Islands
Phuket's Indian Ocean coastline boasts the finest beaches while the eastern coastline overlooks some 30 lessers occupying largely tranquil seas. Islands vary greatly in size.Some are large enough to sustain fishing communities, coconut plantations, sea crocodiles,deer and wild boar. Others are little larger than massive rocks, while still others resemble fortresses and are riddled with caves containing bird's nests prized by gourmets.

Keaw Island (Koh Keaw)
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 (Koh Lon)
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 Hay Island (Koh Coral or Koh Hay)
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 Hay 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.

Maiton Island (Koh Maiton)
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 are not wishing to stay overnight may take a day time excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port.
For details contact (66 2) 744-4775, 399-4084-5
E-mail : info@phuketresort.com

Taphao Yai Island (Ko Taphao Yai)
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 Road., to the Sakdidet Road., 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 Koh Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are available on the island.
For details call Phuket Paradise, (66 76) 214-917.

Raya (or Racha ) Island (Ko Raya of Ko Racha)
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast.

Raya Yai Island (Ko Raya Yai)
It is 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 water of Raya Yai attract day trippers 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 (Ko Raya Noi)
It is about 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 about 1-hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.

Rang Yai Island (Ko Rang Yai)
It is lying off Phuket's east coast, 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 provided by Richy Island Tour,
Tel : ( 66 76) : 238- 163, and other tour agencies.

Sire Island (Ko Sire)
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 Koh Sire, on the hill, has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gypsies, or Chao Ley, are on Koh Sire at Leam Tuk-Kae. Swimming is not present because of the muddy bottom.

There are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.