Coconut Island sits just off Phuket east and is an idyllic place to discover authentic local life enjoying complete serenity. The locals say “Koh Maphrao” to this small island, which is only 2.5 km x 1.5 km in size. Coconut Island is located north of Phuket Town and about 500 meters from Laem Hin – known for great seafood and the excellent “Laem Hin Seafood Restaurant” on stilts. Few tourists “get lost” because this charming area is far from Patong, Kata, and Karon holiday centers.
It only takes 5 minutes by long-tail boat from Laem Hin Pier to get to Coconut Island. On your way, you will also pass several pleasant “floating restaurants,” colorful fishing boats, and see the forest filled with long-tailed macaques. About a quarter of the southwestern part, there is an almost-rectangular island covered with dense palm and virgin mangrove forest. You should come here if you are looking for a few days of total peace.
Even today, Koh Maphrao is still relatively undeveloped, as there is still no electricity on the island except private generators. Local authorities have long argued about connecting the island to the grid, which would have both advantages and disadvantages. While the inhabitants (mainly farmers and fishermen) and the lesser island guests could comfortably live and live in this way, this would also stimulate commerce activities. Soon, “Coconut Island” would become a tourist destination like the “big sister of Phuket” and quaint charm would be gone.
