Beyond Phuket: Overnight Trips by Sea and Road

October 18, 2026

The short answer

Phuket has no organised multi-day tour circuit of its own, so a longer stay means picking an overnight destination and getting there yourself. Four are realistic: Koh Yao Noi, Phi Phi Don, Khao Sok and Khao Lak. Sea fares and sailing times are rough guides, because ferries and speedboats stop running in bad monsoon weather, so confirm each one with the operator.

By boat

Koh Yao Noi. Boats cross from Bang Rong pier to Manoh pier in about 30 to 40 minutes, at roughly 400 to 550 THB. The island lies in Phang Nga Bay.

Phi Phi Don. Boats go from Rassada pier to Tonsai pier. The fastest takes about an hour. A standard ferry seat costs roughly 500 to 700 THB, and speedboats cost about 750 to 850 THB for a crossing of 1 to 2 hours. Visit Thailand Today (updated 6 October 2026) names the Phi Phi Cruiser and the Andaman Wave Master, sailing at about 08:30 and 13:30, but sailing times change, so check before you commit to a hotel night. Onward boats to Railay take about 40 to 60 minutes. Railay belongs to Krabi province, which makes it a separate trip with its own planning.

By road

Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake. The park is about 150 km from Phuket, roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road. Raft houses on the lake, such as 500 Rai Floating Resort and Panvaree Resort, appear in 2026 guides, and rates and vacancies are unconfirmed, so contact the resort. The headquarters area charges about 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children. The lake area is charged separately at about 300 THB and 150 THB. Travellers on a minivan switch to a songthaew for the final 13 km at about 600 THB per vehicle. The Khao Sok park page lists both sets of fees.

Khao Lak. This coast is the practical base for the Similan Islands, which are open from mid-October to mid-May and opened for 2026-27 on 15 October 2026. Liveaboards and Khao Lak hotels only make sense inside that window. Entry costs about 500 THB for adults by e-ticket, a daily quota applies, and nobody can stay overnight on the islands. The Similan park listing gives the season.

A longer stay and the entry rules

Tourists on the visa exemption have 30 days since 15 September 2026, and an extension of up to 30 days is usually possible at an immigration office. Everyone also needs the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card, completed online in the 3 days before arrival. The UK government entry page sets out the passport and funds checks.

To see the island itself before you leave it, the 4-day Phuket plan fits the main sights into a short break.