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General
Bay
Cape
Beach
Island
Attractions (Island)
Keaw Island
A fine beach, natural surroundings, and
coral are on this little island 3 kms. from Rawai,
south of Phrom Thep. There is also a giant Buddha
Statue. The island is 15 minutes by chartered boat
from Rawai.
Lon Island
This large, mountainous island is only 20
minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay,
in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants
engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There
is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast.
Boats to Ko Lon leave daily in the early morning from
Chalong Pier.
 Coral
Island or Hey Island
This island off Phuket's south coast is
so well known for its coral reef that it is often
referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to
the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the
north and west. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve,
but accommodations, restaurants, various watersports
and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai
and Chalong. Package tours are also available.
Mai Ton Island
This tiny island off Phuket's southeast
coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural
environment, including fine white beaches and crystal
waters; ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The
only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island
Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take
a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea
Port. For details contact (076) 214954-7.
Taphao Yai
Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao
Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home
to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from
Phuket Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd.,
intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow it
8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in the vicinity
of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about
200 meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and
accommodations are available on the island. For details
call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.
Raya (or
Racha ) Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast to
southwest off Phuket's southern coast.
 - Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by
the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of
a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao
Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters
of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket. From
the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the
viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen.
On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site
for diving.
- Raya Noi Island
This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result
of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than
beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage.
The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing
is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.
 To get
there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai,
or go to travel agent for details on package tours
to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time
is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour
companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel
to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods
when the monsoon is not blowing.
Rang Yai
Island
Lying off Phuket's east coat, this small
island has been developed for out-of-doors minded
tourist. Among the many activities are snorkeling
on the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking,
playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's
pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may
be hired from Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon.
Package tours are providede by Richy Island Tour,
Tel. 238163, and other tour agencies.
Sire Island
Separated from
the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a shallow
mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island
is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Ko Sire,
on the hill, has a large Reclining Buddha and provides
fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement
of Sea Gipsies, or Chao Ley, are on Ko Sire at Leam
Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present because of the muddy
bottom. Thre are some popular seafood restaurants
on the eastern shore.
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