Not every island day has to mean a long crossing. South of Phuket, Racha Yai (also written Raya) has bays of white sand and water clear enough to rival islands much further away. Coral Island (Koh Hae) sits just off Chalong Bay, a quarter of an hour from the pier.
On the other side, off the east coast, the three tiny Khai Islands are sandy specks with fish-filled shallows. All of them work as half-day or relaxed full-day trips, and they are a good choice with children.
Top things to do: Racha, Coral & Khai Islands
Racha Yai
Boats land at Patok Bay, a horseshoe of white sand on the west side. There is snorkelling in the bays around the island, and the sheltered east coast is one of the main places where people learn to dive in Phuket.
Coral Island
Two beaches — Long Beach and the quieter Banana Beach — with sunbeds, restaurants and water sports such as parasailing and banana boats. The snorkelling is modest; the appeal is an easy beach day.
Khai Islands
Khai Nok, Khai Nai and Khai Nui are visited together on short speedboat trips. Shoals of reef fish come right into the shallows. The islets are tiny and fill up at midday, so morning or afternoon half-day trips are better.
Diving at Racha Noi
The smaller, uninhabited island further south has deeper sites and stronger currents for certified divers.
How to get to Racha, Coral & Khai Islands
- Racha Yai: about 30–40 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier.
- Coral Island: about 15 minutes from Chalong, or by chartered longtail from Rawai.
- Khai Islands: about 15–20 minutes by speedboat from the east-coast marinas. Tours include hotel pickup.
Insider tips
- Racha Yai’s west-facing bay can be closed to boats in monsoon swell; trips may be rerouted or cancelled from May to October.
- Water-sports prices on Coral Island are separate from the tour price — ask before you commit.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and do not stand on coral.
Best tours & tickets for Racha, Coral & Khai Islands
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Racha, Coral & Khai Islands:
Speedboat island day from €36 Phuket: Racha and Coral Island by Speedboat with Lunch
Two islands directly south of Phuket in a shorter, cheaper day than Phi Phi. Racha Yai has the clear water and white sand; Coral Island adds a lazy beach stop with optional water sports.
- Clear-water snorkelling at Racha Yai
- Beach and optional water sports on Coral Island
- Lunch included
Dive trip from €74 Phuket: Scuba Diving at Maithon or Racha Islands for All Levels
Phuket’s nearest good diving. Racha Yai’s sheltered bays are where many people on the island make their first dive, and certified divers can add Racha Noi. A half-day option goes to Maithon Island instead.
- One to three dives
- Suitable for beginners and certified divers
- Racha Yai, Racha Noi or Maithon Island
Short speedboat trip from €20 Phuket: 3 Khai Islands Relax & Snorkelling Half- or Full-Day Tour
Three tiny islands off Phuket’s east coast, reached in about fifteen minutes. It is the cheapest and shortest island trip on the list, good for small children or a free morning — though the islets get busy at midday.
- About 15 minutes by speedboat
- Snorkelling among reef fish in the shallows
- Half-day option
