Whilst it is true that Phuket itself is an island, it doesn't really feel like one. For a taste of island life Thai style, it's necessary to visit one of the many smaller Islands scattered around the coast of Phuket.

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi island is actually two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don is the only one that is inhabited, Phi Phi Leh is on many itineraries though, mostly because of ‘that' movie, and if you wish to follow in Leonardo Dicaprio's footsteps on Maya Beach you can, but there is every chance that several hundred other people will be doing the same thing at the same time.

Phi Phi Don is where the action is at, but the action is pretty laid back and relaxed. There is plenty of accommodation on Phi Phi Don, much of it of the budget variety, and the island attracts a truly eclectic mix of people. There are several stunning beaches, great diving and snorkelling, all the regular beach activities and plenty of tours around the islands.

There is nightlife on Phi Phi, not the hedonistic Patong Beach type nightlife, but a magical mix of beach bars and sensational restaurants. There are no roads, no cars, on Phi Phi and when the last day trip boats leave in the early afternoon the island reverts to a genuinely idyllic paradise.

Chalong Bay

There are some islands quite clearly visible from the shore in Chalong Bay, Koh Lon is a fifteen minute longtail boat trip away and Koh Bon is just around the headland off Rawai beach. These are resort islands and not set up for visitors. There is good snorkelling though, particularly around Koh Bon.

Just off to the East, Koh Maiton is home to the Maiton Island Resort and there are no facilities for day trippers there.

Coral Island ( Koh Hae )

Another fifteen minutes or so to the South is Coral Island which, as its name suggests, is home to a spectacular coral reef. As snorkelling destinations go, it's hard to beat Koh Hae. A longtail boat from Rawai or Chalong will get you there in around thirty minutes, there are good facilities on the beaches and the beaches themselves are beautiful.

Coral Island is, it has to be said, very busy with tourists most days. There is a resort as well, so solitude is really not what Koh Hae is about, but if you don't mind sharing your space then it's a great day trip.

Racha Islands - Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi

The Racha Islands lie directly to the South of Phuket around forty five minutes away by longtail, Racha Yai is inhabited and Racha Noi is not. The islands are a great diving and snorkelling destination, and Racha Yai is becoming increasingly popular as an island getaway. If you are searching for peace and tranquillity, Racha Yai may be where you find it.

Koh Tapao Yai and Koh Khai Nok

Two tiny islands off to the East of Phuket.

Koh Tapao Yai is home to a resort with a chequered history in terms of success, but is important because it is home to a particularly unusual species of hornbill, whilst Koh Khai Nok is home to an idyllic stretch of sand and very little else. Good to see as part of a day trip maybe.

Koh Maphrao ( Coconut Island )

A working fishing island just ten minutes off the East coast of Phuket. This is really a place of regular life and business, not a tourist destination.

That said, it's possible to arrange home stays with local families and there are mangrove forests that are worth exploring.

Rang Yai

Another private island just off the East coast of Phuket. It was uninhabited for many years but is now being carefully developed as a tourist destination.

There are lots of organised activities, such as kayaking and mountain biking, and where once the only accommodation on offer was camping there are now some delightful bamboo huts for rent.

Koh Naka Yai and Naka Noi

Almost into Phang Nga bay, Naka Yai and Naka Noi is another pair of islands that are developing rapidly.

Naka Yai is on many day trip itineraries and tends to get very busy most days, Naka Noi is home to a pearl farm and is much the smaller of the two.

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

This pair of islands sits in the middle of Phang Nga bay, the same distance from Krabi and Phuket. They are quite different to most of the other islands in the area because the locals, determined to hang on to their lifestyle, have resisted the temptation to develop quickly and have been recognised internationally for their stewardship and ecologically sound tourism efforts.

There are some bungalows to rent, and home stays can be arranged. There is also a development of a couple of high end resorts.

Yao Noi is the more developed of the two and has some facilities such as restaurants and shops. There are no ATMs though, so if you are staying over for a day or two you might want to take some cash.

Phang Ngha Bay

To the North of Phuket is the spectacular Phang Nga Bay. The bay is worthy of a mention because it will be on many itineraries, often simply in order to get a picture of Koh Pingan or James Bond Island, made famous in the Man With The Golden Gun.

There is more to Phang Nga Bay than James Bond Island though, the whole are is breathtakingly attractive with sheer limestone cliffs towering above the water and secret sea-caves accessible only by sea kayak.

Phang Nga Bay is a special place, lots of people want to see it though and you will be lucky to find any peace and quiet there. Most of the islands are uninhabited, but that doesn't mean they are free of people.

Further Afield

The islands further afield from Phuket than those already mentioned are likely to be the Surin Islands and the Similan Islands. Both sets of islands are national parks, which are only open between May and November, and both are destinations that should not be approached lightly.

Most people visiting the Surin or Similan islands will be divers, they are world renowned diving destinations, and many will be on live aboard deals out of Phuket or Khao Lak. Khao Lak is closer to the islands as they lie to the North of Phuket, but Khao Lak is three hours or so by road from Phuket.

The Similan and Surin Islands are wonderful places to visit, but they are not practical day trips and not for those uncomfortable in boats, the trip will take three or four hours.