How to Choose a Phuket Day Trip

Choosing a Phuket day trip is easier once you know the three main kinds: boat trips to the islands, the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, and a day on land at a zipline park, an attraction or a show. The right one depends on what you want from the day, how long you are happy to spend on a boat, and the time of year.

Start with what you want from the day

Beaches and easy snorkelling close to Phuket: Racha & Maiton Islands or Phi Phi & Bamboo Island.
The famous views: Phi Phi, Maya Bay & Khai Island, or James Bond Island & Naka Island in Phang Nga Bay.
The clearest water and the best reefs: the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands or Koh Rok & Koh Haa. These are longer days and only run in season.
Calm water, caves and lagoons: Phang Nga Bay & Hong Island, or a sea canoe trip into the hongs.
A day on land: a zipline in the rainforest, an ATV ride near the Big Buddha, or an evening show.

Think about your time on the boat

Racha, Maiton and Phi Phi are the closest island groups, so you spend more of the day on the beach and less on the water. The Similan and Surin trips start early, with hotel pickup from about 06:00, and the boat ride out takes over an hour each way.

If you worry about seasickness, choose a larger boat: the Similan trip by catamaran is steadier than a speedboat when there is swell.

Check what is included in your Phuket day trip

Every tour page lists what the price covers: hotel pickup, lunch, snorkelling gear and drinks. It also tells you whether the national park fee is included or paid in cash at the pier, which differs from park to park, so check it before you travel.

Book with the season in mind

November to April brings the calmest sea. The Similan and Surin Islands open from mid-October to mid-May, and Koh Rok and Koh Haa from November to mid-May. Trips to Phi Phi, Racha and Phang Nga Bay run all year, weather permitting.

Still not sure? Have a look at all our tours or message us, and we will help you pick.