Coral Island Phuket: Hornbills, Clear Water and Beach Clubs

Coral Island sits just off Phuket's southern coast, close enough for an easy crossing and distinct enough to feel like a proper escape. Known locally as Koh Hey, it is one of the most accessible island days in the area, with clear shallows, pale sand, generous shade and a more polished beach experience than many of Phuket's smaller offshore stops.

The island has two principal beaches, Banana Beach and Long Beach, each with its own rhythm.

Two Beaches, Two Rhythms

Banana Beach is the more refined. The cove is compact and sheltered, with organised beachfront seating, restaurants, swings, showers, toilets and shaded areas beneath mature trees. Music sometimes drifts from the dining area, giving the beach the relaxed atmosphere of a small island club rather than a remote strip of sand.

Long Beach is broader and less arranged. It has several restaurants, more space and a livelier concentration of water activities. Where Banana Beach feels curated, Long Beach feels more open and informal.

Oriental Pied Hornbills in the Canopy

The island's most distinctive residents are the oriental pied hornbills. They are often seen moving through the canopy above Banana Beach, their black-and-white plumage and pale curved bills unmistakable against the leaves. They are part of the landscape here, appearing quietly above the restaurants and beach paths while visitors remain largely preoccupied with the sea.

Snorkelling and Water Clarity

The water is usually at its clearest in the calmer morning hours. Snorkelling is easy and close to shore rather than dramatic or deep. Around the rocky edges of the coves, particularly at Banana Beach, there are small reef fish, striped fish, starfish and patches of coral. Long Beach is better for swimming through its central shallows, with more marine life toward the outer edges.

Private boat transfers do not include snorkelling equipment, so bring your own mask and snorkel or rent them separately on the island.

Food and Dining

Coral Island is unusually well equipped for a small offshore destination. There are several restaurants serving Thai food, seafood, fresh fruit drinks, beer and cocktails. Banana Beach has the more organised dining area, while Long Beach offers a wider spread of independent beachfront choices.

The best dishes remain the Thai ones. Som tam is a natural choice in the heat, especially with grilled chicken and sticky rice. Other good options include Phuket-style mee hoon, tom yum seafood, southern sour curry, steamed fish with lime and chilli, grilled prawns and crab with curry powder.

Simple Thai dishes are generally around 120 to 200 THB. Fresh coconuts, juices and smoothies usually fall between 80 and 200 THB. Beer and cocktails cost more, while larger seafood dishes vary by size and weight.

Beach Access and Facilities

Visitors arriving independently by private boat should expect a beach access fee, usually around 100 THB per person at Banana Beach. Payment is commonly accepted in cash or by Thai QR. Toilets and freshwater showers are available near the main beach area. Beach chairs, umbrellas and upgraded seating may be charged separately, depending on the area and the day.

For those travelling independently, the island is reached from several departure points across Phuket, including Rawai Beach by traditional longtail and Chalong Pier by speedboat, catamaran or yacht.

Water Activities

Water activities can also be booked on arrival. Parasailing, banana boats, clear kayaks, sea walking, paddleboarding and introductory diving are among the usual options. Many shorter activities begin at around 800 THB, while diving and sea walking cost more.

What to Bring

The island is best enjoyed without overpacking. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a light cover-up, dry clothes, a waterproof phone pouch, Thai baht and your own snorkelling gear. Secure sandals are useful, particularly if you plan to walk between Banana Beach and Long Beach.

Coral Island is not remote, nor does it need to be. Its appeal lies in how easily it delivers a complete island day: calm water, real shade, good Thai food, beach-club comfort, and hornbills moving through the trees above it all.