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Anyone that has been to Thailand before will surely rave about the natural beauty of the surrounding islands that are situated within the Andaman Sea. What could be better than discovering the tropical lush green landscapes of Maya Bay, the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea and relaxing on the white sand beach of the Khai Islands? Riding in a speed boat to get there, that’s how!
Get ready to enjoy a fun-filled day of adrenaline while admiring the beauty that Thailand is famous for. With so many island tour options to choose from, you definitely won’t have trouble finding a tour, or price to suit your budget. Don’t forget your camera, or lose it over the edge of the boat, so hold on tight and get ready for some high speed, island hopping adventure!
Read more: A guide to Phuket, Thailand – What to see and do around the Pearl of the Andaman Sea
Maya Bay
After approximately an hour on the boat, you are greeted with the stunning views of the beautiful islands that rise out of the sea like massive green fortresses. Maya Bay is probably most famous for the 2000 movie, The Beach, starring Leonardo di Caprio, which has caused an extensive surge in tourism over the last decade. The speed boat tours usually arrive fairly early, but there are still quite a few other boats that arrive early as well. Beautiful it is, but secluded it is not.
Loh Samah Bay/Pileh Cove
Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Cove are a photographers dream. The cliffs cascade out of the turquoise water as you make your way into one of Thailand’s most narrow coves of crystal clear waters. Unlike the busier Maya Bay, Loh Samah and Pileh Cove are quiet and tranquil. The bay and cove are also known for colourful fish swimming below the water’s surface and their unique biodiversity. These are two perfect spots for diving fanatics, or snorkeling enthusiasts.
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Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is appropriately named after its macaques. Watch them scamper in the sand and trees, but be cautious while observing the wild monkeys in their natural habitat because they WILL bite you if you aggravate them. The macaques have a very interesting social structure and hierarchy. If a macaque of a lower level in the social chain has eaten food and there is nothing left for the higher level macaque, then the one higher in status can and will, remove the food from the other monkey’s mouth. Isn’t that crazy? Imagine if your dad just stole the chips out of your mouth because you finished the bag? LOL
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Buffet Lunch At Phi Phi Don
After all the island hopping and sun exposure, you’ll probably be tired and hungry. The speed boat whisks you across the Andaman Sea to Phi Phi Don for an amazing buffet lunch, island style, of course. The lunch is set up in a massive outdoor seating area, which is covered to give your skin and eyes some rest from the sunshine. After lunch, you can explore the island by foot while you wait for your guide to call you back on the boat, or step into one of the many gift shops that are set up around the beach and purchase some souvenirs of your visit.
Khai Islands
The Khai Islands are located about 10 kms east of Phuket. It consists of three small islands and is the perfect stop to relax before heading back to Phuket. Khai Nok Island has a beautiful white beach with crystal clear turquoise water. This is the island that you’ll more than likely stop at to relax for approximately an hour. You are free to roam around the beach and admire the views of the turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. Once the hour passes, your guide will call you to board the boat and you’ll make your way back to Phuket, where your amazing tour will end.
Have any of you had the chance to visit any of these islands? If so, which one was your favourite and what other islands have you visited? Let me know in the comments below! xo
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I used Sea Angel Cruises for the speed boat tour from Phuket, but booked directly from their street vendor while staying in Patong Beach. You can visit Viator for more island tour options.
Phuket looks so amazing, can’t wait to visit!
The surrounding islands are really beautiful! You’ll love it!
I really appreciate your post and you explain each and every point very well.Thanks for sharing this information.And I’ll love to read your next post too.
Aww thank you so much for stopping by to read my blog and for the kind words!! 🙂 I really appreciate it!