Koh Bon - Day Trip From Phuket

Two kilometers off the coast of Rawai on Phuket lies the small island of Koh Bon, a popular excursion destination. The rocky island is very easy to reach from Phuket, so you can spend a beautiful day on a trip to Koh Bon.

Phuket – Day Trip to the Tropical Island of Koh Bon

Despite being close to Phuket, Koh Bon was not crowded during our visit, and it is almost always easy to find a shady spot on the beach. Most visitors, like us, spend their time on Koh Bon on the northern side, but if you like, you can also take a boat to the east of the island, as there is another long beach there.

Here, we have summarized how we got from Phuket to Koh Bon, what the island really looks like, and what you can do there.

Accommodation in Phuket – Our Hotel Tip

The JonoX Phuket Karon Hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Karon Beach. It is a modern hotel with a beautiful rooftop swimming pool. The rooms are equipped with all amenities, and family rooms with an additional bunk bed (ideal for 4 people) are also available. Furthermore, a simple breakfast buffet is offered, and there is a small room with toys for children near the reception. It is a great starting point for exploring Karon itself without a scooter or car.

Phuket offers a wide range of accommodations for various budgets. If JonoX doesn’t suit you, feel free to check out other hotels here or take a look at our recommendations for beachfront hotels in Phuket. You’re sure to find the perfect option for you.

How to Get to Koh Bon

Getting from Phuket to Koh Bon for a day trip is very easy. Along Rawai Beach and at the pier in Rawai, there are plenty of longtail boats that you can hire for the short crossing. All you need to do is get to Rawai, located in southeastern Phuket, by scooter or another vehicle (taxi, rental car, shared taxi).

As soon as you get close to the beach in Rawai, you will already see the signs offering boat trips to Koh Bon, Coral Island, Buddha Island, and more. In most cases, someone on-site will approach you when you look at the signs.

The crossing from Rawai on Phuket to Koh Bon takes about 10 to 15 minutes by longtail boat. The price is about 1200 baht for the round trip per boat. In the low season, however, you may also be able to get cheaper prices. You then arrange a time for the return trip with the boat driver on your way there.

Arrival on Koh Bon

Shortly after the longtail boat leaves Rawai on Phuket, you will arrive at the beach on Koh Bon. Most likely, you will be dropped off and picked up again at the Bon Island Restaurant.

But the crossing itself is also enjoyable, with beautiful views of Phuket. In the distance, you can sometimes even spot Phuket’s large white Big Buddha.

Once you arrive on Koh Bon, you can look for a spot to relax or have something to eat at the restaurant. If you are coming with a large group, it might be better to reserve a place at the Bon Island Restaurant in advance. We ate beforehand and therefore did not try the restaurant’s food.

The Beach on Koh Bon

Despite some visitors, whose numbers decrease throughout the afternoon, the beach at the Bon Island Restaurant is absolutely not overcrowded (we were even there during high season). Surrounded by rocks, you can go for a swim, take photos, or simply lie down in the fine, partly white sand.

We also flew our DJI Mavic drone for a bit, as Koh Bon looks even more beautiful from the air. In the aerial photo, you can also clearly see how the beach is surrounded by rocks.

Right in front of the beach, you will also find a few colorful fish in the water if you would like to snorkel. However, the north coast of Koh Bon is best for swimming at high tide. At low tide, it is relatively shallow and you have to swim out a bit, as there are many rocks in the water.

By the way, as mentioned at the beginning, there is another larger and longer beach on the east coast called Long Beach, but it is rarely visited. There, you will find nothing but nature and beach. You can discuss this with your longtail boat driver, and he may take you there, possibly for an additional charge.

Conclusion on the Koh Bon Trip

Koh Bon is an ideal destination for a half-day trip from Phuket, and you can easily do this trip on your own without having to book a tour operator. The ride to Rawai and hiring the boat were very easy, and if you go to Koh Bon with several people, it is not expensive either.

The island itself is truly beautiful. Even though Phuket has several beaches to offer, Koh Bon has definitely been one of the nicer beaches we have visited during our stays in Phuket so far. In our opinion, a trip to Koh Bon is definitely worth it.

Phuket: Tours and Tickets

Would you like to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way, you can get to know Phuket in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Phuket.

How to Get to Phuket

There are many ways to get to Phuket, but the most popular option is by plane. Phuket Airport is served by several airlines within Thailand, as well as flights from Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and more. The best way to compare all flights, as well as durations, connections, and prices, is on Skyscanner.

Furthermore, you can travel by bus from many different places in Thailand, such as Krabi, Bangkok, Khao Lak, etc., or simply take a boat to Phuket. There are, for example, ferries from Koh Phi Phi or Koh Yao Yai. You can find more bus and boat connections on 12go.asia. There, you can also book tickets directly. There is currently no train to Phuket.

Have you ever taken a trip to Koh Bon? Or could it be something for your time in Phuket? Leave us your feedback in the comments.