Phuket is a very popular holiday destination, especially during the European winter months, and is certainly one of the most popular sights in Thailand. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring southern Thailand and the paradisiacal islands. But which island or national park best suits your plans? And where are the most beautiful beaches? I’ve taken a closer look at the excursions and tours around Phuket and, in the following article, I’ll tell you which highlights you might want to include in your plan. Enjoy browsing!
- Phuket Excursions & Highlights
- 1. Phi Phi Islands
- 2. Khao Sok National Park
- 3. Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Rock
- 4. Similan Islands near Khao Lak
- 5. Koh Racha
- 6. Krabi & Ao Nang
- 7. Koh Yao Noi
- 8. Koh Yao Yai
- 9. Koh Lanta
- 10. Koh Hae
Phuket Excursions & Highlights
In the following map, I’ve marked the highlights around Phuket. There are many more, of course, but for a first overview, I’ve chosen 10 places so you’re not overwhelmed by the many options. Just don’t try to see everything in one vacation. Take your time, focus on a few highlights, and come back again. Thailand is generally a very exciting and diverse country that has so much more to offer.
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1. Phi Phi Islands
Off the west coast of southern Thailand lies one of Thailand’s most famous islands: Phi Phi Island (Ko Phi Phi). The island, with its beautiful sandy beaches, became famous thanks to the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo di Caprio, for which it served as the backdrop. Luxury resorts invite you to relax in secluded bays, diverse diving spots offer the chance to swim with sharks and turtles, and backpackers enjoy the island’s party life. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the island from the Phi Phi Viewpoint. 300 steps lead you up here. All in all, a very versatile island for a beach and bathing holiday in Thailand.
Phi Phi Islands Tours
- Ferry transfer from Phuket to Phi Phi or back*
- Phuket: Day tour to Ko Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo and Maiton Island*
- Ko Phi Phi: Dive in the national park with shipwreck*
- From Phuket: Snorkeling on Ko Phi Phi Small Group Day Tour*
2. Khao Sok National Park
Giant rock formations, tropical waterfalls, and hidden caves – welcome to the beautiful Khao Sok National Park near Khao Lak. With its picturesque Chico Lan Reservoir nestled in the rainforest, the national park is an absolute MUST-VISIT for nature lovers and adventurers. You can explore the park either on hiking trails or cruise around by boat. The park is a natural gem and an exciting day trip destination from Phuket (and other regions). Just don’t forget your camera to capture all the beautiful moments and scenery!
Tours Khao Sok National Park
- Khao Sok National Park: Luxury Expedition with 1 Overnight Stay*
- From Phuket: Khao Sok Lake – Sightseeing with Kayaking*
- Khao Sok: Day Trip to Cheow Lan Lake*
- Cheow Lan Lake & Coral Cave: Tour with Kayaking*
3. Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Rock
A photo motif you’re sure to recognize from postcards: the green-covered rock needle (James Bond Rock), which rises out of the sea near the coast and became famous overnight thanks to the world-famous James Bond film. This well-known photo motif is located just 45 minutes from Phuket in arguably Thailand’s most famous bay. Phang Nga Bay is part of the 400 km2 Marine National Park and awaits you with turquoise waters, mangrove forests and rugged limestone cliffs.
Phang Nga Bay Tours
- From Phuket & Khao Lak: The Phi Phi Islands for Early Risers*
- Phuket: James Bond Island Tour by Big Boat & Canoe*
- From Phuket: Phang Nga Bay Kayak Day Tour*
4. Similan Islands near Khao Lak
There are countless islands around Phuket, just like you’d imagine in your dreams. Nine of them are located about 100 km north of Phuket and form a fabulous archipelago. The Similan Islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters and blessed with white sandy beaches and lush greenery. A boat tour to the islands is offered from mid-October to mid-May. Explore the fascinating coral reefs around the islands or enjoy the view from Shilling Rock, a group of rocks you can climb.
Similan Islands Tours
- From Phuket or Khao Lak: Boat trip to the Similan Islands*
- From Phuket/Khao Lak: Similan Islands Early Bird Day Tour*
- Day Tour from Khao Lak: Snorkeling on the Similan Islands*
5. Koh Racha
Just about 20 km south of Phuket and just a few minutes away by speedboat lies another dream island. Koh Racha is one of the few islands not yet taken over by jet skis and other recreational activities. Here, you can instead swim, sunbathe, or snorkel. Since the island is very small, you can easily explore it on foot in half a day and take a break at the beaches of Siam Bay and Ter Bay. In addition to the beautiful landscape and green meadows, there are two hotels on the island that invite you to linger. Otherwise, the clocks tick a little differently here on Koh Racha: cozy and relaxed.
