The Naka Islands, Koh Naka Yai and Koh Naka Noi, sit just off Phuket's northeast coast at the edge of Phang Nga Bay. They are close enough to reach in minutes, yet they feel far quieter than the famous islands to the south. Pale sand, calm water, sandbars at low tide and views across the bay to the limestone karsts make them a favorite stop for jet ski tours and the last swim of the day on Phang Nga Bay trips. This guide explains what is there, how to get there and how to plan your visit.
Naka Yai and Naka Noi
Koh Naka Yai
"Yai" means big, and Naka Yai is the larger of the two. It has beaches with casuarina and coconut trees, a long sandy spit and shallow water that is good for a swim. Part of the island is taken up by resort development, while other stretches of shore stay quiet. The views east across Phang Nga Bay, with karst islands on the horizon, are the highlight.
Koh Naka Noi
"Noi" means small. Naka Noi is quieter and more rural, known for its sandbar, shallow water and the pearl farming that has long been part of life on this side of Phuket. It has a relaxed, local feel and very little development.
How to get there from Phuket
Jet ski tour
The most fun way to visit is on our Jet Ski 7 Islands tour. You drive your own jet ski (1 or 2 riders) in a small guided group from a base on Phuket's east coast. The route includes Naka Yai and Naka Noi, Monkey Island, Phai, Hum and Phae islands and a mangrove forest, with swim and photo stops and a Thai lunch. The tour is priced per jet ski, hotel transfer is included and drivers must be at least 15 years old.
Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour
Our James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour ends the day with a swim stop at Naka Island on the way back to Phuket. Sea sports offered at the Naka stop are optional and not included.
Longtail or private boat
Longtail boats and small speedboats can be hired from piers on Phuket's northeast coast. The crossing is short, usually 10 to 20 minutes. A private speedboat can combine the Naka Islands with other Phang Nga Bay stops.
Best time to visit
The Naka Islands can be visited all year. They sit in the sheltered waters of Phang Nga Bay, so the sea here is usually calmer than on Phuket's west coast, which faces the open Andaman Sea. This makes the area popular for jet ski and small boat trips even in the green season (May to October), although heavy rain and wind can still stop trips on some days.
For the clearest water and bluest skies, come between November and April. Tides make a big difference here: sandbars appear at low tide and disappear at high tide, and guides plan routes around them.
What to do
Swim and relax
The beaches have calm, shallow water, ideal after a boat or jet ski ride. Bring water shoes for rocky or shelly patches.
Walk the sandbars
At low tide, sandbars stretch out from the islands into the bay. They are great for photos, but keep an eye on the incoming tide.
See the pearl farms
Pearl farming rafts float in the waters around Naka Noi and the northeast coast of Phuket. On some trips you can learn how pearls are cultured, and pearl jewelry is sold locally. Buy only from reputable sellers.
Explore the mangroves
The coast opposite the Naka Islands is lined with mangrove forest. On the jet ski tour you slow down to ride through a mangrove channel, a quiet contrast to the open water. Our mangrove tours guide explains why these forests matter.
Jet ski rules and safety
Driving your own jet ski is exciting, but it comes with responsibility. On our 7 islands tour:
- Every rider wears a life jacket and gets a safety briefing before starting.
- A guide rides at the front and sets the pace. Stay in line and keep a safe distance.
- Drivers must be at least 15 and sober. Riders who have been drinking are not allowed to drive.
- Pregnant women, elderly guests, disabled guests and guests with medical conditions cannot drive.
- The maximum load is 150 kg per jet ski.
- Bring your passport on the day.
Read our full jet ski 7 islands guide and jet ski safety tips.
Practical tips
- Fees: the jet ski tour does not list a separate national park fee. Tours that also visit James Bond Island pay the Ao Phang Nga National Park fee for that part of the day.
- Sun: on a jet ski you are exposed all day. Use a rash guard, a hat with a strap and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Phone: a waterproof pouch with a lanyard is essential on the water.
- Cash: bring some Thai baht for drinks and extras on the islands.
Respect the islands
These are lived-in islands with small communities and working waters.
- Slow down near swimmers, fishing boats, pearl rafts and mangroves.
- Do not feed the monkeys at Monkey Island. Watch them from a distance.
- Dress modestly away from the beach, as many locals on this side of Phuket are Muslim.
- Take your rubbish back to the boat or base.
Nearby
The Naka Islands make a natural pair with the rest of Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island. For quiet island life on a larger scale, see our guide to Koh Yao Noi and day trips to the Koh Yao islands.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Naka Islands?
Just off Phuket's northeast coast, at the edge of Phang Nga Bay. The crossing from Phuket takes about 10 to 20 minutes by boat.
Can I visit the Naka Islands on a jet ski?
Yes. Our Jet Ski 7 Islands tour visits both Naka Yai and Naka Noi with a guide, and includes hotel transfer and lunch.
Who can drive a jet ski on the tour?
Drivers must be at least 15 years old, sober and in good health, and must follow the guide. A passenger can ride behind the driver, up to 150 kg per jet ski.
Are the Naka Islands good for swimming?
Yes. The water is calm and shallow near the beaches, especially at mid to high tide.
Can I visit in the rainy season?
Often yes. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered, so trips run on many days between May and October, but heavy weather can still cancel them.
