Day 6: Cruise the islands
A visit to Phuket is not complete till you’ve explored its surrounding waters aboard a boat. To the east is Phang Nga Bay and some truly spectacular islands. Splash out and charter a yacht or hire a more budget-friendly longtail boat, or join a sea kayak trip and paddle into the karst ‘hong’ caves. From Bang Rong pier catch a speedboat to Ko Yao Noi or Ko Yao Yai, while from Ao Por pier find a longtail boatman to take you to Ko Naka Yai.
To the south, hire a speedboat or longtail from Chalong or Rawai out to Ko Raya (Racha) or Coral island, popular spots for snorkelling. Though Ko Phi Phi and the Similan islands are best visited on overnight trips, you could arrange a day dive or snorkelling trip to these islands from Phuket. (The Similans are closed from mid-May through mid-October.)