Khai Islands welcome limestone rock formations that rise above the turquoise sea of Andaman Sea – an absolute paradise destination to enjoy the scenery and practice water sports. The trio of the Khai Islands delivers silky white beaches surrounded by abundant, shallow reefs. Khai Islands is a popular stop on the way to the Koh Phi Phi islands.
Unless there are too many boats around during the late afternoon, the water quality is excellent, allowing snorkeling from the beach with amazing tropical fish, which makes the Khai Islands ideal for non-swimmers and families with young children. Khai Islands can get crowded quickly, as it is a typical itinerary when cruising Phang Nga Bay from Phuket and Koh Yao Yai.
The Khai archipelago consists of 3 islands: Khai Nai, Khai Nok, and Khai Nui. Khai Nok is the largest of the three islands; Khai Nai is the most beautiful for snorkeling, while Khai Nui is the smallest of all. It is also the only Khai Island without the beach, allowing for better swimming due to the absence of speedboats. The Khai Islands tour is a popular choice as it only takes 20 minutes by boat from Phuket.
Why visit Khai islands
- A very accessible island-hopping destination from Phuket
- Excellent snorkeling and plenty of tropical fish right from the beach
- Shallow reefs are very children-friendly
- Khai Islands are pretty although it can be quite crowded
- The largest of three Khai Islands, Khai Nok (‘bird egg’), is distinguished by its picturesque, rock-strewn headland and the purest of beaches
- Khai Nui is tiny but has prime snorkeling on a reef located in between the two islands. The coral resembles up-stretched fingers and is lovely, especially in the afternoon sunlight
- Beachcombing and relaxing in a cozy restaurant.
Khai Nok island
The largest of three Khai Islands, Khai Nok (‘bird egg’) is distinguished by its picturesque, rock-strewn headland and the purest of beaches. Despite being the largest of the Khai trio, you can walk around Khai Nok island in less than 10 minutes. With pure white sand at the front, the island is suitable for sunbathing with small sandbanks. Khai Nok Island has two sub-islands that look like a fried egg in the sea.
With a small sandbar connected to another rock nearby, Khai Nok island is also the right spot for snorkeling from the beach in shallow waters. Or you can wander surrounding waters of such clarity that tropical fish can be enjoyed without even a snorkeling mask! On the east side of the island, there is an elephant-shaped rock, a natural patch caused by the erosion of the wind.
Khai Nai island
Khai Nai is a small island with a beautiful white sand beach, diving spots, and clear water displaying tiger stripes fish all around. The island is perfect for photography and water activities, including jetski and banana boats. You may find some umbrellas and sunbeds lined along the Khai Nai island’s beach to serve island-hoppers from Phuket or Koh Yao Yai.
The day trip from Phuket usually lets you stop here for about 40-45 minutes to enjoy its lovely coral reefs. Khai Nai island has at least twelve species of exotic tropical fish. Great underwater shots are guaranteed! The diving point of Khai Nai will be at the rocky part of the island. It is not recommended to snorkel in front of the beach since the boats are going back and forth in the area.
Khai Nui island
Khai Nui (or Khai Noi) is the smallest island of the Khai trio, with a tiny beach and fantastic snorkeling. Parted from its sister island by a few hundred meters, Khai Nui is tiny. Still, it allows excellent access to the reef located in between the two islands. The coral resembles up-stretched fingers and is lovely, especially in the afternoon sunlight. You can snorkel around plenty of anemones, clownfish, and other colorful creatures. But stay cautious as there are many sea urchins on the sea bed around Khai Nui island.
Khai Islands tour
The Khai Islands tour takes you to a tiny archipelago located in Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, only 20 minutes by boat from Phuket or Koh Yao Yai. You can visit Khai Islands for a half-day or a full-day trip by joining an organized boat tour or chartering a private boat from Phuket or Koh Yao. Speak with Islander today, and let us help you add Khai Islands to your island-hopping itinerary while on vacation.
Although the Khai Islands tour is possible throughout the year, the best time to visit this part of Phang Nga Bay is between October and May. During this time, the weather has perfect humidity, water is comfortably warm, and the air is not too hot for sunbathing. And since snorkeling is a must when you go on a Khai Islands tour, the sea promises the best visibility around January-March.
