Coral Island (Koh Hae) is Phuket’s fastest and most accessible tropical island escape: Located just 9 kilometres or a 15-to-20-minute speedboat ride from Chalong Pier, it delivers powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life beginning in knee-deep water.
As licensed Phuket tour guides from tourinformation-phuket.com, we don’t sugarcoat the facts: We dismantle the widespread myths about Kahung Beach and Banana Beach, verify exact 2026/2027 season pricing, and share authentic insights from our own February 2025 sailing catamaran field test to Coral + Raya Island.
Daily departures to Koh Hae (Kahung Beach) operate 7 days a week from Chalong Pier via master concessionaire Nikorn Marine. Banana Beach operates under separate management. Crucial Notice: The former Coral Island Resort is currently dormant for overnight guests – plan Coral Island strictly as a day excursion.
Unlike distant offshore destinations such as the Phi Phi Islands or the Similan Islands, which involve long journeys across open, choppy seas, Koh Hae rests protected in the lee of Phuket’s southeastern coast. This strategic geographic position makes it accessible and safe year-round, even during the monsoon months (May to October).
| Geographic Name | Coral Island / Koh Hae (เกาะเฮ), also frequently spelled Koh Hey |
|---|---|
| Location & Distance | 9 km southeast of Phuket mainland (off Chalong and Rawai) |
| Travel Time from Phuket | 15–20 mins by speedboat | ~40 mins by catamaran | ~30 mins by longtail boat |
| Main Beaches | Long Beach (800 m, branded as Kahung Beach) & Banana Beach (250 m, east) |
| Main Departure Points | Chalong Pier (Speedboats & Catamarans) or Rawai Beach (private Longtails) |
| Primary Beach Operator | Nikorn Marine (operators of Kahung Beach facilities, restaurants & water sports) |
| Wildlife Highlight | Wild Great Hornbills (Buceros bicornis, Southern Thai: Nok Kahung) |
| Overnight Status | 99.5% day-trip destination. The former Coral Island Resort is currently inactive. |
Locally known in Thai as Chai Hat Yao (ชายหาดยาว) or simply Hat Yao (Long Beach), this 800-meter crescent of coral sand serves as the main activity base on Koh Hae. Most tours operated by Nikorn Marine dock at the central floating pontoon.
Banana Beach is much smaller (around 250 meters). Managed by a separate hospitality group, it features distinctive bamboo architecture designed in the curved silhouette of hornbill wings.
Is Banana Beach quieter than Long Beach? That is only half true! Because the bay is so narrow, the arrival of just four or five tour speedboats causes the beach to feel crowded very quickly. Long Beach, stretching 800 meters, disperses visitors much better. If you seek peaceful natural shade, the western end of Long Beach is far quieter than Banana Beach during peak hours.
A 15-minute jungle footpath across a forested headland connects Kahung Beach and Banana Beach. Guide advice: Wear strapped sandals or trainers; never attempt this root-covered path in wet flip-flops.
Correction of the phantom „Tabien Beach“: Outdated websites frequently invent a fictional sandy shore called „Tabien Beach“ on the southern side. In reality, the south coast is known as Ao Hin Dam (Black Rock Bay). It has no sandy lounging beach—only rugged cliffs. However, captains often anchor there for offshore boat snorkeling because the underwater boulders harbor rich marine life.
While hornbills are generally referred to in Central Thai as Nok Nguak (นกเงือก), the iconic Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is known in Southern Thai dialect as Nok Kahung (นกกาฮัง) or Nok Kok (นกกก). This name is onomatopoeic: as these birds fly through the jungle valley with wingspans reaching 1.5 meters, their heavy wingbeats produce a deep, resonant „ka-hung, ka-hung“ cadence.
Because Koh Hae sustains a thriving, protected wild population of these birds, Nikorn Marine named its beachfront complex Kahung Beach. In the late afternoon, once boat traffic subsides, you can frequently watch them feeding in the wild fig trees right behind the restaurant terrace.
For a different boat option, read our trip report on the Coral Island catamaran tour with a stop at Patok Bay.
You don’t need to ride offshore dinghies to see marine life; Koh Hae’s fringing reef begins just steps from the sand. Beyond snorkeling, Kahung Beach provides a fully equipped marine activity center:
While standard speedboat trips can be bumpy and noisy, our team inspected the sailing catamaran route from Chalong Pier in February 2025. The unanimous verdict: For families with children, couples, and travelers wanting comfort, it is unmatched.
