The Khai Islands are Phuket’s best-kept secret: three small, uninhabited islands – Khai Nok, Khai Nui and Khai Nai (Cat Island) – just 15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier. Crystal-clear water, healthy coral reefs, a picture-perfect white sand beach and friendly island cats. The perfect half-day tour for families, couples and anyone who wants to experience Phuket’s Andaman Sea without long boat rides. Tour Information Phuket offers the original Khai Islands tour operated by an experienced local Phuket provider.
The Khai Islands Tour from Phuket is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience the best of the Andaman Sea in a short, uncomplicated day trip. Three islands, three completely different experiences, unbeatable value for money.
Compared to more distant destinations like Racha Island, Koh Rok or the famous Phi Phi Islands, the Khai Islands are the shortest and most affordable island tour from Phuket. You’re there in 15 minutes, spend 4-5 hours on the islands and are back in the early afternoon – the rest of the day is yours.
The Khai Islands (Thai: หมู่เกาะไข่, literally “Egg Islands”) are a group of three small, uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea, about 10-15 minutes by speedboat east of Phuket – between Chalong Bay and Cape Panwa. They owe their name to their oval shape, which from above resembles eggs.
Despite their proximity to Phuket, the Khai Islands are beautifully undeveloped: no resorts, no permanent vendors, hardly any souvenir stands. The islands offer what many tourists look for in Phuket and often don’t find: nature, peace and crystal-clear water – without the mass tourism of Coral Island or Phi Phi.
The geographical location is the biggest advantage of the Khai Islands over other island tours: the short crossing means you get there safely even in light swell – and the tours operate year-round, even when more distant destinations like Racha Island or the Similan Islands have to be cancelled.
What makes the Khai Islands Tour special is the variety in a small space: three islands, three completely different experiences, all within 15 minutes by boat of each other. Here’s what makes each island unique:
Khai Nok is the largest of the three islands and the snorkeling highlight of the tour. The coral reef starts just 2-3 meters from the beach and extends to 8-10 meters depth – a natural underwater garden of brain corals, staghorn corals, soft corals and anemones.
The fish life is exceptional: schools of yellowtail snappers, barracudas, parrotfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish and occasionally sea turtles (green turtles) or even bamboo sharks. After snorkeling, enjoy a Thai lunch right on the beach.
Ideal for: Snorkelers, underwater photographers, families with older children, anyone looking for the best marine experience.
Khai Nui is the smallest of the three islands – and for many visitors the most beautiful. A narrow strip of powdery white sand stretches along the east coast, framed by tropical vegetation and turquoise water so clear you can see the sandy bottom 15 meters out.
No sun loungers for hire, no vendors, no music – just nature, the sound of waves and maybe a few other tour groups. Most visitors simply sit on the sand, swim a little, take photos and enjoy the peace. Kayaks and SUP boards are sometimes available right on the beach for about 300 THB/hour.
Ideal for: Couples, photographers, anyone who wants to escape the crowds and just relax on a beautiful beach.
Khai Nai – also called “Cat Island” – is the first stop of every tour and the perfect warm-up: the water is shallow, calm and crystal-clear – waist-deep for most of the shoreline – ideal for swimming, wading and your first snorkeling experience of the day.
The sandy bottom means you can comfortably walk into the water even without fins, and the reef starts just a few meters from the beach. Colorful reef fish – parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish – are abundant here. On lucky days, sea turtles glide past just offshore. But the true highlight are the friendly island cats that have been fed by tour guides for years and are very tame.
Ideal for: Families with young children, snorkeling beginners, non-swimmers, cat lovers.
After over 20 years on the Andaman Sea, we have visited the Khai Islands countless times – as insiders, we want to share our honest experiences with you.
Many guests compare the Khai Islands with Coral Island or Racha Island only by size – and choose the supposedly “larger” islands. Anyone who has been to the Khai Islands knows: It’s not about size, it’s about quality. The coral reefs at Khai Nok are healthier than most reef areas of Coral Island, the beach at Khai Nui is whiter than many “famous” beaches in the region, and the cats on Khai Nai are an experience you won’t find on any other tour.
When you book the Khai Islands Tour, always choose the morning tour (pickup 07:30-08:15). Three reasons: (1) The light in the morning is perfect for snorkeling and photography. (2) The islands are significantly less crowded in the morning than in the afternoon when day tours from Phuket arrive. (3) You’re back in the early afternoon and have the rest of the day free – perfect for a Coral Island sunset catamaran tour in the evening or simply a relaxing beach day in Phuket.
After hundreds of bookings, we have observed the following pattern:
The cats on Khai Nai are a real highlight – but they’re not just cute, they’re also an indicator of the ecological health of the island. For years the friendly cats have been fed by tour guides and island visitors, which means the islands are regularly visited and cared for. This is a good sign for sustainable tourism.
In addition, many guests underestimate the snorkeling quality at Khai Nok. The coral reefs here are healthier than most of the other nearby islands because the Khai Islands are not exposed to the mass tourism of Coral Island. Look out for anemone gardens in 5-7 meters depth – they are home to clownfish and offer excellent photo opportunities.
On the Khai Islands there is constantly a light sea breeze – even on hot days. Pack a thin windbreaker or a long-sleeve shirt, especially for the return crossing in the late afternoon. The boats have enough windbreakers on board, but your own layer is more comfortable.
