Joanna James
Phuket is blessed with many captivating things, including several smaller islands off its coast, each with its own personality. Here's a look at some that are certainly worth a visit.
A part of the Marine National Park - the Similans are actually nine islands. Unlike most of the other islands around Phuket, these have remained undeveloped, and thus offer an unspoiled landscape that has not changed in centuries. Pristine beaches, lush foliage and clear waters attract travellers here on day trips from the main island.
Located not far off Phuket's south coast, Koh Bon offers the perfect getaway for a short break from the main island. A rocky island that features a long, quiet beach on its eastern side, Koh Bon also has the only vertical wall in Thailand, making it a superb place for snorkeling and diving. The main dive site has a ridge that drops to a depth of over 45m.
Ko Tapu (or James Bond Island) is a tall island which is a part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Rising 20 meters above sea level, it stands out tall against the other islands in the area, and has even been featured in a James Bond movie. Because of its fame, visitors staying at resorts in the area, such as COMO Point Yamu, Phuket, for example, noted for having a popular Phuket luxury spa - often travel by boat to see the island.
The Racha Islands, also commonly known as Raya Islands, are two islands famous for their snorkelling and diving sites. Only one island, Racha Yai, has accommodation for visitors among its local fishing population. During the day, it's a hive of activity, but by 4pm, the day trippers leave and all is quiet again.
A 45-minute ferry ride from Phuket, these are two large islands are located near the entrance to Phang Nga Bay. The charm of these islands lies in the fact that they have not been overdeveloped; thus retaining their natural tropical landscapes, and aside from quiet local community, there's no other human presence on the islands to disturb the peace.
The Phi Phi Islands are six amazingly beautiful islands that have become a prime destination among both locals and tourists alike. The largest and only inhabited island is Koh Phi Phi Don, which consists of three main areas - a lively village nestled between Tonsai and Dalum bays; Laem Thong beach, a typical tropical beach; and the southern coast, which consists of dense jungle and a beach strip.
The Koh Khai Islands consist of Koh Khai Nai and Koh Khai Nok – two small islands situated to the east of Phuket. Both are uninhabited, but Koh Khai Nok, the largest one, is the only one which is open to visitors. Featuring minimal infrastructures to serve day-trippers, the real highlight of the island is the abundance of tropical fish near the shore, offering visitors the chance to swim among these colourful fish.
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