← Phuket · All sections

09 / 12

09

Beyond Phuket

One extra day can change your trip

Limestone bays, marine parks and quieter coasts. Times are estimates, each way from central Phuket.

Day trips

About 1 hr by car to the pier, then boat

Phang Nga Bay & Koh Panyee

Limestone towers, sea caves by canoe, James Bond Island and lunch in Koh Panyee, a Muslim fishing village on stilts with its own mosque.

1–2 hr by speedboat or ferry

Phi Phi Islands

Snorkelling at Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island, and a look at Maya Bay. Maya Bay reopened on 1 October 2026; swimming there is banned and the park fee is 400 THB per adult.

About 1¼ hr by car, then 1¼ hr by speedboat

Similan Islands

Clear water, granite boulders and the best snorkelling in Thailand. Open 15 October 2026 to 15 May 2027; day visits only, with daily visitor limits, so book early.

About 1½–2 hr by car

Long, quiet beaches, the Lam Ru National Park forest and the tsunami memorials. A calm contrast to Phuket.

About 2½–3 hr by car, or 2 hr by ferry

Longtail boats from Ao Nang to Railay’s cliffs and beaches. Krabi province has a large Muslim community and easy halal food.

About 30 min by speedboat from Bang Rong

A quiet, mostly Muslim island of rice fields and fishing villages, with views of Phang Nga Bay. Dress modestly.

Good to know

Choose licensed operators

Pick boats with life jackets for every passenger, including small children, and a clear safety briefing. Cheaper is not better at sea.

Marine park fees

Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and the Similans are national parks with their own entry fees; check whether your tour includes them.

Start early

Morning boats beat the crowds and the afternoon wind. Bring cash; there are no card payments on the Similans.

Keep a spare day

Storm warnings can cancel departures even in December; do not book a boat trip on your last day.

08 Phuket with children

10 Choose your experience

WundrPath · City guides

Guides · Earlier guides · Saved · Privacy