Banana Beach, Koh Hey
1 / 10

Banana Beach Phuket

4.6
·532 reviews·Rawai, Thailand

A secluded paradise near Phuket with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush greenery, perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene vibes

CrowdLow
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Banana Beach, Koh Hey

Banana Beach Phuket

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene vibes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A secluded paradise near Phuket with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush greenery, perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.

4.6
(532 reviews)

"Banana Beach is an absolute gem and one of the best spots to visit in Thailand."

Vertical photo
TIP

Boat Trip Essentials

Book longtail boats from Rawai Pier for a scenic 30-min ride. Confirm prices beforehand!

Budget for Extras

Entry, chairs, and services cost extra. Keep receipts to avoid double charges.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Immerse yourself in pristine, clear waters perfect for swimming and enjoying the tropical vibe.

Vibrant Snorkeling

Vibrant Snorkeling

Discover colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life just beneath the surface.

Exotic Bird Sightings

Exotic Bird Sightings

Keep an eye out for unique hornbill birds in the lush surroundings.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting to Banana Beach

Access Banana Beach via longtail boat from Rawai Pier (approx. 30 mins, 400-1600 THB round trip) or Chalong Pier (approx. 2500 THB). Some TikToks mention a small island fee upon arrival. TikTokReddit+2

Costs and What's Included

Be prepared for extra costs. Entry fees (around 100-300 THB) often include sun loungers, toilets, and showers. The higher fee can act as a deposit for food and services. Keep receipts! TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene vibes
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

โลกเปลี่ยนไป 🌅🌅เมื่อ .@bananabeachphuket @LabserYachtPhuket #LobsterYahctPhuket #SevenMarinePhuket #bananabeachkohhey #bananabeachphuket
@spssh9689
18.9K likes • 241.7K views

Boat Trip Essentials

Book longtail boats from Rawai Pier for a scenic 30-min ride. Confirm prices beforehand! TikTok+1

Budget for Extras

Entry, chairs, and services cost extra. Keep receipts to avoid double charges. Reddit

พาไปดูน้อลเล่นน้ำทะเลที่ Banana Beach เกาะเฮภูเก็ต น่ารักมาก💕🪿
@sjrichkid
18.6K likes • 259.3K views
"Banana Beach" หาดที่ไม่ได้ใหญ่โตมาก แต่มีความสวยเป็นลำดับต้นๆของจังหวัดภูเก็ตกันเลย ✨🏝️ #bananabeach #bananabeachphuket #บานาน่าบีช #ภูเก็ต #phuket #ปอปี้ยิ้ม #smileporpy #phuketthailand
smile_porpy
59 likes • 3.2K views

Snorkel Gear

Bring your own snorkel for the best experience exploring the coral reefs. Reddit

Capture the Beauty

This beach is incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

Who has already been to Banana Beach? 🔥 #phuketcheaptour #bananabeach #phuket2025 #thaibeaches #phuketbeaches #phuket #thailand
phuket_cheaptour
115 likes • 9.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Boat Trip Essentials

Book longtail boats from Rawai Pier for a scenic 30-min ride. Confirm prices beforehand! TikTok+1

Budget for Extras

Entry, chairs, and services cost extra. Keep receipts to avoid double charges. Reddit

Snorkel Gear

Bring your own snorkel for the best experience exploring the coral reefs. Reddit

Capture the Beauty

This beach is incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

Seafood Delights

Enjoy fresh seafood and Thai dishes at the beachfront restaurant. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(532 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Banana Beach is a highly recommended 'hidden gem' with stunningly clear waters, soft sand, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors praise its cleanliness and natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape. However, be prepared for extra costs for entry, loungers, and services, and keep all receipts.

"Wonderful staff, thank you, Lative! We were here last year and will be this week! Lots of exiting activities like banana boat, kayak etc! No trash on the Banana beach, compared to Coral Beach, clear sand and water, lots of corals and fishes! Wonderful place for snorkelling, eating good food and spending time!"

Мария Рахманова

"Honestly can’t describe how much of an amazing surprise it was!! Everything was beyond my imagination! Thank you Nicolas and the team for being part of such an unforgettable day! You guys are the best!"

Dana Daboul

"Cool beach with white sand and clear water. You can get to the island not only with an excursion but by your self. You need to go to rawai pier and get the boat(Long-tail Boat) which coast 1500-1600 Bat and in about half an hour it will get you to the island. They're two options on banana beach. The first you can pay 100 Bat per person and get access sun lounger, toilet and shower(Of course you can move freely around the island). The second one if you pay 300 bat per person and get sun lounger, toilet, shower and also you can use this 300 bat for food, drinks and all the services that you'll find(it's like a deposit)."

