The Thai word for island is normally written 'Koh' but is pronounced closer to 'Gaw'. Apart from the main island, Phuket province includes 39 smaller islands and islets covering a total of 70sq km. There are many more islands within easy boating distance in Phang Nga and Krabi provinces. There are so many islands that it would take months to fully explore them all. There are many beautiful beaches some of which are totally deserted. You can also find superb snorkeling and diving sites comparable to the best in the world.

Koh Maprow (Coconut Island)
Koh Maprow is quite a large island just off the east coast of Phuket, opposite Laem Hin Pier. It has a couple of beaches but they are not very good for swimming so it has not really become a day-trip spot. However, the island has recently caught the eye of property developers. They are promoting the island as an unspoiled escape. There are several property projects on the island, including some high-end developments. There are some nice floating seafood restaurants in the sea between Phuket and Koh Maprow.

Coral Island (Koh Hay)
This is the most popular of the islands just south of Phuket. It is well known for it shallow coral reefs, which are close to shore and ideal snorkel sites for novices and children. There are two good beaches on the north side of the island. Coral Island is a popular spot for day-trippers and it can be a little busy at times. However, there are quieter locations around the island if you want to escape the crowds. If you want to stay overnight there is also a very pleasant bungalow resort.

Koh Rang Yai
Koh Rang Yai is a lovely little island off the east coast of Phuket. It is best known for its pearl farm. It has also developed into something of a mini activity center with kayaks, hiking, cycling, volleyball, football and even a small pitch-and-putt golf course. It has a lovely sandy beach on its eastern side. The water is clear and inviting. The island gets a steady flow of daytime visitors but still maintains a nice relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Koh Naka Yai and Koh Naka Noi
These two islands are off the northeast coast of Phuket. Koh Naka Yai has some beautiful coconut palm fringed beaches and the eastern coast has great views across Phang Nga Bay. There is one small village and a couple of holiday resorts. Koh Naka Noi is mainly known for its pearl farm which is open to visitors.

Koh Lawa Yai
Just northeast of Phuket is the small island of Koh Lawa Yai. It has a couple of nice little beaches and you can easily walk around the island. The island is just within Phang Nga Bay National Park although it is distinctly different to the other islands in the park as it is a granite based island. Some of the Phang Nga tour boats include this island on their itinery. If you make your own way there, you may be charged a 200-baht national park entrance fee.

Koh Raet (Jameirah Private Island)
Koh Raet is a small island between the northeast corner of Phuket and Koh Naka Yai. It has recently been rebranded as Jameirah Private Island. They are developing a luxury real estate project to include deluxe properties with pools, a yacht marina and even a helicopter pad. They claim the island will be strictly private and the shoreline will be patrolled to divert 'unauthorised traffic'. This is a concept that would appear to be strictly illegal under Thai law, which states that all beaches are public. However, if you have enough money there are ways of ignoring the law so it appears that this island will be off-limits to ordinary people.

Koh Tapao Yai & Noi
These two little islands are just offshore from Cape Panwa on the south east corner of Phuket. They have received some publicity recently because they are home to an unusual species of beautiful coloured hornbills. It has been suggested that the islands could be promoted as an eco-tourism location. The islands are basically uninhabited apart from a couple of rangers. Koh Tapao Yai has a couple of nice beaches and a trekking trail around the island. Koh Tapao Noi has a measuring station so strictly speaking, you need to obtain permission before visiting.

Koh Dork Mai (Flower Island)
Koh Dork Mai is a distinctive little limestone outcrop, southeast of Phuket. The rock juts vertically from the sea in a shape that many say looks rather like a tulip (Dork Mai is the Thai word for flower). You can see the island from much of the southeast coast of Phuket and the ferries to Phi Phi pass it. The island is a vertical rock so it has no beaches. It is known as a good scuba location with an excellent wall dive.

Koh Aeo
Koh Aeo is a small forested island south of Phuket, beyond Koh Lone. It does not have any beaches and therefore is of no great appeal to tourists. There have been ideas to turn the island into a monkey sanctuary but at the moment it is just a forested rock in the sea.

Koh Kaeo Yai and Noi
These two islands are just off Phuket's southwest coast, near Cape Promthep. Koh Kaeo Yai has a small beach. There is a Buddha monument on the beach and a small temple on the hill. You can see the island from the viewpoint at Cape Promthep. You can rent a longtail from Rawai Beach to go and visit. Koh Kaeo Noi is just a few hundred meters offshore from Yanui Beach. It does not have any beaches but during the dry season, you can rent a kayak for a paddle around the island. There is some lovely snorkeling off the side facing Yanui Beach.