Phuket is known to entice visitors from across the world with its stunning landscapes. Glassy emerald Andaman seas fringed by pristine white sands and swaying palms with magnificent limestone peaks jutting out of lush green jungles adorn this breathtakingly beautiful island.
About 32 gorgeous islands are a brief hop away from Phuket. The crystal clear waters and warm tropical climate allow plenty of diving and snorkeling opportunities. Some of these islands are inhabited by locals who still follow the traditional Thai lifestyle giving you an interesting peek into their rich culture.
While each island has its own unique attraction some of them clearly top the list. Here are 5 of the best day trips that you can take from Phuket:
1. Phi Phi Islands
The spectacular Phi Phi Islands are located about 45 to 60 minutes away from Phuket and can be accessed via speedboat. These six mind-blowing islands are known across the land for their breathtaking limestone karst formations.
On your way to Phi Phi Islands, you come across Maya Bay which is quite famous because the renowned film, "The Beach," was shot there. The Island is full of splendid resorts and is legendary for the crab-eating macaques at Monkey Beach
2. Phang Nga Bay
The magnificent Phang Nga Bay boasts an endless expanse of clear green waters, which can leave you spellbound by its sheer beauty.
Phang Nga Bay is known most for its Koh Tapu Island meaning "Nail Island" and is also known as Bond Island gained fame after it was featured in the 1974 film, "The Man with the Golden Gun." Koh Ping Ghani's is another popular spot where people take photos to re-create shots from the Bond movies on the rock formations.
The village of Koh Panyee is an intriguing place to visit if you're cruising Phang Nga Bay. Built entirely on stilts above the island's shallow waters, the village has numerous wooden shops alongside other homes, that are interesting to observe.
3. Khao Sok National Park
The Khao Sok National Park located around 150 kilometers from Phuket has been likened to a visual symphony with its green vistas, striking deep blue lakes, mesmerizing waterfalls, and towering limestones.
You can indulge in some exciting water activities here such as canoeing or kayaking down the Sok River. A man-made lake known as Cheow Lan Lake is considered the top attraction of the Park. It showcases floating raft houses with numerous luxury camps, filled with tents that perch above the waters.
The wildlife here is delightful and exotic consisting of animals like langurs, wild elephants, tigers, deers, boar, bear, marbled cats, and more than 300 species of birds. Some people prefer to stay in tents for longer durations to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
4. Coral Island
The famous Coral Islands that boast splendid reefs are called Koh Hae by the locals and are located about six kilometers from the southeast point of Phuket.
Coral Islands is a perfect location for snorkelers and also a lot of other exciting water activities ranging from parasailing to banana boat rides. There are two note-worthy beaches known as Long Beach and Banana Beach on the north and west of the island that is popular.
The water is so clear on these islands that you can actually see the fishes approaching you for feeding snacks off your hands.
5. Similan Islands
Located 60km off Thailand's west coast, Similan Islands are a part of the Mu Koh Similan National Park. Although it is a group of 11 islands, only two of them are accessible since it is a protected territory.
Similan Islands are known as a scuba diver's paradise. The calm clear waters are excellent for scuba diving. The white sand beaches here are breathtakingly picturesque and make for a great background for capturing some beautiful clicks.
Final Thoughts
Phuket is a treasure-trove of natural beauty and exciting activities. Many visitors are so enamored by the bountiful offerings of this enchanting island that they end up buying a property in Phuket. If you are one of them and wish to make a property investment in Phuket reach out to our team at SKHAI to get the best real estate investment deals at the most spectacular locations in Phuket.
