Coral Island (Koh Hae): Phuket's Closest Island
What Is Coral Island?
Coral Island, called Koh Hae in Thai, is a small island located just 3 kilometers off Phuket's southeastern coast near Chalong Bay. It is the closest island to Phuket, reachable in as little as 15 minutes by speedboat, making it one of the easiest and most convenient island day trips available. The island is about 2.5 kilometers long and features two main beaches: Long Beach (Haad Yao) on the western side and Banana Beach on the northern tip.
Coral Island is especially popular with families, couples, and anyone who wants a relaxed beach day without spending hours on a boat. The waters around the island are calm, shallow, and warm, making it a safe spot for swimming and beginner snorkeling.
How to Get to Coral Island
Getting to Coral Island from Phuket is straightforward:
From Chalong Pier
Most tours and transfers depart from Chalong Pier on Phuket's southeast coast. Speedboats take about 15 minutes, while longtail boats take 30 to 40 minutes. This is the most common departure point.
From Rawai Beach
Longtail boats can also be hired directly from Rawai Beach. This is a good option if you are staying in the Rawai or Nai Harn area and want to arrange your own transport independently.
Tour Packages
The easiest option is a Coral Island tour package that includes hotel pickup, boat transfer, lunch, and activities. These typically run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 or 4:00 PM.
What to Do on Coral Island
Swimming and Sunbathing
Long Beach is the main beach on Coral Island. It has a wide stretch of sand with beach chairs, umbrellas, and vendors selling drinks and snacks. The water is clear and calm, with a gentle slope that makes it ideal for swimming. This is a great beach to simply relax and enjoy the tropical setting.
Snorkeling
The coral reef just offshore from Long Beach offers decent snorkeling, though the reef has seen some degradation over the years due to heavy tourism. You can still spot a variety of reef fish, sea urchins, and small corals. The best snorkeling is at the southern end of Long Beach and around the rocks at either end of the beach. Banana Beach tends to have slightly better coral condition and fewer swimmers.
Water Sports
Coral Island is one of the best places near Phuket for water sports. Available activities typically include:
- Parasailing: 1,000 to 1,500 THB per person for a 10-minute flight
- Banana boat rides: 500 to 800 THB per person
- Sea walking: 1,500 to 2,000 THB per person. You wear a helmet that provides air while you walk on the sea floor surrounded by fish.
- Jet ski rental: 1,500 to 2,000 THB for 30 minutes
- Kayak rental: 300 to 500 THB per hour
Water sports are operated by vendors on the beach. Prices are generally fixed but it does not hurt to ask politely.
Diving
For certified divers or those wanting a try-dive experience, there are dive operators on the island. The dive sites around Coral Island are suitable for beginners, with calm conditions and depths of 5 to 18 meters.
Banana Beach
The smaller Banana Beach on the northern end of the island is quieter and less developed than Long Beach. It has a more natural feel with fewer facilities. Some tours include a stop here, and it is a short walk from Long Beach across the island's interior. If you want a less crowded experience, head to Banana Beach.
Costs
- Group tour with hotel pickup: 1,000 to 2,000 THB per person (includes lunch and transfers)
- Speedboat transfer only (from Chalong): 500 to 800 THB per person round trip
- Longtail from Rawai: 300 to 500 THB per person round trip (negotiate at the beach)
- Beach chair rental: 100 to 200 THB per chair
There is no national park fee for Coral Island as it is not a national park. Food and drinks are available on the island but are priced higher than on the mainland, as you would expect.
Best Time to Visit
Coral Island is accessible year round thanks to its sheltered position close to Phuket. Even during the rainy season, the short crossing means tours rarely get cancelled. The best conditions are from November through April, but you can comfortably visit any month.
Who Is Coral Island Best For?
- Families with small children: The calm, shallow water and short boat ride make it ideal for young kids.
- First-time visitors: If you have never been on an island tour, Coral Island is an easy introduction.
- Travelers with limited time: You can visit for a half day and still enjoy a full beach experience.
- Those who get seasick: The 15-minute crossing means minimal time on the water.
If you want a more adventurous snorkeling experience, consider pairing a Coral Island visit with a trip to the Phi Phi Islands or Similan Islands on another day. Browse all our Phuket island tours to find the right fit.
