Joanna James
Where white sands abound, turquoise blue waters extend and forest-clad mountains soar, the tropical island of Phuket has no shortage of adventure activities, but island hopping remains one of the most exciting, never failing to delight. Set sail into the Andaman, where adventure beckons.
Between the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand and Phuket is one of the southern region's most renowned holiday destinations, Koh Phi Phi — popularly known as the Phi Phi Islands. The 6-island archipelago is no stranger to travellers to Phuket and rightly so. Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest as well as the only inhabited island of the archipelago, is often the most visited; however, the fabled islands have a whole lot more to offer, especially for avid adventurers looking to explore beyond the beaten path. For a dose of delightful snorkelling, head over to Phi Phi Leh, and for a moment of peace and quiet in undisturbed tranquillity, Bamboo Island won’t disappoint.
Nestled at a distance of 80 kilometres away from Phuket, Similan Islands make quite the island hopping experience. The long voyage across the turquoise waters wouldn’t be in vain; the 9-island archipelago is brimming with nature and beauty, so much so the islands were named a national park and have been home to the eponymous Mu Ko Similan National Park since 1982. If there’s one thing the Similan Islands are known for, it would be for its incredible dive sites. Ranked among the top 10 diving destinations in the world, it would be a pity not to experience the treasures of a spellbinding underwater world.
Hop aboard a boat and set sail 20 kilometres south of Phuket to find yourself at Ko Racha Yai, or Racha Islands, as the islands are better known among tourists. Racha Yai and Racha Noi are the two islands that make up the Racha Islands, and only the latter is uninhabited; the former, Racha Yai, is home to a small community of fishermen and farmers, which is just as tranquil after the clock strikes four and the sunset sets in.
An island hopping trip to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi which collectively form the Koh Yao Islands, makes for an experience that’s nothing less fantastic than any other white-sandy-swathed and turquoise-blue-kissed island in the vicinity of Phuket. Luxury resort options by the shore such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas make an ideal base from which to head off on such island-hopping escapades.
Coral Island makes the perfect escape for anyone looking for a quick and effortless getaway as the 5-kilometre distance from Phuket could be made in more or less 15 minutes by speedboat. The lovely island is home only to 2 beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach, but is abound with tropical enchantment to enjoy a relaxing retreat by the sea.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
