☀️ Sun, Sea, and Cats: A Day Trip to the Koh Khai Islands 🏖️🐾
Hello everyone 🌸
With the rainy season coming to an end and sunny skies peeking through, my best friend and I found ourselves itching for a little adventure. For the past few days, we had been searching for the perfect getaway, something that would take us away from Phuket🇹🇭 for a bit. After some back and forth, we decided on a day excursion to the Koh Khai Islands 🏝️—an ideal chance to show you what one of the many tours in Phuket has to offer for a memorable vacation.
The Koh Khai islands, nestled in the Phang Nga province, are made up of three small islands: Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui, and Koh Khai Nai. Each one has its own charm and offers a little something special for everyone.
Getting to the Koh Khai Islands is easy and quick—just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Phuket. These islands are a fantastic destination for anyone looking to unwind while still getting a taste of adventure.
With clear blue skies overhead, it felt like the perfect day to explore the islands with my best friend by my side. Both of us were excited to see what this little paradise had in store. After browsing different options, we chose a tour package with "Tour Phuket," a reputable company known for offering great deals and seamless service for island-hopping adventures.
The package cost us 800 baht per person (around 23.71 USD), which felt like a bargain considering the experience ahead. "Tour Phuket" offers complimentary shuttle services for tourists staying in Patong, Karon, or Kata, but since we were staying outside those areas, we had to find our own way to the pier. Luckily, it was only a 30-minute drive to get there.
At the pier, we checked in at the counter and received orange wristbands—our golden ticket to the tour group. We also learned there was breakfast available, so we helped ourselves to some light snacks before boarding the boat. It was a nice way to kick things off and fuel up for the day ahead!
At exactly 9 a.m., our tour guide appeared, calling for all the tourists proudly sporting their orange wristbands. We gathered around as he introduced himself and walked us through the itinerary for our trip to the Koh Khai Islands. Along the way, he shared a bit of the islands' history, provided important rules to follow during our stay, and gave us insider tips on how to make the most of our time there.
After the briefing, the guide led us to the sleek speedboat waiting at the dock. As we approached, the roar of the engine filled the air, building our excitement even more. The boat looked modern and comfortable, with plenty of safety equipment onboard. Before we could board, the guide made sure everyone was properly suited up in life jackets.
My best friend and I opted to sit right at the front of the boat to enjoy the best view of the sea. As we settled into our seats, the guide gave us a friendly warning: the morning winds can be strong, and the waves can make the ride feel like a rollercoaster. He advised us to hold onto the rails tightly and keep our hats secured to avoid them flying away.
As soon as the boat took off toward Koh Khai Nok, we felt the full force of the sea. The speedboat soared over the choppy waves, making every dip and rise feel like an exhilarating ride at an amusement park. My best friend and I held on to the rails for dear life, laughing as the wind whipped through our hair and the sea spray kissed our faces.
After a thrilling ride, we finally arrived at Koh Khai Nok. The initial rush of excitement gave way to relief as the boat slowed down, and we saw the serene shoreline come into view.
While we waited for the rest of the group to disembark, my best friend and I took advantage of the moment to snap a few photos from the bow of the boat. The view was absolutely breathtaking—the water was so clear you could see the vibrant marine life swimming below, and the island’s pristine beach beckoned us to explore.
Koh Khai Nok, the first stop on our island-hopping tour, had a surprise waiting for us! It’s known not only for its beautiful scenery but also for its resident cats 🐾. These feline friends roam freely, adding a quirky charm to the island. If you’ve read my Caturday posts, you know what a cat lover I am, so this discovery made my day even better!
As we stepped off the boat and onto the powdery white sand, we were greeted by crystal-clear waters shimmering under the sun. With only a handful of tourists around, the island felt calm and peaceful, a little slice of paradise just for us.
After a refreshing swim, my best friend and I explored the various shops scattered around the island. As we strolled along, we noticed several cats lounging lazily in the sun, completely at home.
