One-day trip outside Phuket: what to see

29 September 2025

Phuket is not only about beaches and viewing platforms on the island itself. Many tourists strive to get beyond its borders in a single day to discover new experiences. The nearby islands, bays, and mainland Thailand offer many destinations that are quite feasible to visit on a day trip. The most convenient way to get everywhere is to rent a car: this way, you don’t have to depend on transfer schedules and you’ll be sure to arrive at the right place at the right time.

Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay is one of the most picturesque places in southern Thailand. Its hallmark is limestone cliffs rising straight out of the water. In the center of the bay is James Bond Island (Ko Tapu), which became famous after the filming of The Man with the Golden Gun.

Tours usually include a boat ride among the rocks, a stop at Ko Tapu, and a visit to the floating village of Ko Panyi, where residents build their homes directly on stilts. Another unique feature of the bay is that it is protected from strong waves, so the trip will be comfortable even during the rainy season.

How to get there: By car, the road to the piers of Phang Nga Province takes about 1-1.5 hours. From there, you can take a boat or join a tour.
Tip: It is best to rent a car to arrive at the start of the tours and not depend on group transfers.

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi archipelago is a paradise known for its white beaches and azure waters. The central point of the route is Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le Island, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed. After being closed for several years, the bay has reopened, but the number of tourists is limited to preserve the natural environment.

In one day, you can swim in the crystal clear water, sunbathe, and see iconic locations. A trip to Phi Phi is ideal for those who want to experience the atmosphere of a tropical paradise.

How to get there: about 2 hours by speedboat. Departures are from the piers of Phuket.
Important: tours are weather dependent. Trips are canceled in stormy weather.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are among the most beautiful places in Thailand. This archipelago consists of nine islands known for their crystal clear waters and rich underwater world. People come here for snorkeling and diving—the local coral reefs are astonishingly diverse.

The trip takes a whole day: the transfer north to the pier takes about 2 hours, then another hour and a half by boat. But it’s worth the effort: the snow-white beaches and turquoise lagoons of the Similan Islands are unforgettable.

Season: open to visitors only from October 15 to May 15.
Tip: it is best to leave early in the morning by car to catch the boat.

Nearby tropical islands

Coral Island (Ko Hey)

The island is only a 15-minute boat ride from Chalong Pier. It has beautiful coral reefs, clear water, and active entertainment: banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling. The island is crowded during the day, so it’s best to arrive in the morning.

How to get there: by car to Chalong or Rawai (~30 minutes), then by boat.

Raya Island

An archipelago consisting of two islands, Raya Yai and Raya Noi. They are famous for their white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling conditions. Patok and Siam beaches are popular on Raya Yai. Many people come here just for the day to swim and dive.

How to get there: about 40 minutes by boat from Chalong.

Maiton Island

A private island known for its seclusion. There is only one restaurant here and almost no tourists. Sometimes you can see dolphins on the way. An excellent place for those who appreciate peace and quiet and want to spend a day on a pristine beach.

How to get there: by boat from Phuket (usually from Chalong Pier).

Samet Nangsi Viewpoint

For those who are willing to get up early, Samet Nangsi is a great idea. The site is located on the mainland, about 1–1.5 hours’ drive from Phuket. Here you can watch the sunrise: a panorama of Phang Nga Bay with dozens of islands shrouded in morning mist opens up before your eyes. This is one of the best places for photographers.

After sunrise, you can drive to Mai Khao Beach to see planes taking off, or visit the Wat Suvankuha cave temple with its reclining Buddha and friendly monkeys.

How to get there: The most convenient way is by car. From the parking lot, you will have to walk or take a shuttle.

Tips for organizing day trips

Plan your route in advance: Many tours depart early in the morning.
Consider the season: The Similan Islands are only accessible from October to May.
For trips outside the island, it is more convenient to rent a car — this way you can arrive at the pier on time and not overpay for transfers.
If you don’t want to depend on group tours, rent a boat yourself on site.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Phuket?

Approximate prices (per day):

Nissan March — from 300 to 500 baht
Toyota Yaris Ativ — from 450 to 800 baht
MG5 Sedan — from 600 to 1200 baht

The cost depends on the season and the rental period: the longer the period, the cheaper it will be per day.

Why renting a car from Holy Cow Phuket is the best choice

Holy Cow offers convenient service with no hidden catches:

Direct contracts without collateral documents.
Car delivery to the airport or hotel.
A wide selection of cars: from compact models to 7-seaters.
The entire fleet is serviced and insured, with unlimited mileage.
Free child seats, roadside assistance, and support in Russian.

If you want to make the most of your day, renting a car from Holy Cow will allow you to be independent of schedules and visit all the places you have planned.

FAQ

Is it possible to visit several destinations in one day?
Yes, if you plan your route wisely and rent a car, you can combine, for example, Samet Nangshe and Phang Nga Bay.
Which destination is best for families with children?
Coral Island or Racha are better options — the sea is calm and there are activities available.
Is it worth going to the Similan Islands with kids?
If your child handles long trips and sea swells well — yes, but it’s a tiring route.
What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
Trips to Phi Phi and the Similan Islands are canceled; you can switch to Samet Nangshe or Phang Nga Bay instead.
Do you need an international driver’s license to rent a car?
Yes, officially Thailand requires an International Driving Permit.
What budget should you plan for trips outside Phuket?
From 1,000–1,500 baht per person for a group tour, more if you rent a boat or want an exclusive route.