Phuket is a large island off the Southwest coast of Thailand, and it is where many of the kingdom’s most popular holiday resorts and beaches are found. The island is located on the clear waters of the Andaman Sea, and with various coves, lagoons, and a whole host of vibrant marine life to see, one of the best ways to explore it is by boat. Here are some of the best sites to visit.
Maya Bay
There is probably no beach in Thailand more iconic than the beach at Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Le. After all, it is The Beach – the one from the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. Since the bay is found on a small island a short distance from Phuket, it is only accessible by boat trips from Phuket and other nearby locations. However, be warned that the bay is sometimes closed to allow the local ecosystem to recover.
Koh Tapu
Visitors to Thailand often know Koh Tapu by a very different name from its local one – James Bond Island. This is because it was a featured location in The Man with the Golden Gun. It is most notable for the dramatic limestone column that stands alone in the bay, but this island is more than just a photo opportunity. At the nearby Phang Nga Bay, you can take a kayak into the caves or explore the mangrove forests.
Similan Islands
For those interested in marine life, the Similan Islands are the place to sail to. There, you can find incredibly clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving, with visibility up to 30m. It does take a while to get there because they are about 100 km away from Phuket, but it is worth the wait. Dip below the surface and you can see coral reefs, sea turtles, shipwrecks, and more.
Racha Islands
Those who are simply looking for some islands with beautiful beaches to lounge about on, listening to the waves, do not need to sail any more than 12 km away from Phuket. That is the distance to the Racha Islands and their gorgeous white sand beaches. The larger island, Racha Yai, is home to resorts, restaurants, and more, so it is worth bringing some local currency with you. Meanwhile, the smaller Racha Noi is uninhabited, making it a great place to visit for some peace and quiet away from the crowds.
Koh Yao Yai
Beautiful though it is, Phuket is heavily dominated by the tourism industry and it is not the best destination for getting a glimpse of local life. For that, it is worth jumping on a boat and heading to the fishing villages and rubber plantations on Koh Yao Yai, where more traditional local communities can be found.
Conclusion
Most of the attractions around Phuket are island-based, which makes chartering a boat the ideal way to see everything. Some charter services offer tours of specific destinations, while others give you the freedom to decide where you want to go, whether that’s James Bond Island, Maya Bay, or snorkeling off of the Similans.