Tours Koh Racha
- Phuket: Katacharan yacht cruise on Racha and Coral Island*
- Catamaran cruise to Ya Nui Beach with dinner*
- From Phuket: Introductory diving course on Ko Raya*
- Ko Raya, Ko Lon & Maiton Island – Day Tour from Phuket*
6. Krabi & Ao Nang
In southwest Thailand lies the Krabi region, home to the town of Krabi and its impressive natural landscape. You’ve probably heard of the famous Railay Beach, which impresses vacationers with its bright sand, emerald-green sea, and striking limestone cliffs. Bolle and Marco also did an exciting island-hopping tour around Krabi. More about that in the article.
Another most popular destination in the Krabi region is the temple “Wat Tham Sua,” also known as Tiger Cave. 1,237 steps lead you up to the extraordinary temple with the golden Buddha, which you’re sure to recognize from some photos. Just as breathtaking as the giant statue is the unique view over Krabi.
Tours Krabi & Ao Nang
- Krabi Jungle Tour: Tiger Temple, Hot Springs & Natural Pool*
- Speedboat Day Tour to 4 Islands including Lunchbox from Krabi*
- Krabi: Kayak Sunset on the Ao Thalane Tour with BBQ Dinner*
- Phuket: Private Hong Island Speedboat Charter Tour*
7. Koh Yao Noi
In the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, east of Phuket, lies the small island of Koh Yao Noi. Lush green and densely forested, this island is a true natural paradise that hasn’t yet been overrun by tourists. You won’t find any large hotel complexes here. Instead, there are small, cozy bungalow resorts and three beaches: Khao Beach, Klong Jark Beach, and Pa Sai Beach. The beaches aren’t exactly picture-perfect postcards, but they’re still perfect for a quiet day by the sea. Click here for Bolle &’s review. Marco.
8. Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai is, so to speak, the big sister of Koh Yao Noi. Even though the island is considerably larger, it is much less well-known, less developed, and still a real insider tip. Here you can enjoy peace and seclusion and gain a glimpse into the lives of the Thai islanders. The best way to explore the island is by scooter or bicycle. Very impressive beaches are definitely Lo Pared Beach and Ao Som Beach, which in the north of the island impresses with its view of Yao Noi and the cliffs of Phang Nga Bay.
Tours Koh Yao Yai
- Boat transfer from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai*
- Ko Yao Yai: Sunset and plankton tour to Hong*
- Ko Yao Yai: Mangrove tour with kayak*
9. Koh Lanta
At the southern tip of Krabi Province lies the popular holiday island of Koh Lanta. I would personally describe it as a kind of “hippie island” among all the island paradises. Great beaches invite you to swim and relax, and the Mu Koh Lanta National Park is perfect for a short hike. Furthermore, Koh Lanta is a perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding islands with day trips, kayaking, or snorkeling.
Everything on Koh Lanta is very colorful; there are many vegan and vegetarian restaurants. The cafés are all super cute and cozy, and you can relax on a beanbag chair and enjoy an iced coffee on the beach. Live music plays in the evenings from the many beach bars, allowing you to end the day in a relaxed atmosphere with a cocktail. Bolle and Marco love this island and were very pleasantly surprised. They particularly liked the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful beaches.
Tours Koh Lanta
- Koh Lanta: Adventure boat tour to the Koh Rok Islands*
- Ko Lanta: 4-Island snorkeling tour in a long-tail boat*
- Day trip to the Emerald Pool and the thermal springs*
10. Koh Hae
Koh Hae is also called Coral Island and is located about 8 km off the south coast of Phuket. Here you will find a small natural idyll with beautiful bays and beaches, as well as a single hotel. Koh Hae is known primarily for its incredibly colorful coral reefs, which surround the island in the Andaman Sea and delight all snorkeling and diving enthusiasts every day. The island also boasts long, snow-white sandy beaches and a paradisiacal holiday feeling.
Koh Hae Tours
- Phuket: Catamaran Yacht Cruise to Racha and Coral Island*
- From Phuket: Coral and Racha Island by Hype Boat*
- Speedboat Tour to Coral Island from Phuket Island*
- Half-Day Catamaran Tour to Coral Island with Sunset*