Hey, how’s it going? Looks like you’re planning a trip to Phuket in Thailand, lucky you! You’re probably wondering what you can do while you’re here, right? Well, not to worry, there’s loads for you to do, maybe there’s a bit too much choice if anything. To help you out, I’ve sorted a list of the top 10 best small group day trips in Phuket, done some of the leg work to save you the trouble.
It’s a pretty varied list too, from snorkelling in the amazing Andaman sea to looking at some of the history and culture of this wonderful island, there’s something for everyone here. Let’s check out some of the incredible things you can get up to on your adventure here in Phuket, but don’t forget to wear a hat and sunscreen.
Now, I’ll level with you. One of my bugbears about organised trips is how crowded they can be, the last thing you want on a special day out is to be squashed in like sardines. For that reason I’ve chosen trips that do their best to avoid the crowds and don’t cram as many people in as they can. You’ve come all this way to paradise, you want some space to enjoy it, tell me I’m wrong! So let’s have a look at what I’ve found for you.
Phang Nga Bay is pretty spectacular, you’ve probably already seen pictures of it but I can assure you, they don’t do it justice. If you’ve come all this way, you’ve got to go and see it, simple as that! Huge karst islands topped with tropical greenery strewn through the vast Phang Nga bay, it really doesn’t look real, like something out of a film, in fact it’s featured in quite a few from Star Wars to James Bond.
Now, there are many, many boats you could take out to see it, but Phuket Sail Tours limit passenger numbers way below the max the boat can take and they avoid the routes, times or places that most of the boats take, it’s a big place so there’s no need to crowded with other boats. I can assure you, a trip around Phang Nga Bay is not to be missed.
Now you’ve probably heard about Phi Phi island, it’s pretty well known, well you’ll be pleased to know you can easily take a day trip there from Phuket and get to see the incredible Maya Bay, made famous by the film, ‘The Beach’, plus everything else that Phi Phi has to offer, the snorkelling at Phi Phi is world class, such clear water and an amazing amount of fish and coral to see.
There are loads of boat trips to Phi Phi from Phuket, some are on big, slow boats that take over two hours to get there, and most take as many people as they can. Phuket Sail Tours keep their numbers down so you’re not packed in like sardines, and go nice and early to beat the crowds, they’re one step ahead of everyone all day! A trip to Phi Phi while you’re here in Phuket is a must.
Book your small group Phi Phi day trip: https://phuketsailtours.com/tour/phi-phi-islands-snorkeling-sightseeing-by-speedboat/
Now lots of tours take in James Bond island on a tour of Phang Nga Bay, whizzing past almost too fast to take any pictures, but if you want a more relaxing day and you have the time, take a couple of separate trips.
A canoe trip to Phang Nga Bay is a brilliant way to spend the day getting a whole new perspective on it. And a day trip can include James Bond Island, Koh Panyi, the fantastic village built on stilts, and the sea caves leading to hidden lagoons (hong). Phuket Sail Tours will make sure you and your group have the best day, steering clear of the crowds and with plenty of space on the boat.
For bookings please visit: https://phuketsailtours.com/tour/explore-phang-nga-bay-by-speedboat/
Coral Island is a brilliant place to spend a nice relaxing day, it’s a short trip out from Phuket and you can pick up a longtail boat from Rawai beach for an authentic Thai experience. Great snorkelling, lovely beaches and, if you’re lucky, the friendly hornbills will pay a visit to the trees on the beach.
The Racha Islands can be reached by speedboat from the south of Phuket, or you can take a longtail but it’s quite a long way. The snorkelling is amazing and if you dive, there are some brilliant dive spots. Both Coral Island and the Racha Islands are less crowded if you go earlier in the day.
The Similan Islands are pretty amazing. Stunning beaches and the snorkelling and diving are something else, there’s some world class diving spots. People travel here from all over the world to see what’s below the surface of the water.
Above the water, the islands have beautiful beaches, your classic paradise island. The best times to come to beat the crowds are November or February/March, they’re also closed some of the year during the rainy season because of high seas and to let the wildlife recover a bit.
Koh Hong, Koh Yao and Koh Khai are some of my favourites. Koh Hong is easily as spectacular as Maya Bay but no one’s made a film there so it’s a lot less crowded which is great. Hong means room in Thai and when you get there, you’ll see why.
Two towering Karst cliffs make a doorway to a hidden lagoon, it’s a great place for some canoeing , the lagoon is really sheltered and the water’s so clear. Koh Kai is a picture postcard of a tropical island, tiny, and there’s not much to do other than swim, sunbathe and chill, but then that’s what you came for, right? Phuket Sail Tours keep their boats less crowded and know where to go and when to avoid all the other tours, a canny old seadog’s trick.
Now, I’m not one for big cities, but even I have to say that Phuket Town is pretty special. The Old Town district is full of quirky little back streets, street art and some great places to eat and drink.
The old Sino/Portuguese buildings have been painted and preserved so it’s like stepping back in time. At the weekend there’s a walking street market and the food is great, plus some good quality crafts and wares for you to take back home. A tour will take you to all the best places to see, including some temples and museums. Don’t forget your camera though, it’s a day out you’ll want to remember.
The elephant is the Thai national animal and highly regarded and revered but there are still some places that chain their animals here. We are blessed in Phuket to have a couple of really great elephant sanctuaries where the animals are very well cared for and allowed to roam freely. You can help them out by making sure you only visit the places that care for these magnificent animals properly. Elephant trekking is so over, make sure you ask your hotel or travel agent for the sanctuaries that don’t offer rides!
Simon Cabaret is a blast! It’s one of the longest running shows in Phuket and there’s a reason for that. The outfits are amazing and the ‘girls’ are head turners there’s no doubt about that, ladyboys they may be but they’re stunning, there’s no denying it.
One thing they do say, though, is you can’t take photos of the show, which is fair enough. There’s time for pictures after the show though, as the ‘girls’ will happily stick around for a photo session, but remember you have to pay to take photos. A great night out is guaranteed.
Buy tickets for Simon Cabaret: https://www.simoncabaretphuket.com/
The Junkyard Theatre is a great combination of an old school dinner cabaret with a quirky twist of modern tastes and ingenious recycling. They make all the sets themselves and, as you’ll see as you walk through the place, it’s definitely eclectic. The food’s pretty fine too, traditional Thai flavours given the same eclectic treatment. These guys have so much energy, you’ll definitely have a good time.
For Bookings Visit: https://junkyardtheatre.com/
And there you have it, the top 10 small group day trips in Phuket! If you’re looking for an intimate and personalised way to explore the island, then be sure to check out our island boat tours. Our customers have raved about the beautiful sights and unique experiences they’ve had on our tours, and we’re confident that you’ll have an amazing time as well. So don’t wait, book your trip with us today and start making memories that will last a lifetime!
– Captain Mark
Of Phuket Sail Tours
Phuket Sail Tours has been running boat trips since 2004. We specialise in Family Friendly and uncrowded island boat trips to Phi Phi, James Bond, Phang Nga Bay and Krabi.
Hi!
My husband and I will be visiting Phuket in February 2023 on a cruise ship. Do you offer any tours to Phang Nga that would be able to accommodate cruise ship times? Thank you!
Hi Diane,
Amazing I think you guys are already here. Do let us know your dates and we can find something that matches your itinerary.