Three islands, three completely different experiences. Here is our honest comparison from 20+ years of experience to help you make the right choice:
| Criterion | Khai Islands | Coral Island | Racha Island |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Local Phuket provider | Local Phuket provider | Local Phuket provider |
| Boat | Speedboat (15 min.) | Speedboat (15-20 min.) | Speedboat (25-45 min.) |
| Duration | approx. 6-7 hours | approx. 6.5-8 hours | approx. 7-8 hours |
| Islands | 3 (Nok, Nui, Nai) | 1 (Kahung Beach) | 2 (Racha Yai, Racha Noi) |
| Snorkeling | ★★★☆☆ Good (Khai Nok) | ★★★☆☆ Good (Kahung Reef) | ★★★★★ Excellent (Patok Bay) |
| Water sports | Limited (Kayak, SUP, Banana Boat) | Maximum (Parasailing, Sea Walking, Jet Ski) | Limited (Snorkeling, Diving) |
| Price from | 2,199 THB | 1,500-2,199 THB | 2,350 THB |
| Ideal for | Families, peace-seekers, cat lovers | Adrenaline fans, action lovers | Snorkel pros, divers |
| Crowds | Low to medium | High (esp. weekends) | Medium |
| Season | Year-round | Year-round | Year-round (Nov-Apr optimal) |
Our honest verdict: If you’re looking for peace, a beautiful white sand beach and the famous Cat Island, book the Khai Islands. If you want action and all water sports, book Coral Island. If snorkeling quality is your top priority, book Racha Island. Many of our guests combine two tours: Khai Islands for the quiet beach day + Racha Island for the snorkeling highlight – they complement each other perfectly.
The Khai Islands (Thai: หมู่เกาะไข่, also called “Egg Islands”) are a group of three small, uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea, about 15 minutes by speedboat east of Phuket. They are located between Chalong Bay and Cape Panwa and consist of Khai Nok, Khai Nui and Khai Nai (Cat Island).
The tour takes about 6-7 hours in total including hotel transfer. The speedboat crossing to the islands is only 15-20 minutes. You spend about 4-5 hours on the three islands with snorkeling, swimming and lunch. Back at your hotel by 15:00-15:30 (Patong/Kata) or 16:00 (Phuket Town).
Khai Nok – the largest island with the best snorkeling reef and coral gardens. Khai Nui – the smallest island with the whitest sand beach, perfect for relaxation. Khai Nai (Cat Island) – the famous “Cat Island” with friendly island cats, shallow water and beach restaurant.
Yes – the Khai Islands Tour is one of the most family-friendly island tours from Phuket. Khai Nai has calm, shallow water that is safe for children from 4 years. Snorkeling equipment is provided, no prior experience needed. Guides give a full safety briefing and stay with beginners in the water. Children under 3 typically travel free.
Included: hotel transfer (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Phuket Town), round-trip speedboat, licensed English-speaking guide, full snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), life jackets, soft drinks, water, snacks and national park fees. Not included: lunch (~200 THB extra), water sports (kayak 300 THB, banana boat 450 THB), tips, personal expenses.
November to April (dry season): calm sea, best visibility (10-15m), warm weather, ideal snorkeling. January to March offers the clearest water. May to October (monsoon): tours operate year-round thanks to the short 15-min crossing, but visibility drops to 5-8m and there may be short rain showers. The Khai Islands are one of the few tours that run year-round.
Khai Islands = quiet, beautiful beach, short trip, good snorkeling, budget-friendly. Coral Island = lively, many water sports (parasailing, sea walking), full-day tour. Racha Island = best snorkeling clarity, manta rays, multiple bays. Choose Khai for peace and beaches, Coral for action, Racha for underwater quality. All three complement each other well.
All Khai Islands tours depart from Chalong Pier at the southern tip of Phuket. Free hotel transfer is included – minibuses pick you up between 08:00 and 08:30 (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Phuket Town). The drive to the pier takes 15-40 minutes, the speedboat crossing to the first island only 15-20 minutes.
Yes, there are optional water sports activities that can be booked and paid on site: kayak rental (~300 THB/hour), stand-up paddleboard (~300 THB/hour), banana boat (~450-500 THB/person), snorkeling equipment upgrade (prescription mask from 200 THB), underwater photography/videos (~500 THB). The Khai Islands do NOT offer parasailing, jet ski or sea walking – those activities are only available on Coral Island.
Snorkeling visibility at the Khai Islands in the dry season (Nov-Apr) is 10-15 meters – comparable to Racha Island. Especially Khai Nok offers healthy brain coral reef, staghorn corals, anemones and rich fish life: parrotfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, barracudas and occasionally sea turtles. Khai Nui has smaller coral formations but excellent photo opportunities. Khai Nai is ideal for snorkeling beginners with shallow, calm water.
Compared to Coral Island or Phi Phi, the Khai Islands are significantly quieter and less crowded. The morning tours (pickup 07:30-08:15) are the quietest, afternoon tours (11:30-12:15) can be busier in high season. In the dry season (Nov-Apr) there are several daily departures, so the distribution is good. We recommend the early bird tour for maximum peace.
The Khai Islands are famous for friendly island cats on Khai Nai (“Cat Island”) that have been fed by tour guides for years and are very tame. While snorkeling at Khai Nok you can see sea turtles (green turtles), zebra shark tip rays, clownfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, barracudas and occasionally bamboo sharks. Various bird species and the famous cats live on the islands themselves.
✅ Hotel transfer included (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Phuket Town) · ✅ Snorkeling equipment included · ✅ Soft drinks & snacks included · ✅ National park fees included · 📅 Available year-round (best Nov–Apr)
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