Island hopping from Phuket: the best day trips for every kind of traveller

Just beyond Phuket’s northeast coast, Phang Nga Bay is one of the easiest ways to reach some of southern Thailand’s most dramatic scenery. Tall limestone karsts rise straight from the water, with caves, mangroves, and hidden lagoons tucked between them.

Many trips include time on the water by kayak, giving you the chance to move quietly through narrow cave openings and into sheltered lagoons beyond. It's a slower, more immersive way to take in the landscape, and a very good reason to keep your camera somewhere dry.

Some itineraries also stop at Ko Panyi, a village built on stilts above the water, or include a visit to the famous James Bond Island. Different tours take different routes, so it is worth checking what's included before you book.

The Phi Phi Islands are among the best-known day trips from Phuket, and it's easy to see why. Think sheer cliffs, bright water, tucked-away coves, and beaches framed by tropical greenery.

A typical day trip may include swimming, snorkelling, and time at several different stops across the islands. Maya Bay is often the headline, though there are access and swimming restrictions in place to help protect its wildlife and delicate ecosystem (keep an eye out for baby sharks swimming close to shore).

Phi Phi can be busy, particularly at popular times of year. Smaller-group or early-departure trips can make the experience feel more relaxed.

The Similan Islands are known for white sand, granite boulders, and some of the clearest water in the region. They're a strong choice if snorkelling is high on your list, with colourful marine life and underwater visibility that often makes the journey worthwhile before you've even reached the beach.

The islands are protected as part of a national park and usually open seasonally. Trips are more limited than some other Phuket excursions, so it's important to check current availability, sea conditions, and park rules before booking. This is also one of the longer day trips from Phuket, so expect an early start.

North of Phuket, Khao Lak offers long beaches, a more relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to the surrounding countryside. A day trip here can be as simple as a leisurely lunch by the sea and a wander along the coast, or it can include waterfalls, viewpoints, and local markets.

Khao Lak is an ideal choice if you want to swap Phuket’s busier areas for something quieter, without committing to a full change of hotel.

Some places are possible in a day from Phuket, but better when you give them a little more room.

Khao Sok National Park is one. Its jungle-covered cliffs, rivers, caves, and Cheow Lan Lake deserve more than a quick look, especially if you want time for canoeing, hiking, or waking up to the rainforest.

Krabi is another. Stay overnight and you can explore Railay’s limestone cliffs and beaches, then head out by boat to the Hong Islands for lagoons, clear water, and a slower sort of island day.