The easiest island trips from Rawai are by longtail boat from the Rawai waterfront: Koh Bon is about 15 minutes away, Coral Island (Koh Hae) about 15–20 minutes and Racha Island about 30–45 minutes, with fares agreed directly with the boatmen. Speedboat day tours and dive boats leave from Chalong Pier, about 5 km away, and some Phi Phi day tours start there too.
Last updated: 22 October 2026
Island trips from Rawai: your options
Southern Phuket is the island's natural launch point for the small islands off its tip. There are three ways to go, and the right one depends on how much flexibility, speed and organisation you want.
- Private longtail from Rawai: you negotiate a boat and a return time on the waterfront and go at your own pace. Best for short hops to Koh Bon, Coral Island or Koh Kaeo.
- Speedboat day tour from Chalong Pier: Phuket's busiest pier and the main base for day-tour speedboats to Coral Island, Racha, Koh Bon and Maiton. Faster, with set itineraries.
- Ferry or tour to Phi Phi: a longer day out. Some Phi Phi day tours leave from Chalong, while scheduled ferries run from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town.
Longtail boats from Rawai
Rawai is Phuket's working harbour at the southern tip, home to fishing boats, longtails and speedboats. Boatmen wait along the waterfront, and fares are negotiated directly, so agree the price, destination and pick-up time before you set off.
| Island | By longtail from Rawai | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Bon | About 15 min | A short family snorkelling trip |
| Coral Island (Koh Hae) | About 15–20 min | An easy half-day out |
| Koh Kaeo (Buddha Island) | About 30 min | Golden Buddha statues |
| Racha Island | About 30–45 min | A longer full-day trip |
Our Rawai guide covers the rest of the harbour: the seafood market, the piers and the Chao Lay village.
Koh Bon and Coral Island: short and easy
Koh Bon is the closest of the islands, about 15 minutes by longtail, and a common snorkelling outing for families. Make sure everyone, especially children, wears a life vest on the boat.
Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae, is about 15–20 minutes by longtail from Rawai or about 15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier. Both work well as a morning trip with lunch back in Rawai, or a relaxed afternoon before sunset at Promthep Cape.
Racha Island and Koh Kaeo
Racha Island is further out: about 30–45 minutes by longtail from Rawai, or about 30 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier, which is why many visitors choose an organised speedboat tour for a full day there.
Koh Kaeo, nicknamed Buddha Island for its golden Buddha statues, is about 30 minutes by longtail from Rawai. Dress respectfully if you plan to visit the statues.
Phi Phi from the south: what to know
The Phi Phi Islands are the best-known island trip from Phuket, but they are further away than the southern islands. Some Phi Phi day tours depart from Chalong Pier, about 5 km and roughly 10–20 minutes from Nai Harn. The scheduled Phi Phi ferries, however, leave from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town, which is about 17 km and roughly 30–40 minutes from Nai Harn. Check which pier your ticket uses and allow extra time: morning traffic (about 07:00–10:00) can add a lot to any drive.
Weather, safety and when to go
The dry season, about November to April, usually brings calm, clear seas and is the best time for island trips. From about May to October the southwest monsoon brings strong waves to Phuket's west coast, and some days are simply not suitable for small boats. Ask your boatman or operator about conditions on the day and be ready to switch plans. Our best time to visit Phuket guide has a month-by-month view.
- Wear a life vest on longtails and speedboats, especially with children.
- Bring sun protection, water and cash for negotiating fares.
- Agree the return time with your longtail before leaving the island.
Closer to home: kayak to Koh Man
Not every island trip needs a boat captain. The small islet of Koh Man lies about 700 m off Ya Nui Beach, just south of Nai Harn, and is a popular kayak trip. Kayaks, paddle boards and snorkel gear can be rented on the beach. See our beaches near Nai Harn guide for tides and parking tips.
Why Green Garden Villas is a good island base
Green Garden Villas is in central Nai Harn, a short drive from the Rawai waterfront and about 5 km from Chalong Pier, so early boat departures do not mean a long transfer. After a day on the water, you come back to your own private pool and tropical garden. Families and groups can choose a two-bedroom or three-bedroom villa with a fully equipped kitchen, handy for cooking up a haul from Rawai Seafood Market.
Local tips
- Agree the full price, the islands and the return time with your longtail boatman before you board.
- Book Racha or Phi Phi trips for dry-season days and keep a back-up day in case the sea is rough.
- Leave early for Chalong Pier or Rassada Pier: morning traffic can add a lot of time.
- Pair a Rawai longtail trip with dinner at Rawai Seafood Market, right by the pier.
- Always use life vests on small boats, and keep children in them for the whole ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a boat from Rawai to Coral Island?
Yes. Longtail boats from the Rawai waterfront reach Coral Island (Koh Hae) in about 15–20 minutes, and fares are negotiated directly with the boatmen.
How long does it take to get to Racha Island from Rawai?
By longtail from Rawai it takes about 30–45 minutes. Speedboats from Chalong Pier take about 30 minutes.
Which pier do Phi Phi ferries leave from?
Scheduled Phi Phi ferries leave from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town. Some Phi Phi day tours depart from Chalong Pier, so check your ticket.
Is Rawai or Chalong Pier better for island trips?
Rawai is better for flexible private longtail trips to nearby islands. Chalong Pier is the main base for speedboat day tours and dive boats.
What is the closest island to Rawai?
Koh Bon is the closest common trip, about 15 minutes by longtail from Rawai and a popular family snorkelling outing.
Can you do island trips in the rainy season?
Sometimes, but from about May to October the monsoon brings strong waves to the west coast, so trips can be rough or cancelled. Check conditions on the day.
