6 day trips, picked for the kind of traveler you are.
Updated October 2026·6 trips · 3 kinds of travelers
[HERO PHOTO]Limestone islands in the Andaman Sea
The Andaman Sea has hundreds of islands. You have one day.
Phuket sits in the middle of it all: Phi Phi to the southeast, Phang Nga Bay to the northeast, the Similans out west, Racha to the south. Choose right and it’s the best day of your trip. Choose wrong and it’s eight hours on a crowded speedboat.
So we’ve matched six day trips to three kinds of travelers. Find yourself, then pick your boat.
The trip that made the Andaman famous. Phi Phi Leh’s cliffs, Pileh Lagoon’s emerald water and Maya Bay, the beach Thailand shut in 2018 to let its coral recover before reopening it under tighter rules.
Famous from:The Beach (2000). Maya Bay is where Leonardo DiCaprio found his “perfect beach,” and the reason half the world wants to stand on that sand.
Why go: If you only do one island trip, this is the one people will ask you about.
Know before you goIt’s popular for a reason, and that means crowds. Leave early.
Phukether moveGo private. A private speedboat lets you reach the bays before the tour boats.
Famous from: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)Calm water
Instagram postPhang Nga Bay
Limestone towers rising straight out of calm green water. The headliner is Khao Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island, and the needle-shaped Ko Tapu just offshore. The real magic is paddling a canoe through sea caves at Ko Hong and Ko Panak into hidden lagoons.
Famous from:The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Ko Tapu was the villain Scaramanga’s hideout, with Roger Moore as Bond.
Why go: Calmer water than the open sea, which suits families and anyone who gets seasick.
Know before you goThe canoe-through-the-caves moment is the highlight. Make sure your tour includes it.
Phukether moveCombine it with a long-tail boat for the narrow channels the big boats can’t reach.
East across the bay, in KrabiLonger day on the water
Instagram postKrabi islands
The classic 4 Islands route takes in Ko Poda, Chicken Island, and Ko Tup and Ko Mor, which are joined by the Talay Waek sandbar at low tide, usually with a stop at Phra Nang Cave Beach. Hong Island is a separate trip into protected emerald lagoons. Speedboat day trips run from Phuket.
Why go: For those who’ve already seen Phi Phi, or want Krabi’s cliffs without moving hotels.
Know before you goIt’s a longer day on the water from Phuket than the other routes.
Phukether moveA private boat lets you combine Hong Island with the best of the 4 Islands in one day.
Giant granite boulders, white sand and some of the clearest water in Thailand. It’s a long day: about 90 minutes by road to Khao Lak, then 60 to 90 minutes by speedboat each way. Overnight stays on the islands have been banned since 2018, so it’s a day trip either way.
Why go: Serious snorkeling. This is the trip snorkelers fly to Phuket for.
Know before you goThe park is seasonal. Check it’s open before you book.
Phukether moveLeave early, pick a smaller boat, and arrive before the crowd.
Where About 120 km northwest of Phuket, via Thap Lamu pier in Khao LakGoogle Maps ↗
05
Racha & Coral Island
Clear Water, Short Ride
30–40 min by speedboat15–25 m visibility in peak season
Instagram postRacha Island
Racha Yai sits about 12 km south of Phuket, 30 to 40 minutes by speedboat. In peak season the water visibility often reaches 15 to 25 meters. Land at Patok Bay for powdery sand, or head to Siam Bay for fewer day-trippers. Coral Island is just 15 minutes from Chalong, so most trips pair the two.
Why go: Similan-style clear water with half the travel time.
Know before you goProne to seasickness? The bigger, slower boats (60 to 90 minutes) are a smoother ride.
Phukether moveSkip the crowds at Patok and book a private boat to Siam Bay.
Three tiny islands just 15 minutes by speedboat from Phuket’s east coast, with departures from Chalong Pier, Ao Po Pier and Royal Phuket Marina. Khai Nok has restaurants and beach chairs, Khai Nai is the biggest and most family-friendly, and Khai Nui has the best reef: clownfish in the anemones and harmless blacktip reef sharks.
Why go: A real island day in half a day. Perfect with small kids or a tight schedule.
Also easy: Coral Island, 15 minutes from Chalong Pier.
Know before you goHalf-day and full-day options both exist. Half a day is plenty here.
Phukether moveGo in the morning, be back at the villa for lunch.
Where Off Phuket’s east coast · Chalong Pier, Ao Po Pier or Royal Phuket MarinaGoogle Maps ↗
Shared Tour or Private Boat?
Shared toursThe cheapest seat on the water, but you run on the group’s schedule.
Private speedboatsChoose the route, leave early and skip the busiest stops.
Yachts & catamaransThe transfer becomes part of the day. Perfect for groups and celebrations.
