Day Trips from Rawai: Best Islands and Nature Spots Nearby

August 18, 2025
rawai day trips islands 2025

Day Trips from Rawai: Best Islands and Nature Spots Nearby

Rawai, located on Phuket’s tranquil southern coast, is known as one of the island’s best launching points for island-hopping and nature exploration. In 2025–2026, the area continues to attract travellers who appreciate authentic coastal charm, easy access to offshore islands, and the relaxed, natural atmosphere of the Andaman Sea.

Staying at The Vijitt Resort Phuket, a serene villa-style Rawai Beach hotel, places you only minutes from Rawai Pier, Chalong Pier, and Nai Harn—making it effortless to explore Phuket’s most beautiful nearby islands and nature spots.

Why Rawai Is the Perfect Base for Day Trips

Rawai is uniquely positioned for island adventures because:

  • It’s close to Phuket’s main departure points: Rawai Pier & Chalong Pier
  • Many islands lie within 10–30 minutes by longtail boat
  • The southern coastline offers viewpoints, hidden coves, and national parks
  • The area is calmer than west-coast beaches, ideal for peaceful day escapes

 

Guests of The Vijitt Resort Phuket often enjoy combining a morning excursion with a relaxed afternoon by the resort’s pool, beachfront lawn, or quiet villa terrace.

 

Islands Near Rawai – Easy & Spectacular Day Trips

Below are the best islands to visit as day trips from Rawai, suitable for couples, families, and nature lovers.

Koh Bon – The Quickest Island Escape

 

koh bon

koh bon

 

Just a few minutes by longtail boat from Rawai Beach, Koh Bon is ideal for those who want a relaxed, uncrowded island experience without a long journey.

What to expect:

  • Clear, shallow waters perfect for swimming
  • Quiet sandy beaches
  • A casual local restaurant (open seasonally)
  • Great for families and laid-back traveller

 

Travel time from Rawai Beach:
5–10 minutes by traditional longtail boat.

Coral Island (Koh He) – Snorkelling & Relaxation

koh he

koh he

Coral Island, also known as Koh He, is one of Phuket’s most popular nearby islands thanks to its calm turquoise water and soft white sand.

Highlights:

  • Excellent snorkelling with colourful marine life
  • Kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach loungers
  • Two main beaches: Long Beach & Banana Beach
  • Ideal for half-day or full-day trips

Travel time:
15–20 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier.

Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi – Crystal-Clear Waters

 

koh racha

 

The Racha Islands (also known as Raya Islands) boast some of the clearest waters near Phuket—perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and photography.

Koh Racha Yai

  • Stunning blue bays
  • White sandy beaches
  • Small local restaurants
  • Calm, swimmable water

 

Koh Racha Noi

  • Famous for diving (deep-water sites)
  • Dramatic rock formations
  • Best for experienced snorkellers/divers

 

Travel time:
30–45 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier.

Koh Lone – Peaceful, Authentic Island Living

Less visited and wonderfully quiet, Koh Lone offers a glimpse of traditional island life just a short trip away.

What you’ll find:

  • Local fishing communities
  • Small beaches and peaceful shoreline
  • Simple, relaxing nature trails

 

This is a lovely choice for travellers seeking a cultural, nature-first day out close to Phuket.

Nature Spots Near Rawai – More Than Just Islands

Rawai’s south-coast location also places you near some of Phuket’s best nature attractions—perfect for guests who prefer land-based day trips.

Promthep Cape – Phuket’s Most Iconic Sunset

 

promthep cape

 

Promthep Cape is one of Thailand’s most photographed sunset viewpoints, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the Andaman Sea.

Why visit:

  • Jaw-dropping sunset panoramas
  • Great photography spot
  • Only minutes from Rawai Beach

 

From The Vijitt: 10–15 minutes by car.

Nai Harn Beach – Soft Sand & Crystal Water

Nai Harn Beach remains one of Phuket’s most beloved beaches, known for its soft sand, clear water, and gentle waves during high season.

Why it’s perfect:

  • Safe swimming
  • Excellent for morning walks
  • Calm, scenic surroundings

 

From The Vijitt: 10–15 minutes.

Windmill Viewpoint – A Peaceful Panorama

Located between Nai Harn and Yanui beaches, Windmill Viewpoint offers a quieter alternative to Promthep Cape.

Expect:

  • Wide bay views
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Great photo angles of Nai Harn

 

Yanui Beach – Snorkelling and Kayaking

A hidden gem near Rawai, Yanui Beach is a small cove ideal for kayaking, snorkelling, and relaxing in peaceful surroundings.

Travel time:
5–8 minutes from Rawai.

Rawai Beach & Pier – Gateway to Every Adventure

Rawai Beach itself is not a swimming beach but serves as the perfect departure point for nearby islands.

From Rawai Pier you can:

  • Charter longtail boats
  • Book island tours
  • Plan half-day adventures

 

Just 5–10 minutes from The Vijitt Resort Phuket.

Suggested Day Trip Itineraries from The Vijitt Resort Phuket

Half-Day Island Escape

  • Morning departure from Rawai Pier
  • Visit Koh Bon or Coral Island
  • Return to enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the resort

 

Full-Day Adventure

  • Racha Yai + snorkelling
  • Lunch on the island
  • Sunset at Promthep Cape

 

Nature & Viewpoint Day

  • Nai Harn Beach morning walk
  • Lunch in Rawai
  • Sunset at Windmill Viewpoint or Promthep Cape

 

Staying at The Vijitt – The Perfect Start & End to Every Day Trip

With its prime Rawai location and spacious villa layout, The Vijitt Resort Phuket makes island-hopping and nature trips wonderfully easy. After a day out exploring, guests return to:

  • A peaceful beachfront setting
  • Spacious villas surrounded by gardens
  • Relaxed seaside dining at The Savoury Restaurant
  • Sunset cocktails at The Beach Bar

 

You can also check updated packages and seasonal offers on the resort’s
Special Promotions page.

Getting Around from The Vijitt Resort Phuket

  • The Vijitt → Rawai Beach: 5–10 minutes
  • The Vijitt → Rawai Pier: 5 minutes
  • The Vijitt → Chalong Pier: 10–12 minutes
  • The Vijitt → Promthep Cape: 10–15 minutes
  • The Vijitt → Nai Harn Beach: 10–15 minutes

 

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ttsK1C9JGgd7s91u5

Contact Information

THE VIJITT RESORT PHUKET
16 Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130
Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 600
Fax: +66 (0) 76 363 649
Email: info@vijittresort.com
Hotel website: https://www.vijittresort.com/

By continuing to use this website you agree to the use of cookies according to our Privacy Policy.

Cookie Consent Preferences

Cookies are little bits of textual information which are used by the website to enhance user experience. Accept all cookies or choose which categories you want to allow.

Accept All
Manage Consent Preferences
  • Mandatory Cookies
    Always Active

    These are necessary for the basic functioning of the website and for its correct performance.

  • Analytics Cookies

    These enable use of the website to be measured, in order to ensure its proper performance and to improve its functioning.
    Cookies Details

  • Advertising and Social Media Cookies

    These are used to display and measure ads which are relevant to our users, as well as enabling interaction with social media. Data may be shared with companies outside of The Vijitt Resort Phuket.
    Cookies Details

Save My Preferences