for your kids – Phuket can be quite busy, so it’s important to keep an eye on your children at all times, especially around the pool or on the beach.
• Try the local food – Thai cuisine is delicious and there are many kid-friendly dishes to choose from. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Phuket with Kids

Phuket is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. The island boasts stunning beaches, beautiful natural habitats, exciting theme parks, and a range of water sports and outdoor adventures. 

Phuket is a safe place to visit, with friendly locals and excellent medical facilities. 

The island’s warm weather and tropical climate make it an ideal year-round destination. 

Phuket is a fantastic place to create unforgettable memories with your family while enjoying the beauty and culture of Thailand.

About the author: This is a guest post contributed by Louisa from  Travel Thailand Together . Travel Thailand Together is a site dedicated to everything Thailand, run by ex-pats and frequent travelers to Thailand, offering recommendations for things to do, see, stay, and explore.