The islands are the reason many people come to Thailand, and the good news is you do not need to stay on one to enjoy them — the best are all reachable as day tours from the main coastal bases. From the sheer cliffs of Phang Nga Bay to the snorkelling bays of Phi Phi and the calm beaches near Pattaya, there is an island day to suit every kind of traveller, swimmer or not.
Boats range from fast speedboats to slower longtails and larger cruise vessels, and that choice matters as much as the destination — a speedboat crossing can be exhilarating or uncomfortable depending on who is travelling. Below are the island tours worth building a day around, with honest notes on what each involves so you can pick the right one for your group.
Phuket: Phi Phi and James Bond Island
From Phuket, the two unmissable trips are Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island. Phi Phi is the famous one — Maya Bay, turquoise water and snorkelling stops, reached by a fast speedboat day that runs roughly 8am to 4pm. James Bond Island, in Phang Nga Bay, is the calmer choice, usually on a slower boat past the towering limestone karsts made famous by the film, often with sea-kayaking among the caves. If the crossing worries you, choose James Bond Island over Phi Phi.
Pattaya: Coral Island
On the Gulf side, Coral Island (Koh Larn) is the easy, family-friendly island day — a short speedboat hop from Pattaya to calm beaches with optional water sports like parasailing and a sea walk, plus lunch on the island. The crossing is brief, the water is gentle, and you can do as much or as little in the water as you like, which makes it the most accessible island trip for families and first-timers.
If you would rather a quieter stretch of sand, Phuket's Banana Beach is a lovely low-key alternative to the big island tours — a pretty bay that is more about relaxing than racing between snorkel stops.
Krabi: Cruising the Andaman
Krabi is one of the best bases for island-hopping, with its Four Islands tour and easy access to Phi Phi. For a more comfortable, planned day on a larger boat with meals included, a Krabi sea cruise takes the stress out of the logistics and suits families and older travellers. Krabi and Phuket share the same coastline, so many travellers split their island days between the two — see how the southern bases compare in our Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi guide.
Choosing and Booking Your Island Day
Match the boat to your group: speedboats for thrill and speed, longtails and cruise boats for a gentler day. One island tour per beach destination is usually enough, since each is a full day on the water. Weather can affect the open-sea trips, so build a spare day into a beach stay if a particular island is a must-see. When you are planning, we can book the right boat and include transfers — just tell us who is travelling and we will recommend the trip that fits, or fold it into a Phuket package.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best island tour in Thailand?
Phi Phi Island from Phuket is the most famous and scenic, but James Bond Island is the calmer alternative and Coral Island from Pattaya is the easiest for families. The best one depends on where you are based and how comfortable your group is with a fast boat.
Do island tours suit non-swimmers?
Yes — you can enjoy the beaches, viewpoints and boat ride without swimming, and life jackets are provided. Choose a slower longtail or cruise boat over a speedboat for a gentler crossing, and let the operator know about any pregnant travellers or anyone with back or heart concerns.
Are national-park fees included on island tours?
On most organised speedboat and cruise tours to places like Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay, the national-park entry fee is included in the price — but it is worth confirming when you book, as some budget operators add it on the day. Our packaged tours state clearly what is covered.