Just off Phuket’s southern shores, a chain of small islands promises crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches, and world-class snorkeling. From the rustic charm of Koh Lon to the turquoise bays of the Racha Islands, these spots are perfect for day trips or peaceful overnights. Add in Coral Island and Maithon, and you’ve got a collection of easy escapes that feel like mini-paradises, all within an hour of Phuket.
Why Visit the Southern Islands
- Quick access from Chalong or Rawai.
- Amazing snorkeling and diving.
- Options for both rustic retreats and luxury stays.
- Quiet beaches compared to Phuket.
- Easy to mix and match on island-hopping tours.
The Islands
Koh Lon
- Closest island to Phuket, just 15 minutes from Chalong Pier.
- Small resorts, quiet beaches, and a fishing village.
- Best for a peaceful overnight stay or low-key day trip.
Racha Islands (Racha Yai & Racha Noi)
- Racha Yai: White sands, clear snorkeling water, and boutique resorts like The Racha.
- Racha Noi: Uninhabited, with some of the region’s best diving — pelagic fish, manta rays.
- Both islands are known for incredibly clear water.
Coral Island (Koh He)
- Only 20 minutes from Rawai.
- Great for snorkeling, kayaking, and water sports.
- Can get busy with tours — best visited early or late in the day.
Maithon Island
- Famous for coral reefs and dolphin spotting.
- No overnight stays, but luxury yacht tours often stop here.
- Quiet and pristine compared to Coral.
Food & Drink
- Resorts on Racha Yai offer stylish dining.
- Rustic seafood restaurants on Koh Lon.
- Coral and Maithon usually include Thai buffet lunches with tours.
- No nightlife — evenings are about sunsets and the sound of the sea.
Where to Stay
- Koh Lon: Family-run bungalows and small resorts.
- Racha Yai: The Racha (luxury eco-resort) and other boutique stays.
- Coral Island: A few small resorts, but mostly day-trippers.
- Maithon: No overnight stays.
Getting Around
- Boats depart from Chalong Pier and Rawai Beach.
- Longtails are best for short trips, speedboats for farther islands like Racha.
- Island-hopping tours often combine multiple islands in one day.
Tips for Digital Nomads
- Not great for long stays — WiFi is limited.
- Koh Lon is the only island with semi-reliable connections for short retreats.
- Racha Yai resorts may provide decent WiFi but are more suited for downtime than work.
- These islands are best for play, not productivity.
Local Tips & Warnings
- Seas: Choppy during rainy season (May–Oct).
- Crowds: Coral and Racha Yai can be busy — overnight stays help you beat the day-trippers.
- Reef protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid stepping on coral.
- Cash: Bring enough with you, ATMs are scarce.
Final Thoughts
The southern islands of Phuket are about sun, sea, and simplicity. Whether it’s snorkeling with tropical fish at Coral, watching dolphins off Maithon, or waking up to turquoise water on Racha Yai, these islands offer unforgettable escapes just minutes from Phuket. Perfect for island-hopping or overnight adventures, they’re proof that paradise is closer than you think.