Top 5 Secret Islands near Phuket only accessible by boat
“Forget the ferry schedules and the overcrowded speedboats. Here is where the local captains drop anchor when they want peace and quiet.”
Ask any of the licensed Thai captains who skipper the charters we book: “Where is the best beach in Phuket?” They usually smile and point to the horizon. The truth is, the real gems aren’t on Phuket itself. They are scattered across the Andaman Sea, just a short sail away, waiting for those who charter a boat.
On a private charter, you don’t follow the herds. Here are the top 5 coordinates the local captains recommend for getting off the grid.
1. Koh Maiton (The Honeymoon Island)
This is usually the first stop when a charter heads Southeast. It’s a private island, which keeps the foot traffic low. But the real magic happens about 100 meters offshore.
The water clarity here is exceptional compared to the mainland. The captains often cut the engines and drift here because a resident pod of dolphins calls this reef home. Nothing beats breakfast on the foredeck watching them play in the wake.
2. Koh Racha Noi
Most tourists stop at Racha Yai. It’s nice, but it’s busy. The experienced local skippers prefer to push the throttles a bit further south to Racha Noi. It’s uninhabited, rugged, and wild. The two islands are separated by a deep channel known for great fishing.
The visibility underwater here can hit 30 meters. It feels like anchoring in a swimming pool. If you want to feel like you’re the only person on earth, this is the spot.
3. Koh Kudu Yai
Heading North into Phang Nga Bay now. This place doesn’t look like much from the outside, just another limestone rock. But once your captain threads the narrow gap, you enter a hidden lagoon.
It’s calm, silent, and surrounded by towering cliffs. The crew kills the generator here and you just listen to the hornbills in the trees. It’s a prehistoric feeling.
4. Koh Rang Yai
Ironically, this is one of the closest islands to the marina, but people overlook it as they rush to Phi Phi. Big mistake. On the western side, there’s a pearl farm and a long, curving white sand spit.
Many charters end the day here. The angle for the sunset is perfect. Open a cold Singha while the crew grills some prawns on the BBQ, and watch the sun dip below the hills of Phuket in the distance.
5. Laem Haad (The Sandbar)
You might have seen this on Instagram, but timing is everything. At low tide, a dragon-spine of white sand emerges from the ocean. Come at the wrong time, and it’s underwater.
Since a private charter sets its own schedule, your captain can get you there right when the tide turns, before the longtail boats from the hotels arrive. It’s just you and the sandbar.
Want to see these islands with your own eyes?
The ocean is waiting. Pick your favorite boat and we’ll arrange your charter with a licensed local operator.
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