Koh Bon

Koh Bon sits 1.5 kilometres east of Laem Phromthep, the southern tip of Phuket, in Rawai subdistrict — a small island about 1.2km long that longtail boats reach in roughly ten minutes from Rawai Beach or Laem Ka. There’s no entry fee; you pay for the boat, not the island.

What’s There

The island’s main draw is a crescent of white sand curving around a sheltered bay, backed by a low headland rising to about 57 metres that gives the beach some afternoon shade. A handful of seasonal beach restaurants set up on the sand serving grilled seafood and drinks, though there’s no permanent accommodation or year-round infrastructure. Snorkelling is the main activity — the shallow reef fringing the island stays calm most of the year, with water clear enough for reef fish and coral without needing a dive tank.

Atmosphere and Timing

This isn’t the Koh Bon that liveaboard dive trips talk about near the Similan and Surin Islands further north — that’s a separate island known for manta ray sightings on advanced dives. The Rawai version is a shallow, calm-water day-trip spot, closer to a beach outing than a dive destination. Dry season (November-April) gives the most reliable calm seas and clear water; the exposed Andaman side gets choppier through the rainy months.

Practical Information

Longtail boats charter from Rawai Beach or Laem Ka, usually as a round trip with a flexible return time rather than a fixed schedule — expect to negotiate the fare (local operators typically quote around ฿1,200 for a full-boat charter, so splitting it across a group brings the per-person cost down).

Insider Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it — rental sets on the boat or beach add to the cost, and a mask that actually fits makes a bigger difference to the experience than the spot itself.

Watch out: There’s no ATM or shop on the island — bring cash for the beach restaurants and settle the boat fare before you leave the pier.