





Phuket: Koh Hey (Coral Island)
Operating Hours:Monday - Sunday: 08:00 - 17:00
The Vibe:Turquoise waters and barefoot bliss 🌴
Just a short speedboat ride from Phuket’s southern coast, this little island offers palm-shaded white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back tropical escape for all ages.
Soft waves lap on powdery sand as laughter and water sports buzz in the background. Tropical birds call from the trees while bright fish flicker in the clear shallows.
- Tripadvisor 2025: Banana Beach (on Coral Island) ranked #2 beach in the world 🏆
- Visitors praise its vibrant coral reefs and calm, shallow waters perfect for kids 🐠
- Featured in many Phuket travel guides as a must-do island day trip
Persona Fit
- 👨👩👧 Families: Shallow calm water and shaded spots make it easy with kids
- 💕 Couples: Secluded corners on Banana Beach and sunset views feel romantic
- 👵 Seniors: Short boat ride and plenty of beach chairs for relaxed visit
- 📸 Photographers: Crystal-blue water, white sand, and even friendly hornbills for unique shots
Highlights
- Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs just off the shore — an underwater rainbow of fish
- Parasail or ride a banana boat for burst of adrenaline and panoramic views
- Bask on Long Beach’s powdery white sand under natural shade from palm trees
- Enjoy fresh seafood lunch and tropical drink at beachside restaurant with ocean views
- Spot wild hornbill birds around quieter end of beach — Hidden Gem
2 Booking Options
Curated by AI, handpicked by local expert
Starts From
(Per Person)
Phuket Local Expert

Tom Vater
10+ years of experience
Table of Contents
- Speedboat departures from Chalong Pier (20 min ride) are fastest way to reach Coral Island
- Traditional long-tail boats are available from Rawai Beach (~45 min journey, more weather dependent)
- Most tours include hotel pickup, boat transfer, snorkel gear and lunch – convenient all-in-one option
- Independent visitors should bring cash (100–300฿) for island entry and beach chair fee collected on arrival
Food & Coffee Shops
Hornbill Restaurant: Buffet lunches and Thai seafood dishes right on Banana Beach (famous for its ocean view dining)
Coral Island Resort Restaurant: Casual beachfront spot on Long Beach serving Thai favorites, cold drinks, and fresh coconuts
Hornbill Restaurant: Buffet lunches and Thai seafood dishes right on Banana Beach (famous for its ocean view dining)
Coral Island Resort Restaurant: Casual beachfront spot on Long Beach serving Thai favorites, cold drinks, and fresh coconuts
Insider Tips
Best Time: Catch first boat around 09:00 to enjoy beaches before crowds (mornings are tranquil and not too hot)
Hack: Pack reef-safe water shoes – they’ll protect your feet from rocky coral bits and sea urchins during low tide exploring
Hidden Gem: Look up in treetops – great hornbill birds often hang around quieter edges of beach
Respect: Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching or stepping on coral; it keeps reef healthy for next generation of visitors
Best Time: Catch first boat around 09:00 to enjoy beaches before crowds (mornings are tranquil and not too hot)
Hack: Pack reef-safe water shoes – they’ll protect your feet from rocky coral bits and sea urchins during low tide exploring
Hidden Gem: Look up in treetops – great hornbill birds often hang around quieter edges of beach
Respect: Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching or stepping on coral; it keeps reef healthy for next generation of visitors
Photography Tips
No drone zone – Coral Island is in marine park, so assume drones are not allowed without special permission
Bring waterproof case or GoPro to capture coral and fish while snorkeling (water is that clear!)
Best light is early morning or late afternoon when sun is softer and beaches are less crowded
Snap panoramic shot from boat as you arrive or depart to get full island and turquoise bay in frame
No drone zone – Coral Island is in marine park, so assume drones are not allowed without special permission
Bring waterproof case or GoPro to capture coral and fish while snorkeling (water is that clear!)
Best light is early morning or late afternoon when sun is softer and beaches are less crowded
Snap panoramic shot from boat as you arrive or depart to get full island and turquoise bay in frame
Things To Do Nearby
Racha Island – larger nearby island known for even more pristine snorkeling and quiet beaches (often paired with Coral Island trips)
Promthep Cape – Phuket’s famous sunset viewpoint on mainland, very close to Rawai (great stop after day trip)
Rawai Seafood Market – at Rawai Beach, pick out fresh seafood and have it cooked on spot for local dining experience
Racha Island – larger nearby island known for even more pristine snorkeling and quiet beaches (often paired with Coral Island trips)
Promthep Cape – Phuket’s famous sunset viewpoint on mainland, very close to Rawai (great stop after day trip)
Rawai Seafood Market – at Rawai Beach, pick out fresh seafood and have it cooked on spot for local dining experience





