The Best Day Trips From Phuket

As wonderful as relaxing in your hotel can be, everyone visiting Phuket should venture out to explore its breathtaking islands and beaches! If you want to see more than your beachfront hotel pool, there are plenty of fabulous day trips from Phuket to keep you entertained:

Phi Phi Islands — The most popular of all day trips, these large rocky islands lie two hours away from Phuket. While Phi Phi Don has become an popular tourist destinations, even the crowds can’t distract you from the magnificent beauty of sheer rock walls extending into turquoise waters. Besides, you simply can not miss the extraordinary wonder of Maya Bay.

Phang Nga Bay – Phuket’s most famous neighbor, Phang Nga is known for its James Bond island tours. However, while the James Bond bus tour might  sound tempting, it’s actually a tourist trap which skips the most breathtaking part of the island! By far the best way to see the island is by boat, which passes through the heart of the Bay encompassing the fascinating scenery. Alternatively, you can do a kayak tour, which will take you through the caves for a close-up encounter of the strange and extraordinary hidden world.

Similan Islands – While these 9 breathtaking islands are 90 km out to sea and can be 2+ hours away on a high-speed boat, the Simian Marine National Park is certainly worth the trip. The crystal-clear waters and abundance of underwater life make it a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in the region.

Racha Islands (aka Raya Islands) – This gorgeous pair of tropical islands is visible from Phuket. They are known for their scenic rocky coastlines and fabulous diving and snorkeling. The beautiful beaches have become popular tour destinations, so the best way to visit these islands is by renting a boat. This way you can drop anchor and avoid the main inlet and hordes of boats. If you pick the right timing, you can enjoy a beautiful golden sunset on your way back to Phuket.

Khao Lak – A relatively new beach destination about an hour’s drive up the highway, Khao Lak offers a tranquil getaway from bustling Phuket. The breathtaking destination now has over 40 beachfront resorts featuring every amenity you could ask for.

Krabi – The second most famous beach resort on Thailand’s Andaman Coast, Krabi is a 1.5-hour drive from the top of Phuket Island. Most of the best Krabi beaches have to be discovered by boat, but for day trips from Phuket you should have plenty of time. You should even be able to enjoy a 3-hour boat trip to the Koh Poda islands and visit the famous Railay Beach!