Khai Islands Phuket
Discover the Khai Islands: Phuket's accessible paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and sun-drenched relaxation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer boats, more serene vibes
Khai Islands Phuket
Best Time
Fewer boats, more serene vibes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Khai Islands: Phuket's accessible paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and sun-drenched relaxation.
"Crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life make the Khai Islands a must-visit for a taste of island bliss."
🐠 Snorkel Gear Provided
Most tours include snorkel gear, but bringing your own ensures a better fit and hygiene.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is intense!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Khai Nai Island's Crystal Waters
Khai Nai Island
Pristine turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A true tropical paradise.

Khai Nok Island's Vibrant Marine Life
Khai Nok Island
Snorkel amongst colorful fish in shallow, clear seas. An accessible underwater world.

Relaxing on Khai Nui Island
Khai Nui Island
The smallest of the three, offering a quieter escape with beautiful sandy beaches.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Island Hopping Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐠 Snorkel Gear Provided
Most tours include snorkel gear, but bringing your own ensures a better fit and hygiene.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is intense!
💰 Budget-Friendly Option
Consider Khai Islands as a more affordable alternative to Phi Phi for island hopping.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water or ensure your tour package includes refreshments.
3 Khai islands or Phi Phi/Maya Bay
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Snorkel Gear Provided
Most tours include snorkel gear, but bringing your own ensures a better fit and hygiene.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is intense!
💰 Budget-Friendly Option
Consider Khai Islands as a more affordable alternative to Phi Phi for island hopping.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water or ensure your tour package includes refreshments.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your waterproof camera or phone case for stunning underwater shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Khai Islands to be beautiful with clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming, offering a more relaxed and budget-friendly island hopping experience compared to Phi Phi. However, some feel the islands can become overcrowded with tour boats, diminishing the serene tropical paradise feel.
"he island is absolutely beautiful and truly fantastic — I loved every bit of it! Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side during the visit. The waves were quite rough, so we couldn’t go snorkeling further out to mid-water, which was a bit disappointing.
Just a quick heads-up for future visitors: beach seating costs 150 THB for two chairs, so it’s a good idea to keep a little extra cash handy.
That said, we were very satisfied overall. My kids and I had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed our holiday!"
Akhilesh
"Just a very super tiny island , the beach is clean but under the sea full of death corals with shape shell so when you walk need to be careful. Avoid water activity just enjoy the view and some snack and drinks there."
Cheah WY
"This lsland offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sands, and charming beach. Located roughly 10-20kn from Phuket’s east coast, accessible by speedboats. This beach offers serenity, clear shallow waters and relaxing vibe-ideal for snorkeling, sunbathing, and light water sports."
Monalisa Ghosh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Khai Islands from Phuket is by booking a speedboat tour. These tours typically depart from various piers in Phuket, such as Ao Chalong or Rassada Pier. The journey to the Khai Islands takes approximately 30-45 minutes by speedboat. You can book these tours through online platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide, or arrange them through your hotel or local tour operators.
Absolutely! The Khai Islands are a very popular destination for day trips from Phuket. Most tours are designed to be a half-day or full-day excursion, allowing you to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beaches before returning to Phuket in the afternoon.
Khai Nok is the largest and most developed, offering more facilities and activities. Khai Nai is known for its beautiful beach and clear waters, ideal for swimming. Khai Nui is the smallest and often the quietest, providing a more secluded feel.
While it's technically possible to hire a private longtail boat or speedboat, most visitors opt for organized tours. These tours are convenient, often include snorkeling gear and lunch, and handle the logistics of island hopping between the Khai Islands.
The travel time from Phuket to the Khai Islands by speedboat is typically around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific departure point and sea conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost varies depending on the tour package. Expect to pay anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 THB per person for a day trip, which usually includes speedboat transfer, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and sometimes a national park fee. Booking in advance through platforms like Klook can sometimes offer better deals.
Yes, there is typically a national park fee or conservation fee for visiting the Khai Islands, which is usually included in the tour price. It's advisable to confirm this when booking your tour.
While some vendors might sell tickets on the spot, it's generally recommended to book your Khai Islands tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing.
A standard Khai Islands tour usually includes round-trip speedboat transfers from Phuket, snorkeling equipment, a simple lunch, and access to the islands for swimming and sunbathing. Some tours may offer additional activities like kayaking.
Tours typically operate daily, departing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. The islands themselves are accessible during daylight hours as part of these organized tours.
📸 📸 Photography
The crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the main attractions. Focus on capturing the vibrant blues of the sea, the lush green of the islands, and the playful marine life. Underwater shots are particularly stunning.
A waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended if you plan to take photos while swimming or snorkeling. The underwater visibility is excellent, and you'll want to capture the colorful fish and coral.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow. Midday sun can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the water are still impressive.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography on the Khai Islands. However, always be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
Expect stunning shots of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, palm trees, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish. If you're lucky, you might even capture some marine life like sea turtles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most day trip tours to the Khai Islands include a simple lunch, often served buffet-style on the boat or on one of the islands. This usually consists of Thai dishes like fried rice, chicken, and fruit.
Yes, there are small restaurants and vendors on Khai Nok and Khai Nai islands where you can purchase additional food, snacks, and drinks. However, prices can be higher than on the mainland.
Expect typical Thai island fare, including seafood, rice dishes, noodles, and refreshing drinks like coconut water and fruit juices.
While not always guaranteed, you can usually find vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries or rice dishes. It's best to inquire with your tour operator or the restaurant beforehand if you have specific dietary needs.
Bringing some of your own snacks, especially if you have specific preferences or dietary restrictions, can be a good idea. However, ensure you don't leave any trash behind.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Island Adventure: Khai Islands vs. Phi Phi
On the other hand, the Phi Phi Islands (including Maya Bay, made famous by the movie 'The Beach') offer dramatic limestone cliffs, deeper waters, and a more adventurous experience. While undeniably stunning, they tend to be more crowded and can be pricier to visit. Some travelers find the Phi Phi experience to be 'tourist crap' if not managed well, suggesting that the Khai Islands might offer a more enjoyable, less overwhelming experience for some. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: if you seek tranquility, affordability, and easy snorkeling, the Khai Islands are a great option. If you're after iconic, breathtaking scenery and a more adventurous vibe, Phi Phi might be your pick, but be prepared for larger crowds.
Snorkeling and Marine Life at the Khai Islands
Many tours provide snorkeling gear, but bringing your own ensures a comfortable fit and hygiene. It's crucial to be mindful of the marine environment. Avoid touching or stepping on coral, and never feed the fish, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and harm the ecosystem. Some visitors have noted that while the marine life is present, the sheer number of boats and people can sometimes detract from the experience. Nevertheless, with a bit of patience and by exploring slightly away from the main swimming areas, you can still have a rewarding encounter with the underwater world.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit