In a nutshell
- Staying in Phuket? You’ll want to set aside time for a few day trips to the surrounding islands — there’s a seriously impressive amount to explore just a short boat ride away.
- The most popular Phuket tours are the boat trips to James Bond Island and Koh Phi Phi incl. Maya Bay. We also really recommend adding the Similan Islands to your list.
- Below we break down exactly what to expect on each tour — so you can pick the right one and book with confidence. Let’s go!
Day Trip to Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay
Maya Bay near the Koh Phi Phi island group was the filming location for the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio — and it’s without a doubt one of the most stunning highlights near Phuket.
The beach sits on the uninhabited island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, which you can reach by boat from Phuket in about two hours.
On the boat tours from Phuket, you’ll also stop at the inhabited neighboring island of Koh Phi Phi Don, which is absolutely worth a visit too.
Since this day trip from Phuket takes a full day, lunch is included with the tours. We also recommend adding a transfer from your accommodation in Phuket or your beach hotel in Phuket.
If you’re not planning on staying overnight on Koh Phi Phi, this tour is the perfect way to experience it.
Book a boat tour to Maya Bay and Phi Phi Island
James Bond Island
Recognize the scene in the first photo? Then you’ve definitely seen the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. This dramatic rock formation in Phang Nga Bay was the filming location for that movie.
That’s why it’s known today as James Bond Island — and it’s one of the most popular Phuket day trips out there. Since the island is quite small and boats arrive one after another during peak season, it can get seriously crowded. Worth it anyway, but go in knowing that.
We combined our visit to James Bond Island with a kayaking tour — and honestly, the kayaking ended up being our favorite part. We took the large boat to James Bond Island first, then continued on to another part of Phang Nga Bay.
There, we were guided through caves by canoe and went swimming afterward. If you want, you can paddle yourself too.
Hotel transfer as well as lunch and drinks are included in the tour.
Book the James Bond Island excursion and kayak tour
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are among the most beautiful islands in Thailand and are seriously ideal for snorkeling and diving. Just keep in mind that they’re sometimes closed during rainy season.
Also read our tips on the best time to visit Thailand
All nine islands are located northwest of Phuket and are mostly uninhabited — so you’ll experience nature here in its most pristine form.
If you’re into diving, you can book excursions through a dive school in Phuket. Otherwise, we’d highly recommend an early morning boat tour to the Similan Islands.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and head out to the islands ahead of most other tourists. There you’ll make several stops, have plenty of time for snorkeling, and food and drinks are taken care of too.
Book the Early Bird Tour to the Similan Islands incl. snorkeling
Bioluminescent Plankton in Phang Nga Bay
Looking for one of the more unique Phuket day trips? Book a speedboat tour to Phang Nga Bay to see bioluminescent plankton. It’s genuinely unlike anything else.
On this tour, you’ll first visit several islands — including James Bond Island — and go kayaking through the bay.
For your final stop, you’ll watch the sunset from an island before seeing the bioluminescent plankton light up the water around you. Super magical.
Snacks, drinks, and dinner as well as hotel transfer are all included.
Book the Phang Nga Bay tour with bioluminescent plankton
Boat Tour to Coral Island and Racha Island
If you’re mainly after white sand beaches and turquoise water, your best bet is to book an excursion from Phuket to Coral Island and Racha Island — these are some of the most beautiful beaches near Phuket.
Both islands are about an hour away by speedboat. You’ll head to Racha Island first, where you’ll have plenty of time for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring on foot.
From there, you’ll continue to Coral Island for lunch and a relaxed afternoon on the beach — exactly what a Phuket excursion should feel like.
Hotel pickup in Phuket is included.