When we offered them a few snacks, the cats perked up instantly, emerging from their napping spots to join us. It was heartwarming to see how much the tourists cared for these cats, with many visitors bringing treats and affection for these fluffy locals. The cats, in return, were happy to soak up the attention and enjoy their impromptu feast.
With some time to spare, my best friend and I decided to take a leisurely walk toward the quieter back side of Koh Khai Nok before heading off to the next island. The path along the beach was lined with intriguing rock formations and bordered by clear blue waters gently lapping against the shore. The sun was bright and warm, and we could feel its soothing rays on our skin.
As we ventured further, we noticed that the sand became coarser, mixed with pieces of coral fragments washed ashore. Walking here required some care to avoid stepping on sharp coral, but it was worth it for the serene views and the gentle sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
Eventually, we found a shaded spot under a cluster of trees and decided to take a break. Sitting on the warm sand, we soaked in the peacefulness of the island, listening to the sound of the ocean breeze and the rhythmic splash of waves. It was a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life—a moment to simply breathe, relax, and appreciate nature.
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the boat for our next destination: Koh Khai Nui. We got up from our spot and made our way to the front of the island, where the boat awaited us. With excitement bubbling inside, we climbed aboard, ready for the next part of our adventure.
Unlike Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui doesn’t have a sandy beach, but it’s a snorkeling hotspot known for its vibrant coral reefs and the abundance of tropical fish. The boat anchored in the middle of the sea, and we were given about 30 minutes to explore the underwater world.
While most of the other tourists, including my best friend, eagerly dove into the clear waters, I decided to stay onboard and enjoy the scenery from above. I took my time, snapping a few photos of the crystal-clear waters, mesmerized by how even from the surface, I could spot colorful fish swimming around.
The sight of the fish swimming around my best friend was too tempting to resist, so I asked the boat attendant if I could feed the fish. He handed me a small bag of bread, and I began tossing tiny pieces into the water.
After some time, the other tourists, including my best friend, climbed back onto the boat. It was time to head to the final destination: Koh Khai Nai. I couldn’t wait to see what this last island had in store for us.
The boat ride from Koh Khai Nui to Koh Khai Nai was short and sweet, taking just about five minutes. As we pulled up to the island, we were greeted by a small but beautiful beach. The sand here felt finer than on Koh Khai Nok—truly a paradise-like setting.
We had about an hour to explore the island, and my best friend and I wasted no time. We made a beeline for the water, eager to take a swim. As we waded into the sea, we were delighted to find colorful fish swimming all around us. The water was a bit chilly, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying every second. It was mesmerizing to see so many fish darting between our legs and swimming alongside us—it felt like we were part of their underwater world.
After enjoying, it was time to head back to the mainland. Reluctantly, we gathered our things and climbed back onto the speedboat. The ride back gave us a chance to soak in the stunning views of the Andaman Sea one last time, with the wind in our hair and the smell of the ocean lingering in the air.
As the boat neared the mainland, the tour operator signaled for us to gather our belongings and prepare to disembark. We watched as the bustling pier came into view, a reminder that our little slice of paradise was now a treasured memory to carry with us.
As we prepared to leave, the tour operator's staff surprised us with framed photos from our trip—a lovely memento of our day on the Khai Islands. The picture was really nice, making it hard to resist taking one home. Many of us eagerly bought a copy, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to bring mine back, complete with a beautiful frame. For 200 baht, it was the perfect souvenir to remember this magical trip, ready to display as soon as I got home.
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey! 🏝️ I hope you enjoyed experiencing the Koh Khai Islands with me—there’s so much more to explore, and I can’t wait to take you along on my next adventure! 🌏
Until then, stay curious, stay adventurous, and I’ll see you on the next post!
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Sawadee kha! 🙏
@Baiboua-|- 🌸 My Achievement 1 post: Greetings from Phuket 🏝️ Thailand 🇹🇭
Thanks a lot for the curation 🌸
So beautiful.
Thank you! Yes, Koh Khai Islands are really beautiful 🌸