Coral Island, called Koh Hae or Koh Hey in Thai, is the closest proper beach island to Phuket. It lies just off the southeast coast, a short speedboat ride from Chalong Pier. With calm, shallow water, two easy beaches and plenty of sea sports, it is a favorite for families, first-time snorkelers and anyone who wants island time without a long boat trip. This guide covers how to get there, what to do, when to go and how to combine it with nearby Racha Island.
Coral Island at a glance
Coral Island is a small, green, hilly island about 4 to 5 km off Phuket's southern tip, around 9 km south of Chalong Pier. It is not a limestone island like Phi Phi, so there are no towering cliffs. Instead you get soft white sand, shady trees and gentle water. The island takes its English name from the reefs that surround it.
There are two main beaches:
- Long Beach, the larger beach, with loungers, umbrellas, restaurants and most of the sea sports.
- Banana Beach, smaller and often a little quieter, with good swimming.
How to get there from Phuket
By speedboat from Chalong Pier
Most visitors leave from Chalong Pier on Phuket's south coast. By speedboat the crossing takes around 15 to 30 minutes in normal conditions, which makes Coral Island one of the gentlest boat trips from Phuket. It is a good choice for anyone worried about seasickness. Our Chalong Pier guide explains the pier layout and parking.
By longtail from Rawai
Longtail boats can be hired from Rawai Beach. The ride is slower and more exposed to spray, but it is a traditional way to get there if you are staying in the south.
As part of a combined day trip
Coral Island is often paired with Racha Yai, which lies further south in open water. On our Raya and Coral Island snorkeling tour, you spend the morning on Coral Island, then continue to Racha for snorkeling, lunch and free time at Patok Bay. The boat rides between stops are short.
Best time to visit
Coral Island can be visited all year. Because it is so close to Phuket and partly sheltered, trips run in the green season more often than trips to remote islands. The clearest water and calmest days are usually from November to April. From May to October, expect some windy days, occasional showers and cloudier water, and on rough days boats may not run. Mornings are generally calmer than afternoons.
What to do on Coral Island
Swimming and beach time
The water off both beaches is shallow and slopes gently, so children and weaker swimmers can wade in easily. Stay inside the swimming areas marked with buoys, and keep clear of the lanes where speedboats and jet skis come in to the beach.
Snorkeling
Coral Island's reefs are easy to reach but have been visited heavily for years, so the snorkeling is good for beginners rather than spectacular. You can often see small reef fish around the rocks at the ends of the beaches. For clearer water and better coral, continue to Racha Island.
Sea sports
Coral Island is one of the main places near Phuket for water activities. Operators on the beach offer:
- Parasailing
- Banana boat rides
- Sea walking, where you walk on the sea floor wearing an air-supplied helmet
- Jet skis and kayaks
These are optional and not included in our tour. Prices are set by the operators on the island, so agree the price and what it includes before you start. Bring cash.
Relaxing
Many visitors simply rent a lounger in the shade and enjoy a cold drink with the view back to Phuket. The morning, before the island gets busy, is the nicest time for this.
Practical tips
- Fees: Coral Island is not part of a marine national park, so there is no national park fee on this island. Some beaches have charges for loungers and facilities.
- Bring: swimwear, a towel, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky patches and a waterproof phone pouch. See what to bring on an island tour.
- Cash: useful for drinks, loungers and sea sports.
- Kids: the short crossing and gentle beach make this one of the best island days for young children. Read do kids need life jackets on island tours.
- Safety with sea sports: check that life jackets fit, that the equipment looks well maintained and that the operator explains the safety rules.
Respect the reef
Coral Island's reef is under pressure from the number of visitors, so every swimmer counts:
- Do not stand on coral or rocks covered in growth. Float or return to the sandy areas.
- Do not feed fish.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen or cover up with a rash guard.
- Take your rubbish with you, including cigarette ends and bottle caps.
- Do not buy or collect shells or coral.
Coral Island or Racha Island?
Coral Island is closer and easier, with more activities. Racha Yai is further out, with clearer water and better snorkeling. You do not have to choose: our Raya and Coral Island tour visits both in one relaxed day. For more options near Phuket, see our best snorkeling spots near Phuket and the Racha and Coral Island day trip guide.
If you would rather have the island to yourselves, a private speedboat can take you to Coral Island early in the morning before the group tours arrive.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Coral Island from Phuket?
About 4 to 5 km from Phuket's southern tip and around 9 km from Chalong Pier. The speedboat crossing from Chalong Pier takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
Is Coral Island good for snorkeling?
It is good for beginners, with easy access from the beach. For clearer water and more coral, combine it with Racha Island.
Is there a national park fee on Coral Island?
No. Coral Island is not part of a marine national park. You may pay for loungers, sea sports and drinks on the island.
Is Coral Island suitable for young children?
Yes. The short boat ride and shallow, calm water make it one of the easiest island days from Phuket for families.
Can I visit Coral Island in the rainy season?
Often yes. It is close to shore and partly sheltered, but trips can still be cancelled on stormy days.
