Day trips from Phuket: 6 destinations you can’t miss
What to do & how to get there by sea🏝️Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is famous for its beaches, food markets and thriving nightlife. It’s also the perfect base to explore other nearby destinations just across the sea. From Phuket you can easily catch a ferry to some of the best islands and coastal areas in Thailand, such as the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi and Koh Lanta.
If you’re planning a day trip from Phuket, check out our top 6 destinations that you can reach by sea in no time.
Tip: On Ferryhopper, you can find all the ferry routes in Thailand, along with prices, departure times, and ongoing offers. Book your tickets online in just a few clicks!
Traditional wooden longtail boat, a common sight in Thailand
1. Day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket
The Phi Phi Islands are a bucket-list destination for a reason. They entice visitors with their crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs and a lively island atmosphere.
The ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi Don takes only 1 hour, so you can be relaxing on white, sandy beaches before your morning coffee has kicked in! Ferries depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket and stop at 2 areas in Koh Phi Phi Don: Tonsai Pier and Laem Tong.
If you arrive at Tonsai Pier, the ferry will drop you off within walking distance of the main village, a popular spot for visitors. You could spend your day exploring the Tonsai area, with its bars and restaurants by the sea, and Loh Dalum, a great place to hang out on the beach and swim.
Choosing to arrive in Laemtong, you will have access to more secluded areas where you can unwind at a local resort or spend the day snorkeling among the island’s tropical fish.
Phuket to Phi Phi Islands ferry from €15
Stunning view of Nui Beach in Laemtong
2. Krabi & Railay East: Limestones cliffs & lagoons
Ferries from Phuket to Krabi will drop you off at Railay East, a sandy cove surrounded by limestone cliffs. From there, follow the pedestrian walkways to Railay West, a long white sandy beach where you can spend the rest of the day. If you’re up for an adventure, hike up to the Railay Viewpoint and Lagoon to see breathtaking views of the area.
Phra Nang Beach is also worth a visit, with its famous caves and shrine tucked under the cliffs, not to mention its splendid sandy shores. Railay is a rock climber’s paradise. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, there are plenty of schools that offer lessons for all levels.
Ferries from Phuket to Railay East in Krabi operate between October and April and only take 1.5 hours.
Phuket to Railay East (Krabi) ferry from €36
Restaurant set inside a grotto at Railay Beach
3. Koh Lanta: Full reset by the sea
Koh Lanta is more laid-back than its popular neighboring destinations, making it perfect if you want to avoid the crowds. Ferries from Rassada Pier in Phuket take 1.5 hours to reach Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. From there, you can take a motorbike taxi to one of the beaches on the west coast.
Klong Dao Beach is a great option, but if you have time, head further south to Kantiang Bay for a more secluded experience. The local restaurants here serve some of the best curries in the region. Be sure to try the Massaman curry!
Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry from €20
Relax by the sea in Koh Lanta!
4. Koh Yao Yai: Quickest island to reach
Koh Yao Yai is a small island located east of Phuket. It's only a 15-minute ferry or speedboat ride away, yet it feels like a different world. Ferries depart from Bang Rong Pier in north-eastern Phuket and arrive at Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai. Crossings take place through most of the dry season, from January to May.
Once you arrive in Koh Yao Yai, you can rent a scooter right by the pier. Ride along the coastal road to reach the island's sleepy fishing villages and quiet beaches.
Spend some time swimming at Loh Paret Beach or head to Laem Had Beach, which is famous for its sandbar. Before catching the ferry back to Phuket, be sure to stop at one of the small local markets for some fresh fruit, iced coffee, or grilled seafood!
Ferry between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai from €20
White sand dunes encircled by a blue sea in Koh Yao Yoi
5. Ao Nang & Ao Nam Mao
Ferries from Phuket also take you to Ao Nam Mao, just minutes from Ao Nang town. Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the quiet, laid-back beaches of Ao Nam Mao and the livelier beach town of Ao Nang.
Ao Nam Mao is more secluded and away from the crowds, making it ideal for strolls by the sea or a long seafood lunch at local restaurants by the pier. From there, it’s a quick taxi ride to Ao Nang, where you’ll find a long waterfront promenade, plenty of cafes and boat tours to Railay and other nearby islands.
If you stay until the late afternoon, don't miss the stunning sunsets that Ao Nang is famous for. Relax with a cold drink and enjoy the scenery before catching your ferry back to Phuket!
Phuket to Ao Nam Mao ferry from €39
Imposing cliffs and small beaches near Ao Nam Mao
6. Koh Lipe: A longer adventure with overnight stay
A trip to Koh Lipe from Phuket technically requires more than a day (the ferry ride is around 5 hours) so it's better if you can stay overnight. But if you’re dreaming of white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, this is where you'll find them!
Most places are within walking distance once you arrive. Sunrise Beach is perfect for early morning sunrises, while Pattaya Beach is where you'll find cafes and beach bars. Koh Lipe is also one of the best snorkeling and diving areas in Thailand. If you have time, be sure to enjoy these activities before you leave!
Ferries between Phuket and Koh Lipe from €65
Koh Lipe's beautiful Pattaya Beach
Book your ferry tickets from Phuket online
On Ferryhopper you can book your ferry tickets to Phuket online with no hidden fees. Use our Map of ferries to find all available connections in Thailand and beyond, compare routes and prices, and plan the perfect one-day trip from Phuket!
