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Day Tripping Off Phuket – Where to Go

In the dry season in Phuket, typically November to April, the conditions can be simply spectacular both on land and at sea. In the depths of wintertime, Europe might be covered in snow and darkness creeps in sometime in the afternoon, but here in Phuket, the skies are crisp blue, the morning temperatures are fresh, and the humidity is low. The sea is pretty much constantly flat calm, and the clarity is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

Fancy an easy day hanging out on a tropical island? Coral Island might be just the tonic. Banana Beach is a great destination and is found on the north-eastern tip of Koh Hey (Coral Island). Now it is a lot quieter with fewer tourists and pure relaxation on the white sandy beach that fringes the clear blue sea.

You can organize a transfer over via speedboat from Kan Eang @Pier in Chalong and chill out on the beach all day long with conveniences just a few meters away from your designated place in the sun. Straight from the beach, there is some nice coral and there is plenty of colourful reef fish to spot whilst snorkeling. The jungle is lush and for those who enjoy a walk is fine for a stroll to spot the local wildlife, including monitor lizards and hornbills.

Bamboo frames the restaurant and bar here, so there are no cement structures to blot the landscape. Food is great with lots of tasty Thai dishes and there is plenty of soft drinks and adult beverages to help you kick back and enjoy your day in paradise.

If spending time with family and friends, enjoying personalized attention of a boat crew, having your own personal chef to conjure up some tasty dishes at a time and place you choose sounds like heaven, then perhaps chartering a luxury classic yacht or sailboat for the day might be what you are looking for.

Take a cruise out to Phang Nga Bay with Andaman Cruises, where the topography is some of the most picturesque in the world. The amazingly scenic limestone islands are sure to impress as they soar skywards out of the sea, one of the most famous is Tapu Island, made famous by the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. There are a few ways to enjoy the stunning views in Phang Nga Bay, either budget or splurge, we choose the latter, go on spoil yourself!

3) Visit photogenic viewpoint ‘Samet Nangshe’

Just a short drive off Phuket you can marvel at the spectacular view of Phang Nga. Become at one with Thailand’s Instagram stars and visit the uber-instagrammable destinations. The hill up is very steep, grerat for those who want to burn some calories, but for the rest of us mere mortals, the truck will take you up and bring you back down. The fee to go up is under THB100 including the transport so it is worth it. You can buy simple refreshments in the car park and also at the top. You will see some tents; people do camp up there to enjoy the nighttime views of the milky way and the glorious sunrises. The view includes a mangrove forest and a series of smaller islands that stretches afar.

4) Go to Khao Sok National Park

You may feel that the 3-hour drive is a bit much, but if you are an early riser, the drive is very pleasant. Enjoy tropical jungle scenery, beautiful landscapes, misty mountains, and a chorus provided by howling gibbons, chirping cicadas, and birdsong.

Khao Sok National Park is one of the best in Thailand with a vast ancient evergreen forest and rainforest to explore. You can certainly manage a 3-4 hour walk within the park on a day trip easily and cool down in the freshwater waterfalls. We think it is best to hire a guide so you can see everything you need to without distraction. If you’re lucky you might see wild elephants, spot long-tail macaques and banded-langurs, gaurs and gibbons. Sambar deer, sun bears, boars, deer and porcupines. Be sure to also pop in to see the elephants at Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary, your support will be gratefully appreciated.

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