Everything you need to know about Coral island Phuket

coral island as seen from the foreshore of long beach looking out in the crystal blue waters

2022 Update: Book a coral delight tour and experience the sensational region in all its natural glory!

Known officially as Koh Hae, Coral Island is one of the finest tourist attractions for visitors looking for a time saving location that can be considered one of the best islands near Phuket.

Koh Hae in Phuket is made up of two main beaches – Long Beach and Banana Beach. Each offering fun activities for those fortunate enough to visit.

The two beaches get extremely busy during the day (especially during the high season) but offers a serene nighttime atmosphere. Despite the busy setting, if you are willing to walk, reaching the furthest points of either beach will afford you some space.

Activities to do on Coral Island

a young white woman snorkeling in the shallows along banana beach

There is a large range of activities available on both Banana Beach and Long Beach. Not surprisingly, the majority of these are water-based activities.

Some of the most popular include:

  • Canoeing
  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba Diving
  • Parasailing (only available on Long Beach)
  • Kayaking
  • Banana Boating

Leapfrogging from activity to activity is bound to occupy your time and you can pick the activity best suited to you and your family. However, if you are looking for a less adventurous, more relaxing beach experience, Coral Island still delivers.

Massages are available at the Eastern end of Long Beach and a small hiking trail is also available in close proximity to the massage area. Additionally, there are painting classes and other low-key activities available at nearby Coral Island Resort.

How do you get to the Island

There are a number of ways to get to Coral Island. The most common is achieved via long-tail boat from two nearby locations – Chalong Pier or Rawai Beach. The arrival point will take you no longer than 30 minutes to reach given the close proximity of the island to the mainland.

If you are in an even greater hurry then taking part in a speedboat tour to Coral Island is your best bet. Many operators run snorkeling and diving trips to Coral Island and the speedboat is capable of reaching the destination in little more than 15 minutes. So not only do you get an experience to saviour but you get where you are going in style and speed.

Where to stay on Coral Island

Most visitors do not bother seeking accommodation while visiting Coral Island in Thailand. The reason being that it is so close to the mainland that a short trip back at the end of the day can get them back to their hotel or hostel with hours to spare. However, with that said there is one significant advantage to staying on the island during your visit – space and comfort.

This is great for those looking to experience the region in the absence of the massive crowd. Once evening hits and the majority of tourists depart, you’ll be left to your own devices. This is especially apparent in the late hours of the evening and at breakfast time when the next batch of tourists have yet to arrive. This provides you with ample opportunity to soak yourself in the calm, relaxing environment afforded to you.

Be warned though, that if you want a room with a scenic ocean view then you best book early as the prime viewing rooms are quick to sell out, especially around the high season.

Commonly asked questions

a longboat sits waiting for use in the crystal clear waters off the shore at long beach

How far is Coral Island from Phuket?

Coral Island is situated just 3 kilometres off the mainland and therefore is an attractive option to visitors. The closest departure point to the island is Rawai Beach which is located 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) away.

Where is Coral Island positioned?

Coral Island or Koh Hae, is Southeast of Phuket and features two popular beaches – Long Beach and Banana Beach.

How far is Coral Island from Bangkok?

If you are coming from Bangkok, you need to likely take an airplane to Phuket airport prior to making your way to the island. Officially, the distance between Bangkok and Coral Island is measured at 708 kilometres.

What is the best hotel in Coral Island?

Due to the close proximity of Coral Island to the mainland, the only available accommodation on the island is the Coral Island Resort.

How do I get to Coral Island?

You can conveniently rent a longtail boat from either Rawai Beach or Chalong Pier. The cost of the boat will vary depending on the season and your negotiation skills but will likely be approximately 1500 Baht for the day.

How about Traveling a little further? 

While Coral Island serves a great purpose as a nearby island location, there are many other quality islands located a little further out from Phuket. The most appealing regions of which are Krabi, Phi Phi and Phang Ngay Bay. Each of these three locations are perfect destinations and can be visited in ultra-comfort as part of a Simba Sea Trips Phuket boat tour.