Lone
Island This large,
mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat
from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim
inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There
is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Ko
Lone leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.
Coral Island or Hey Island This island of
Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it
is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the
splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west.
Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations,
restaurants, various water sports and diving are all available.
Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also
available.
Mai Ton Island This tiny
island of Phuket's southeast coast is highly prized for its still
perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and
crystal waters; ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only
business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not
wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving
from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port. For details contact (076) 214954-7.
Taphao Yai Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's
southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To
get there from Phuket Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd.,
intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao
Makham. The road splits in the vicinity of oil storage facilities;
take the left fork about 200 meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier.
Dining and accommodations are available on the island. For details
call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.
Raya Yai (or
Racha) Island
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's
southern coast.
- Raya Yai Island On the west coast
is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from
it like to arms
of a horseshoe
called
alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and
crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket.
From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint
from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon
Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.
- Raya Noi Island This island, 10
kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and
there are more rocks than
beaches. In a small
bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are
emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not
recommendable.
To
get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to
travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By
long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats
operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour.
Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods
when the monsoon is not blowing.
Rang Yai
Island Lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has been
developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many
activities are snorkeling on the coral reefs. sea kayaking,
mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's
pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from
Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package tours are provided
by Richy Island Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour agencies.
Sire Island
Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a
shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island is
connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Ko Sire, on the hill, has
a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the
surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gypsies, or Chao
Ley, are on Ko Sire at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present
because of the muddy bottom. There are some popular seafood
restaurants on the eastern shore.
Nakha Island This small, quiet
island with fine sandy beaches lies just off Phuket's northeast
shore. Waters are suitable for swimming. One item of interest at
Ko Nakha Noi not found in many other places is its pearl farm.
Boats can be hired from Ao Po Pier, off Pa Khlok Rd., for travel
to Ko Nakha Noi, and package trips are available at tour agencies,
generally including lunch and a visit to the pearl farm.
Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Islands are located about 48 Km southeast from Phuket, 42
km south from Krabi Town and 40 km from Ao Nang Beach and can be
reached by boat In between 11/2 to 3 hours depending on the type
of boat you take. Boats leave from Phuket, Ao Nang and the Chao
Far Pier in Krabi Town everyday. The characterize of the islands
are steep, lightly vegetated cliffs rising vertically from the
seabed and hidden bays concealing petite, pristine beaches and
calm clear waters
More Detail>>
Koh Yao Noi Koh Yao Noi, is
one of the largest islands surrounding Phuket and can be reached
in one hour by boat from Phuket. The island is situated within a
very short distance to the well-known destinations of Koh Bileh
islands, Krabi, Phang Nga (James Bond islands). The tourism has
not been developed on a large scale on the island, thai life style
remained unchanged and peace and privacy abound. Soth of Koh Yao
Noi it has its twin island, Koh Yao Yai, wich is even bigger and
wilder and offers wonderful spots for trekking.
Similian Island Similian
Islands (Koh Similian) is a group of islands located approximately
100 kilometers north-west of Phuket. There are a total of nine
granite islands covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by
chalk white beaches and crystal clear blue water, that offers some
of the best diving in Thailand and the world. There is a big
variation in the underwater environment to be found here that are
not offered on any other places around the world
Koh bon Island Koh Bon is
located north of Similian Islands and offers world-class diving.
The dive site is on the southwestern point and consists of a 33
meter wall facing the small cove, and a step-down ridge that
carries on to depths of over 45 meters. Koh Bon is one of the
better places to see manta rays, especially towards the end of the
season when there is more plankton in the water. In that area you
also have the islands Koh Tachaj, the Surin Islands, and Richelieu
Rock.
Koh Hi(Coral Island) The outer
of two islands directly south of Chalong Bay, which you by dive
boat from Chalong Bay (Phuket) can reach in about 45 min. Its
nearness and its relatively sheltered position mean virtually all
year around diving. During the rainy season, Coral Island is the
best diving destination from Phuket.
Lone
Island
called
alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and
crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket.
From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint
from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon
Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.
