Phuket is a big island, but there are still places nearby that are definitely worth exploring. Here are some of the more popular places to visit on Phuket day trips
Koh Phi Phi Speedboat Daytrip
Experience the beauty of Koh Phi Phi in a convenient and exciting speedboat ride from Phuket, stopping off at Maya Bay, the stunning hidden stretch of sand made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. There’s also a chance to spend time on Koh Phi Phi itself and take in the stunning panoramic views after climbing to the Viewpoint before heading back to Phuket before sunset. You can book Phuket to Koh Phi Phi speedboat daytrips online with Viator.
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park, about an hours drive North East from Phuket is home to the world’s oldest rainforest. It is totally unspoiled mountain and jungle. Towering limestone outcrops dominate the scenery. Millions of years ago these once formed a marine coral reef that was five times the length of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Jungle trekking is a great way to enjoy the park, and that is best undertaken from the top of an elephant. If you prefer to be water born, the Sok River is a perfect place for some canoeing. You can book one day trips to Khao Sok online through Viator.
Things To Do On Phuket
There are plenty of things to do in Phuket, both on and off the beach, including stunning views, health treatments, and the annual Vegetarian Festival.
Canoe Cave Exploring
Get an unforgettable perspective on Thailand’s stunning limestone cliffs and caves from the vantage point of your own canoe on the Andaman Sea – but you don’t have to do any hard work! This daytrip takes you from Phuket to explore the secret bays amongst the limestone cliffs and then launches canoes which are paddled by your expert guide, leaving you free to wholly enjoy the scenery. The Canoe Cave Explorer tour can be booked online through Viator, where you can also view previous guest comments.
Snorkeling
Koh Racha or Raya (spelling varies) Yai is the best place to snorkel off Phuket. It is about 20km due south of Phuket and the waters are very clear. Day-trips can be organised by all tour operators or travel agents – just ask at your hotel or guesthouse. If you want to stay overnight, boats can be chartered from Rawai or Chalong Pier.
Phuket Scuba Diving
Phuket is one of the major Thailand locations for scuba diving, with the world famous Similan Islands an overnight sail away. Most visits to the Similan Islands are on a four day liveaboard trip – recommended operators include mid-range liveaboard Pawara and the most comfortable Thailand liveaboard MV White Manta.
Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
Ao Phang Nga is northeast of Phuket and comprises an area of 350 square kilometers of turquoise sea and countless limestone karst islands. A large portion of the bay is national park. This is one of the most spectacular locations in South East Asia. The most well known of the islands is ‘Koh Tapu’. It became famous internationally after it was featured as a location in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ in 1974 and is now known far and wide as ‘James Bond Island’. Daytrips to this area can be booked online with Viator, plus see previous customer reviews too.
