Phuket, Khao Lak & Islands

Crossing to the mainland by bridge from Phuket, a scenic hour and a half drive takes you to the peaceful beach resort of Khao Lak. Whilst not quite as developed as Phuket, Khao Lak still has plenty to see and do combined with beautiful scenery and lovely, pristine beaches. The picturesque Khao Sok National Park is not far away for elephant trekking and white water rafting while offshore the beautiful Similan Islands offer some of Thailand's best snorkelling and diving making for a wonderful day trip.

The tiny island of Koh Racha or Racha Yai offers picture perfect beaches and vivid turquoise seas. It is located south of Phuket at the mouth of Phang Nga Bay and is accessed by a 40 minute speedboat journey from the marina on Phuket. Set in the middle of Phang Nga Bay Koh Yao Noi is halfway between Phuket and Krabi, surrounded by the striking limestone karst islands this part of Thailand is famous for. The island itself is quiet with just a handful of small resorts ranging from luxurious hideaways like the beautiful Six Senses Yao Noi to small, secluded eco-resorts. Access is easy by a 45 minute scenic speedboat trip from Phuket.

Koh Phi Phi is the perfect Southeast Asian hideaway. The island itself has some dazzling white sandy beaches lapped by the warm turquoise seas of the Strait of Malacca and its impressive, mountainous interior and rugged rock formations combine to make it one of Asia’s most alluring and exotic locations. Access is by boat from Phuket.