Koh Lone (or Lohn)

Koh Lone, situated in the middle of Chalong Bay, remains a quiet, lush place with only a few upmarket resorts in operation.

There are few daytrips going here, but it's easy to organize a long-tail boat for the 15-minute trip from Chalong Bay.

Maiton Island

The popular Maiton Island Resort is situated on this island. The resort boasts the whole island to itself and there are no day trips offered to this island. For a world of your own, this is the perfect choice.

Koh Khai Nok

Just east of Phuket, Khai Nok is a tiny, idyllic island - little more than a forested lump poking out of the sea ringed by white sand and coral. Good snorkelling though the currents can be quite strong at times. Great for a daytrip - there's no place to stay here. Reached within 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Phuket or by joining a boat tour around the area.

Maphrao (Coconut Island)

This island of fishing villagers is reached within 10 minutes by long-tail boat from Laem Hin pier on the east coast of Phuket. A peaceful place with agro-tours and homestay with local families available. The island's rich mangrove forests can be explored by boat. Between Phuket and Maphrao are some rustic floating restaurants with live seafood held in submerged pens to select for a fresh seafood meal. Near the restaurants are a few lonely floating bungalows for rent - perfect for a night or two of solitude, though it's not clear where waste from the toilets ends up.

Rang Yai Island

A small, uninhabited island that has developed into an activity centre for groups. Spend the day kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, playing volleyball and more, or relax in the shade on the sandy beach. There's no place to stay here but camping may be arranged.

Naka Yai and Naka Noi

Koh Naka Yai, a small island just 10 minutes by long-tail boat off the east coast of Phuket, is rapidly transforming from a sparsely inhabited fisherman's island to an upscale resort getaway.

And the reason the resorts are coming is clear: Naka Yai is the classic postcard image of paradise - beaches of fine white sands lined with coconut trees, incredible views across Phang Nga Bay, no roads, and (so far) very little noise aside from chirping birds and cicadas. Naka Noi is most famous for its pearl farms, which can be visited on a day trip.

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

Two large islands (together about 138 sq km) right in the middle of Phang Nga bay between Phuket and Krabi.

While fishing remains the predominant economic activity and way of life here, the islands are slowly opening up to tourism. Some innovative, community-driven eco tours and small-scale, mostly family-run bungalows and resorts have been developed. A great place to enjoy nature and get a taste of local culture. Airport Suite Bangkok