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Attractions
(Island)
Keaw
Island
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
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 Hey Island
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 Hey
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.
Mai
Ton Island
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 not wishing
to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion
leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port. For details
contact (076) 214954-7.
Taphao
Yai Island
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 Rd.,
to the Sakdidet Rd., 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 Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations
are available on the island. For details call
Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.
Raya
(or Racha ) Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast to
southwest off Phuket's southern coast.
 - Raya Yai Island 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 waters of Raya Yai attract daytrippers
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.
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Raya Noi Island
This island, 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 in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands
is restricted to dry season and periods when
the monsoon is not blowing.
Rang
Yai Island
Lying off Phuket's east coat, 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 providede by
Richy Island Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour
agencies.
Sire
Island
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 Ko Sire, on the hill, has a
large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views
of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement
of Sea Gipsies, or Chao Ley, are on Ko Sire
at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present because
of the muddy bottom. Thre are some popular seafood
restaurants on the eastern shore.
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