Phuket is technically an island (the largest in Thailand), but because it's connected to the mainland by bridges, it feels more like a peninsula. In some areas, Phuket is barely distinguishable from a major city – full of traffic, shopping malls, and high-rise hotels. This can awaken a longing for the traditional island experience promised in the guidebook.

Fortunately, Phuket is located in the heart of the Andaman Sea, not far from a number of beautiful, unspoiled islands. Heading northwest out into the open ocean, you'll find protected marine parks like the Similan and Surin Islands. Or you can travel along the east coast and discover idyllic paradises in Phang Nga Bay, such as Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. You can even travel as far as the Phi Phi Islands and cross Maya Bay off your bucket list.

We love island hopping from Phuket. After a day on the Andaman Sea, we return to our accommodation in the old town to indulge in delicious food, or to our resort on Bang Tao Beach to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Sun-kissed and exhausted from the day's adventures, we always sleep like logs as soon as we lay our heads on the pillow. This feeling is simply unbeatable, especially once you've found a good rhythm with a few planned boat trips during a week-long stay.

10 of the most beautiful islands near Phuket

1. Similan Islands

The Similan Islands National Park consists of eleven islands scattered across the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Phang Nga province. These islands are among our absolute favorite destinations in all of Thailand – boasting spectacular white sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and unique granite boulders. The absolute highlight is Donald Duck Bay, from where most boat tours depart. Despite the crowds and the somewhat challenging journey from Phuket, the pristine beauty of the islands more than compensates for any inconvenience.

Read more: Similan Islands travel guide: beaches, snorkeling & tours

2. Ko He (Coral Island)

A much easier day trip from Phuket leads to the coral island: just 20 minutes by speedboat or 45 minutes by longtail boat. The island is famous for its Banana Beach – not to be confused with Banana Beach on the Phuket mainland. The trip is ideal for families, offering clear, shallow water for swimming and fun banana boat rides. Parents can relax on sun loungers while the children play. A restaurant and an ice cream parlor offer a place to linger if the afternoon sun becomes too intense.

3. Ko Panyi

If you're planning a road trip to Phang Nga Bay, be sure to visit Ko Panyi: a floating fishing village surrounded by limestone cliffs and mangroves. To get there, first drive to Surakul Pier and board a colorful longtail boat. The village, with its many narrow lanes and quaint shops, is perfect for strolling. Visit the mosque with its golden dome and the floating football pitch. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch and then head to Samet Nangshe viewpoint for breathtaking views of the bay.

4. Phi Phi Islands

While we recommend an overnight stay on Koh Phi Phi, a day trip from Phuket is just as worthwhile. During peak season (November to April), numerous boat tours to Maya Bay are offered, often combined with other nearby attractions such as Pi Leh Bay, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island. Maya Bay is overrated in many ways these days. The crowds and strict regulations significantly limit the experience, but we understand if you want to take some photos for Instagram. The limestone cliffs are still impressive.

Read more: Is Maya Bay worth a visit? Rules, visitor numbers & what to expect

5. Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi

The contrast between Phuket and the twin islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is refreshing, and the views across Phang Nga Bay are breathtaking from both islands. These tranquil, rugged islands are just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket and only 10 minutes apart. You could start your day with a walk along the sandbar at Laem Haad Beach, provided you time the tides well. Afterward, a trip to Koh Yao Noi is a great option to explore the island by scooter, stop for lunch, and discover the rice paddies and rubber plantations in the island's interior.

6. Racha Islands

Two other islands worth visiting are Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. The main island is home to Siam Bay, known for its pristine white sand beaches and Mediterranean-like headlands. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities on both islands, especially on the more untouched Koh Racha Noi, where giant manta rays can be spotted during certain months.

7. Surin Islands

Getting from Phuket to the Surin Islands is anything but easy, and it becomes even more exhausting if – like us – you're the first one picked up and the last one dropped off at the hotel. But the reward is a remote island paradise with breathtaking snorkeling spots and a Moken village that preserves its seafaring traditions. Since this archipelago lies just south of Myanmar's maritime border, it feels like a true adventure off the beaten track.

Read more: Surin Islands: Getting there from Phuket or Khao Lak

8. Koh Khai Islands

Three small islands await you in the Koh Khai archipelago, located roughly halfway between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai. Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai are the most popular of the three, boasting the largest white sand beaches and a few amenities like rustic beach bars and souvenir shops. Aside from swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying a refreshing drink at a beach bar, there isn't much else to do – not a bad way to spend the day, we think.

9. Coconut Island

Coconut Island is better suited for an overnight stay at one of its luxury resorts, such as the Barceló Coconut Island or Island Escape Burasari, than for a day trip. However, a self-guided visit is still possible. From Laem Hin Pier, you can take a longtail boat and explore the island on foot or hire a local saleng driver to guide you around. The island is characterized by coconut palms and rubber plantations, as well as resort gardens, orchards, some secluded beaches, and a small fishing village.

10. James Bond Island

James Bond Island is a must-see on our list of the most beautiful islands from Phuket – after all, it's one of Thailand's most famous attractions. The island's actual name is Khao Phing Kan, and it offers much more than just the famous limestone formations from the film. Tours also include stops at beaches, caves, and other limestone formations, perfectly rounding off the day.

How to plan your island tours in Phuket

Once you've chosen your desired islands, organizing your tours from Phuket is a breeze. Basically, you have two options: small group tours or private charters. Most solo travelers and couples prefer small group tours, as these offer the best value for money. However, private charters can also be affordable if shared by larger groups or families.

Boat tours in Thailand are almost always all-inclusive. This means you usually don't have to worry about hotel transfers, national park entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, or lunch. To secure a spot during peak season, booking through GetYourGuide is a good option. Alternatively, you can simply book at one of the travel agencies in Patong, Kata, or the Old City.

When is the best time for island hopping in Phuket?

The Andaman coast is driest from November to April, with January and February being the most reliable months. You can't go wrong during this time: the sea is generally calm and sunshine is almost guaranteed every day. The two months to absolutely avoid in Phuket are August and September, as heavy rainfall and rough seas make travel planning considerably more difficult. Some islands, such as Maya Bay, even close completely during this period.

Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting the islands near Phuket

Is Phuket or Khao Lak a better starting point?

In our opinion, Phuket still offers the better overall package, unless your main destination is the Similan or Surin Islands. The departure piers for these two island groups are located south of Khao Lak, saving you the long minibus journey. Aside from this advantage, Phuket simply has more to offer as a destination. You can easily spend weeks or even months here, constantly discovering new, idyllic islands, beaches, and culinary delights.

How expensive are island tours in Phuket?

Depending on the distance and duration, island tours typically cost between 2,000 and 4,000 THB. Half-day trips to the coral island are available from as little as 1,500 THB. It's best not to spend money on tours every day, as this can quickly strain your budget. However, a few excursions combined with free activities strike a good balance.

Is it worth spending the night on one of the islands?

Many of the islands around Phuket are ideal for a 2-3 night stay, especially Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. The Santhiya Resort is a top choice, as is the luxurious Cape Kudu Hotel. Those who prefer a more lively atmosphere should visit Koh Phi Phi, where nightlife and a relaxed island vibe combine in a unique way.