If you want a break from Phuket’s crowds, this Coral Island tour is an easy escape—think clear water, real Thai food, and time to just relax or try something new like snorkeling or kayaking. You’ll come back feeling lighter (and maybe a little sun-kissed).
The morning air at Chalong Pier always feels a bit salty, even before you spot the boats lined up. Our guide greeted us with a grin—he seemed to know every regular by name—and handed out coffee while we waited for the speedboat. It’s not a long ride to Coral Island, maybe 20 minutes, but you can feel the difference as soon as you step off: the sand at Kahung Beach is finer than Patong’s, and there’s this soft hush except for the odd hornbill calling from the trees behind the beach chairs.
I wandered down to the water with my mask and snorkel (they hand them out right on arrival). The reef isn’t huge, but I spotted parrotfish darting around some coral heads just off shore. Some folks tried parasailing or banana boating—those are extra—but honestly, I was happy just floating and watching tiny crabs scuttle near my toes. Around noon, we all drifted up to Kahung Restaurant for lunch. The tables sit under these big trees, so it stays cool even when the sun’s blazing. The green curry had just enough kick; someone at our table said it tasted like their grandma’s recipe.
After lunch, I grabbed a beach chair (they’re free here) and dozed off listening to waves and distant laughter from a group trying sea walking helmets. There’s fresh fruit in season—mangoes today—and plenty of cold water if you need it. By three o’clock, our guide rounded us up for the boat back. The breeze on the return felt good after all that sun. Back at Chalong Pier by 3:15pm, I realized I’d barely looked at my phone all day.
Yes, pickup is included from most central Phuket hotels like Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Naitharn, Yacht Club, Ban Krating, Chalong, and Kalim Beach areas. If your hotel is outside these zones, there’s an extra 500-baht charge per person.
You’ll want swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, maybe a hat or cap for shade—and some cash if you want to try extra activities like parasailing or sea walking.
This trip isn’t suitable for pregnant women or anyone over 70 years old. If you have heart conditions or serious back/neck issues it’s best to skip it for safety reasons.
Yes! A set Thai lunch is served at Kahung Restaurant overlooking the water—plenty of options and fresh fruit in season too.
Your day covers roundtrip speedboat transfers from Chalong Pier to Coral Island (Koh Hey), English-speaking guide commentary throughout the trip, use of snorkel gear and mask (no extra fee), comfy beach chairs on Kahung Beach, drinking water and morning tea or coffee before departure plus seasonal fruit snacks. Full-day guests get lunch at Kahung Restaurant included as well as hotel pickup in selected Phuket areas.
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