Koh Bon
A serene island escape near Phuket, Koh Bon offers pristine beaches and world-class diving with a chance to see majestic manta rays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Koh Bon
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island escape near Phuket, Koh Bon offers pristine beaches and world-class diving with a chance to see majestic manta rays.
"Such a nice little island! The food was great, and we had a good day there. I really liked it and totally recommend it if you need a chill spot. "
Pack Your Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited. :water_pistol:
Beach Chair Rental Fee
Chairs are available for rent, typically around 100 THB per chair. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Beaches
Main beach and eastern beach
Soft sandy shores meet crystal-clear turquoise waters, offering a serene escape. Perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
Underwater Wonders
Offshore dive sites
Dive or snorkel among vibrant soft corals, schooling fish, and the chance to see majestic manta rays.
+1
Tranquil Atmosphere
The entire island
Experience a remote and peaceful island vibe, ideal for a quiet getaway or a romantic escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Escape: What to Know Before You Go
Timing Your Visit for Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Your Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited. :water_pistol:
Beach Chair Rental Fee
Chairs are available for rent, typically around 100 THB per chair. :moneybag:
Embrace the Quiet
Koh Bon is perfect for a peaceful day, with very few people around. :person_walking:
Consider the Eastern Beach
This side is more protected from wind and often more secluded. :island:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Your Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited. :water_pistol:
Beach Chair Rental Fee
Chairs are available for rent, typically around 100 THB per chair. :moneybag:
Embrace the Quiet
Koh Bon is perfect for a peaceful day, with very few people around. :person_walking:
Consider the Eastern Beach
This side is more protected from wind and often more secluded. :island:
Diving for Manta Rays
Koh Bon is a prime spot for manta ray encounters during migration season. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Koh Bon is praised as a beautiful and tranquil island escape, perfect for a relaxing day trip with clear waters and soft beaches. Divers rave about the chance to see manta rays and vibrant marine life. However, visitors note the lack of amenities and occasional issues with beach cleanliness, suggesting a need for better upkeep. +1
"Such a nice little island! The food was great, and we had a good day there. I really liked it and totally recommend it if you need a chill spot."
Darius Rashidi
"I went to Koh Bon in June, low season, on a cloudy day that later became sunny and perfect for some beach time. The main beach is facing Phuket but there is a second beach, more quiet, on the eastern side. I opted for the second beach which was more protected from the wind. It was also deserted except for my group. The water is crystal clear and the beach truly beautiful, but unfortunately nobody keeps it clean ( at least in low season) and there was rubbish everywhere. So much plastic going ashore from the sea. It would be interesting to involve some local authorities and go for a clean up."
Maya Koh
"It was so windy on the island they charged 1300 for a boat regardless of the load. We enjoyed clean beach, there is a charge of 100 per chair if you would like to use one."
ksskripai ksskripai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Koh Bon from Phuket is by a 15-minute long-tail boat ride.
Long-tail boats are the primary mode of transport to Koh Bon. These can be hired from nearby piers, often with a set price for the trip.
Yes, it's relatively easy to get to Koh Bon, especially from Phuket, with short boat trips available.
The journey to Koh Bon typically takes around 15 minutes by long-tail boat from Phuket.
Ferries are not the typical mode of transport to Koh Bon; long-tail boats are more common for this short island hop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the island itself, there is a charge for using beach chairs, usually around 100 THB.
Booking a boat in advance is recommended, especially if you have specific timing needs or are traveling during peak periods.
Koh Bon is an island destination, so it's accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times.
Koh Bon is part of the Similan Islands National Park, and while specific park fees might apply for entry into the broader park area, they are not typically charged directly for a day visit to Koh Bon itself.
You will arrange and pay for your boat transport upon arrival at the pier, rather than purchasing separate entry tickets for the island.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Koh Bon is ideal for relaxing on its beautiful beaches, swimming in clear waters, and for divers, exploring vibrant coral reefs and potentially encountering manta rays.
Amenities on Koh Bon are very limited. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks, as there are few, if any, dining options available.
Facilities on Koh Bon are minimal. You'll find beaches and clear waters, but expect a lack of amenities like restrooms or shops.
Yes, the clear waters around Koh Bon make it a good spot for snorkeling, with opportunities to see marine life and corals.
Koh Bon is renowned as one of the best dive sites in Thailand for encountering manta rays, especially during their migration season.
📸 📸 Photography
The pristine beaches with turquoise waters offer stunning backdrops. Underwater, the vibrant coral reefs and schooling fish, especially barracuda, are incredible subjects.
Absolutely! Koh Bon is a world-class destination for underwater photography, famous for its manta ray encounters and diverse marine life.
You can photograph manta rays, barracuda schools, octopuses, and a variety of colorful soft corals and fish.
There are no specific restrictions on photography on the island itself, but always be mindful of marine life and avoid disturbing them.
For underwater shots, a GoPro or underwater camera is ideal. For landscapes, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive beaches and ocean views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, due to limited amenities, it's crucial to pack all necessary supplies, including plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection for the little ones. 🐠 Dive Enthusiasts
+1 The underwater landscape, with its soft corals and diverse marine life, offers incredible opportunities for exploration and photography. +1 Many dive operators cater to all levels, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced divers looking for world-class dive sites. 🧘♀️ Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Diving and Snorkeling at Koh Bon
Divers often visit a 'cleaning station' where manta rays congregate, offering an unforgettable spectacle. Beyond mantas, the waters teem with life, including large schools of barracuda, octopuses, and a colorful array of fish, making it a prime location for both experienced divers and snorkelers. +1When planning your dive trip, consider the manta ray migration season for the highest chances of sightings.
Visibility can vary, but when conditions are good, the underwater world is breathtaking. Many dive operators offer trips to Koh Bon from nearby areas like Phuket and Khao Lak, providing guided tours that enhance the experience and ensure you visit the best spots. +2For snorkelers, the shallower areas around the island can still offer a glimpse of the vibrant underwater ecosystem. While the most spectacular encounters are typically with scuba gear, even a snorkel can reveal colorful corals and smaller fish. Remember to practice responsible tourism by not touching corals or disturbing marine life.
Island Experience and Amenities
+1 Visitors often describe it as a quiet and peaceful spot, sometimes even feeling like a private paradise, especially if you arrive early. However, it's important to note that amenities on Koh Bon are very limited. Travelers should come prepared by packing their own essentials, including water, snacks, and sun protection, as services like restaurants and shops are scarce, particularly during the low season.
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