Andrei Khodorkovskii

What People Like

Crystal clear waters
Excellent snorkeling
Clean and beautiful beach

What People Dislike

Extra costs for everything
Can be pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular way to reach Banana Beach is by taking a longtail boat from Rawai Pier, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around 400-1600 THB for a round trip. Some visitors also depart from Chalong Pier. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, there is typically an entrance fee, often around 100-300 THB per person. This fee usually includes access to sun loungers, toilets, and showers. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can arrange your own boat trip to Banana Beach from piers like Rawai or Chalong, rather than booking a full excursion. Reddit

The boat ride to Banana Beach from Rawai Pier is approximately 30 minutes. TikTok+1

While boat access is the primary method, some sources suggest a short walk might be involved depending on the access point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee typically covers access to sun loungers, toilets, and showers. A higher fee might include a deposit for food and services. TikTokReddit

Yes, the 300 Baht fee often functions as a deposit that can be used towards food, drinks, and other services at the beach. Reddit

Sun loungers are usually included with the entrance fee, but it's advisable to confirm the specifics of your chosen package. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally accessible during daylight hours when boat services are operating. Instagram

Yes, it's highly recommended to keep all your receipts as there have been instances where visitors were asked to pay again. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The late afternoon, especially during golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for stunning photographs. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Banana Beach is frequently described as one of the most Instagrammable islands near Phuket due to its beauty and clear waters. Instagram+1

The clear turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and lush green surroundings make the entire beach a picturesque location. Instagram+1

Look out for opportunities to capture the vibrant marine life while snorkeling, or the unique hornbill birds in the trees. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check local regulations or inquire upon arrival. TikTok

🎫 🐠 Activities & Experiences

Popular activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and banana boat rides. TikTokReddit

Yes, Banana Beach is renowned for its extremely clear water and abundant coral reefs, making it excellent for snorkeling. TikTokReddit

Yes, kayaks and paddleboards are often available for rent, allowing you to explore the coastline. Reddit

There is a small beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and Thai dishes. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing colorful fish while snorkeling and exotic hornbill birds on the island. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Banana Beach offers a family-friendly escape with its calm, clear waters perfect for little ones to splash around in. The shallow areas are great for safe swimming, and the abundance of fish visible even from the shore can captivate young imaginations. Reddit Consider packing extra snacks and drinks as food can be a bit pricey, and ensure you have a plan for managing sun protection for everyone. The boat ride itself can be an adventure for kids, adding to the excitement of the day trip. TikTok

📸 Photographers and Influencers

Banana Beach is a dream destination for photographers, frequently hailed as one of Phuket's most Instagrammable islands. The pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and lush tropical backdrop provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. Instagram+1 Aim for the late afternoon golden hour for the most magical lighting. Be prepared for potential costs associated with beach access and amenities, and always keep your receipts to ensure a smooth experience. Reddit

🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts

If snorkeling is your priority, Banana Beach is a must-visit. The exceptionally clear water reveals a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and healthy coral formations. Reddit While some facilities might offer gear, bringing your own snorkel and mask is recommended for the best fit and experience. The calm conditions make it easy to spend hours exploring the reefs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Getting to Banana Beach: Your Boat Trip Guide

Banana Beach, also known as Koh Hey, is a stunning island escape accessible primarily by boat. The most common departure point is Rawai Pier in southern Phuket. From here, you can hire a longtail boat for a scenic 30-minute journey. Prices for a round trip typically range from 400 THB per person if shared, up to 1600 THB for a private trip. TikTok+1 Some travelers have also departed from Chalong Pier, with one mention of a 2500 Baht fare for a day trip. Reddit

It's crucial to negotiate the boat price before you set off and confirm what's included. While the journey is relatively short, be prepared for potential island entrance fees upon arrival, which can vary. Some TikToks and reviews suggest that the higher entrance fees can be redeemed for food and drinks at the beach, acting as a deposit. TikTokReddit

For those seeking a more independent adventure, arranging your own boat is a great option. This allows for flexibility in your schedule and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Remember to keep all your receipts, as there have been reports of confusion regarding payments. Reddit

Understanding Costs and Services at Banana Beach

While Banana Beach offers a slice of paradise, it's important to be aware of the associated costs. Upon arrival, you'll likely encounter an entrance fee, typically ranging from 100 to 300 Baht per person. This fee often grants you access to basic amenities such as sun loungers, toilets, and showers. TikTokReddit

For those who plan to indulge in the beach's offerings, the higher entrance fee of around 300 Baht can serve as a deposit. This means you can use that amount towards food, drinks, and other services available at the beach's restaurant or facilities. However, it's highly recommended to keep all your receipts as a safeguard against any payment discrepancies. Reddit

Beyond the initial entry, be mindful that additional services or upgrades might incur further charges. While the beach is praised for its cleanliness and natural beauty, transparency regarding all costs upfront is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Reddit

The Natural Beauty of Banana Beach: Snorkeling and Wildlife

Banana Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. This makes it an ideal spot for swimming and simply relaxing by the sea. The water clarity is so exceptional that it's a prime location for snorkeling, with numerous colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs visible just below the surface. TikTokReddit

Beyond the underwater world, the island also offers opportunities to connect with nature on land. Visitors have reported spotting exotic hornbill birds in the lush greenery surrounding the beach, adding a unique wildlife encounter to the experience. Reddit The calm waves generally make it a safe environment for all ages to enjoy the marine life and the serene atmosphere. Reddit

For those looking to explore further, kayaks and paddleboards are often available for rent, allowing you to discover hidden coves and enjoy the coastline from a different perspective. The combination of accessible marine life and unique bird sightings makes Banana Beach a true natural gem. Reddit