At tourinformation-phuket.com, we only partner with vetted marine operators providing strict safety gear, certified guides, and full passenger insurance. Compare current 2026/2027 season rates:
| Tour Program | Vessel Type | Duration | Inclusions & Highlights | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral Island Half-Day | Speedboat | ~4 h 45 min | Hotel transfers, mask & snorkel, life jacket, drinking water, Kahung Beach time | ฿1,990 |
| Coral Island Full-Day | Speedboat | ~6 h 30 min | Hotel transfers, hot buffet lunch at Kahung Restaurant, snorkeling, island leisure | ฿2,199 |
| Coral & Racha Speedboat | Speedboat | ~8 h 00 min | 2 Islands: Action on Coral + Maldives-clarity on Raya, buffet lunch, 2 snorkel stops | ฿2,350 |
| Coral & Sunset Promthep | Sailing Catamaran | ~6 h 00 min | Sailing cruise, Kahung Beach landing, SUP boards, snorkeling, Promthep Cape sunset | ฿2,890 |
| Coral & Raya Catamaran ★ Our 2025 Favorite |
Luxury Catamaran | ~8 h 30 min | Kahung Beach + Racha Yai, reef snorkeling, lunch, SUP boards, sunset sailing | ฿3,300 |
Travelers often debate between Phuket’s two southern island neighbors. Here is an honest appraisal of how they compare:
| Feature | Coral Island (Koh Hae) | Racha Island (Koh Racha Yai) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time from Chalong | 15–20 minutes (ideal for kids & non-swimmers) | 35–45 minutes (moderate distance) |
| Water Visibility | 5 to 12 meters (very good for casual reef fish) | 15 to 30 meters (crystal-clear sapphire water) |
| Water Sports Range | Massive: Sea Walking, Parasailing, Banana Boat, SUP | Focused strictly on snorkeling, scuba diving & swimming |
| Beach Atmosphere | 800m beach with natural almond tree shade on wings | Dramatic crescent bays (Patok Bay) with pure white talcum sand |
| Best Suited For | Families, short excursions, water sports enthusiasts | Avid snorkelers, certified divers, relaxed sunbathers |
Depending on your travel style, choose between two primary gateways:
For more details on private charters, consult our in-depth guide on hiring a private longtail boat in Phuket.
Yes. Coral Island (Koh Hae) is one of the most popular day trips from Phuket thanks to its short travel time, beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Visitors can snorkel, swim, relax on the beach or enjoy a variety of water sports, making it an excellent destination for families, couples and first-time visitors alike.
Coral Island, locally known as Koh Hae, lies approximately 9 kilometres south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. Most tours depart from Chalong Pier, and the speedboat journey takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
A typical Coral Island day trip lasts around 6 to 7 hours, including hotel transfers. Visitors usually spend four to five hours on the island, leaving plenty of time for snorkeling, swimming, lunch and optional water sports.
Yes. One of Coral Island’s biggest advantages is that snorkeling is possible directly from the beach. At several locations, coral reefs begin only a short distance from the shoreline, making the island suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
The reefs around Coral Island are home to colourful tropical fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, angelfish and many other reef species. Depending on weather and sea conditions, visitors may also encounter sea stars, sea cucumbers and other fascinating marine life.
Yes. Coral Island is considered one of the most family-friendly islands near Phuket. The short speedboat transfer, calm swimming areas and shallow water make it a popular choice for families with children. Life jackets are provided during organised tours, and several activities are suitable for older children.
Absolutely. Many visitors simply relax on the beach, enjoy the scenery or take part in activities without entering deep water. Life jackets are available for snorkeling, and optional experiences such as Sea Walking can be enjoyed under the supervision of trained instructors.
Most organised tours include round-trip hotel transfers, speedboat transportation, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a professional guide, a buffet lunch and accident insurance. Optional activities such as Sea Walking, parasailing and banana boat rides are usually available for an additional charge.
Both beaches offer different experiences. Kahung Beach is ideal for visitors looking for restaurants, comfortable facilities and water sports, while Tabien Beach is quieter and better suited for snorkeling and those seeking a more peaceful atmosphere. Since the two beaches are connected by a walking trail, many visitors explore both during the same trip.
The best time to visit is during Phuket’s dry season from November to April, when calm seas and sunny weather provide ideal conditions for snorkeling and beach activities. Morning departures are recommended throughout the year, as the sea is usually calmer and the island is less crowded.
Most visitors explore Coral Island as a day trip from Phuket. While the island has limited accommodation, the vast majority of travellers return to Phuket in the afternoon after spending the day on the beach.
Yes. Kahung Beach offers a beachfront restaurant serving Thai and international dishes, along with restrooms, showers, changing facilities and shaded seating areas. Small shops also sell drinks, snacks and beach essentials.
It is recommended to bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, flip-flops or sandals, a waterproof phone case and some cash for optional activities or personal purchases. A change of clothes can also be useful for the return journey.
Yes. Sea Walking is operated by experienced instructors and includes a comprehensive safety briefing before entering the water. Participants wear specially designed helmets that continuously supply fresh air, allowing them to explore the seabed without scuba diving equipment or previous diving experience.
Prices vary depending on the tour operator, season and the activities included. Standard speedboat tours are generally affordable, while optional experiences such as Sea Walking, parasailing and underwater photography are available at an additional cost. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during Phuket’s high season.
Pair your island getaway with Phuket’s most iconic cultural and maritime attractions: