Koh Khai Nok
The closest beach island to Phuket's east coast, 15 minutes by speedboat, a dome of rock and trees ringed by white sand and clear shallow water.
Details
- Address
- Phru Nai
Tours that include Koh Khai Nok
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Khai Nok.
Why go, and how to do it well
Koh Khai Nok is the busiest and most beautiful of the three Khai islands, small dots of rock and sand in the water east of Phuket. Khai means egg, and from a boat the island looks like one, a dome of rock and trees set in a ring of white sand and very clear, very shallow water. It is close enough that a speedboat from Phuket's east-coast piers takes about 15 minutes, which makes it the easiest beach island to fit into a half day.
There is no accommodation on any of the Khai islands, but Khai Nok has simple restaurants, a couple of small beach bars, beach chairs to rent and pay toilets, so a few hours here need no planning. The catch is the timing. Half-day speedboat tours arrive in waves from late morning, and the beach is at its best before they do.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Koh Khai Nok
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Tours that include Koh Khai Nok
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Khai Nok.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Koh Khai Nok, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.
Phru Nai
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Islands
Check Island Closures
Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Koh Tachai close mid-May to mid-October. Some smaller islands reduce ferry service in monsoon season. Always verify schedules before planning your route.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Bring Cash to Smaller Islands
ATMs on smaller islands like Koh Kood, Koh Mak, and Koh Yao charge high fees and sometimes run out of cash. Withdraw enough on the mainland before heading over.
Koh Khai Nok: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Khai Nok worth visiting?
Koh Khai Nok holds a 4.5★ rating from 1,326 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated islands in Phuket.
When is the best time to visit Koh Khai Nok?
The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas).
Where is Koh Khai Nok located?
Koh Khai Nok is at Phru Nai, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).
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