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Coral
Island or Hey Island
This island off Phuket's south coast is so well known
for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply
as Coral Island. In addition to the splendid reefs
there are two fine beaches on the north and west.
Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations,
restaurants, various watersports and diving are all
available. Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package
tours are also available.
Mai
Ton Island
This tiny island off Phuket's southeast coast is highly
prized for its still perfect natural environment,
including fine white beaches and crystal waters; ideal
for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business
of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those
not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion
leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port..
Taphao
Yai Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's
southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes
hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Chao
Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd., intersection, turn left
on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The
road splits in the vicinity of oil storage facilities;
take the left fork about 200 meters to the Ko Taphao
ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are available
on the island.
Raya
(or Racha ) Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest
off Phuket's southern coast.
-
Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach
closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like
to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan
Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal
clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from
Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the
bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can
be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent
site for diving.
- Raya Noi Island.This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai,
is the result of coral reef build up, and there are
more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west
is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald
green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not
recommendable.
To
get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or
Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package
tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel
time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by
tour companies will make the trip in about one hour.
Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season
and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.
Rang
Yai Island
Lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has
been developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among
the many activities are snorkeling on the coral reefs.
sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf,
and visiting the island's pearl farm. To travel to
Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin
Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon.
Sire
Island
Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong
Tha Chin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square
kilometer island is connected by a causeway to the
city. Wat Ko Sire, on the hill, has a large Reclining
Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings.
Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gypsies, or Chao
Ley,are on Ko Sire at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not
present because of the muddy bottom. There are some
popular seafood restaurants on the east shore.
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