Which island trip is worth it
Phi Phi, James Bond and the rest, honestly compared
Almost everyone who comes to Phuket takes one boat trip, and most people pick badly — they book the most advertised option rather than the one that suits the day they want.
The islands are genuinely the best thing here. The difference between a great day and a long one is the boat, the number of people on it, and how far you are going.
Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
The limestone karsts standing straight out of flat green water. Closer than Phi Phi, calmer water, and the scenery is the point rather than the swimming.
Best if you get seasick, are travelling with older relatives or small children, or simply want a shorter day.
Phi Phi
Further out, more open water on the way, and the most famous scenery in the region. Maya Bay is the headline and it closes every year from 1 August to 30 September for recovery.
In August and September the boats still run and you still see the islands — you just do not go ashore at Maya Bay. If that beach is the reason you booked, go before August or after September.
Big boat or small boat
A large boat is steadier, cheaper per head, and busier. A speedboat or catamaran reaches more stops, gets there before the crowds, and costs more.
The single biggest upgrade to any island day is leaving early. The same bay with three boats in it at 9am and thirty at noon is not the same place.
Before you book
National park entry fees are usually charged separately from the trip price and collected on the day, in cash. Ask what is and is not included before you pay.
In wet season, May to October, trips are cancelled when the sea is bad. Book early in your stay so there is room to move it.
4 places
Listed in the order we would work through them.
4 places
01Rawai Muslim Village
A working fishing village. Pick your seafood at the market, they cook it there.
A working fishing community on the southern tip, with the seafood market on the waterfront. Buy your fish from the ice and hand it to one of the cooking stalls behind. Late afternoon is when the boats land and the selection is best.
Rawai฿ CheapHalalFamily- Best time
- Late afternoon when the boats land
- Entry
- Free to walk
- Getting there
- Easy — flat waterfront
02Promthep Cape
The island's sunset headline. Go early or you will park a long way down.
The postcard sunset spot at the island's southern tip, with a lighthouse, a shrine and a very large car park that still fills. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset or you will park far down the hill and walk up in fading light. Free, open around the clock.
Rawai฿ CheapHalal: askFamily- Best time
- Sunset, arrive 30-45 min early
- Entry
- Free, open 24/7
- Getting there
- Easy — car park at the top
03Ya Nui Beach
A tiny cove below the windmill. Snorkel gear is worth carrying down.
A small cove tucked below the windmill viewpoint, between Nai Harn and Promthep. Rocky headlands at both ends make it one of the better spots on the island for snorkelling straight off the beach. Kayaks are usually available.
Rawai฿ CheapHalal: askFamily- Crowds
- Small and fills up fast
- Swimming
- Swimmable, rocks at both ends
- Facilities
- Kayak hire, a few food stalls
- 04
Ao Sane Beach
More rock than sand, and the best shore snorkelling on the south coast.
More rock than sand, past Nai Harn towards the Ao Sane headland. The reason to come is the snorkelling straight off the shore, which is the best on the south coast. Reef shoes make it far more pleasant.
Rawai฿ CheapHalal: ask- Crowds
- Very quiet
- Swimming
- Swimmable, reef shoes help
- Facilities
- One small restaurant
Photography on this page is free-licence stock, credited to anmarinina on Pexels. It shows Thailand, not the specific venues listed.