To help you plan the perfect winter holiday, 12Go, a leading platform for booking transport across Asia, has analyzed the most popular travel routes from Phuket.
From peaceful retreats to exciting adventures, these destinations offer something for every traveler. Many are just a short boat or car ride away, making them easy to access. Based on 12Go’s internal data analysis, including travel itineraries for the 2025 winter holidays, 12Go has identified the top 8 destinations as the best options for travel from Phuket.
Here are 8 top destinations:
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Samui
Koh Phangan
Krabi
Koh Lanta
Ao Lang
Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai
Khao Sok National Park
1. Koh Phi Phi
Claiming to be the top spot, Koh Phi Phi is famous for its beautiful turquoise waters and iconic limestone cliffs. Accessible by a 2-3 hour ferry from Phuket, it’s a dream destination for those seeking scenic escapes. In Phuket, boats for Koh Phi Phi leave from The Rassada Pier, located southeast of Phuket Town.
Departures start as early as 6 AM, with several daily options available. Many also connect to other southern islands, including Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, the Trang islands, and beyond.
Koh Phi Phi attracts young travelers, nightlife enthusiasts, and beach lovers. It offers a variety of parties and stunning coastal scenery. You can try activities such as snorkeling, diving, cliff jumping, and watching sunsets.
You should try a longtail boat tour that will take you to the main attractions of Phi Phi Island and Maya Bay, as well as Bamboo Island, Tonsai Village, Monkey Beach, Mosquito Island, Viking Caves, and Pile Lagoon. With a budget range from moderate to expensive, it remains a top choice for backpackers, solo travelers, and couples.
2. Koh Samui
Crystal clear waters and idyllic beaches, lush tropical greenery, modern ‘island-style’ shopping malls, fancy jewelry shops, and colorful local markets, Samui has it all. It is an ideal destination for families, couples, and luxury travelers seeking a balance between relaxation and adventure. The island offers everything from diverse beaches to relaxing spa resorts. Must-see attractions include stunning waterfalls, the iconic Big Buddha, and beautiful temples.
In addition to the usual activities like diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jungle trekking, and exploring waterfalls, set aside a couple of hours to visit Thailand’s sole rum distillery, Magic Alambic. Families with young children will enjoy Paradise Park, a spacious petting zoo that doubles as one of the island’s top viewpoints.
Regular flights and ferries from Phuket make it easy to reach this island paradise. To get from Phuket to Koh Samui, you can choose between flying, taking a ferry with a bus or van transfer, or driving yourself. The fastest option is a direct flight with Bangkok Airways, which takes about 1 hour but can be expensive. Alternatively, you can take a bus or van from Phuket to Surat Thani (4–5 hours) and then a ferry to Koh Samui (1.5–2 hours). Another convenient option is booking a combined transfer service with a van ride to the pier and a ferry ticket. It’s best to book in advance, especially during the peak travel season.
3. Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan offers a variety of experiences, such as peaceful yoga classes, crystal-clear snorkeling spots, and scenic hiking trails. Its energy and serenity attract backpackers and spiritual seekers. Known for its legendary Full Moon Party, it’s also perfect for party enthusiasts.
Koh Phangan offers serene beaches like Haad Khom, Mae Haad, which has a sandbank to Koh Ma, and Zen Beach for sunsets and evening gatherings. Snorkel at reefs in Haad Khom, Mae Haad, or Secret Beach or visit temples like the Chinese Temple of Goddess of Mercy.
Take a ferry from Phuket to experience unique island life. The fastest way to get there from Phuket is by using a combined bus and ferry ticket, which takes about 7-8 hours. Budget travelers can save money by buying separate bus and ferry tickets, although this may require an overnight stay in Surat Thani.
4. Krabi
Just a short journey from Phuket, Krabi offers dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and activities like rock climbing and island hopping. These make it ideal for an active yet relaxing winter destination. It’s perfect for adventurers, beach lovers, and families seeking natural beauty and fun.
Krabi provides experiences like rock climbing, hot springs, temple visits, and island hopping to Railay Beach. With its natural attractions like the Emerald Pool, Wat Tham Suea, and hidden gems like Khao Ngon Nak, Krabi Town is worth exploring beyond the beaches. Pair these with budget accommodations and a café scene for a well-rounded experience. The budget is affordable and ideal for those seeking relaxation.
The road distance from Phuket to Krabi is 170 km. Phuket and Krabi are connected by buses and ferries, with buses taking about 3 hours and ferries ranging from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route. Taxis offer a quicker, private option but can be pricey. Always check the weather, as the Andaman Sea can be rough.
5. Koh Lanta
Known for its relaxed atmosphere, quiet beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere, Koh Lanta is the perfect choice for unspoiled beaches and a cozy getaway. It is accessible by ferry and offers a peaceful escape from the busy tourist areas.
Koh Lanta offers plenty to see and do. Relax on Long Beach or Kantiang Bay, and snorkel or dive at Koh Rok. Visit Lanta Old Town for its wooden houses, or explore Mu Ko Lanta National Park for great views and wildlife. Kayak through mangroves, see the lighthouse and enjoy fresh seafood at the beach.
The journey from Phuket to Koh Lanta is often by bus, minivan, or ferry. The bus route to Krabi takes about 3 hours; from there, it takes a further 1-2 hours by minivan or ferry to Koh Lanta. Ferries, available mainly in high season, take between 1.5 and 4.5 hours.
6. Ao Nang
Ao Nang perfectly balances lively restaurants, bars, and pristine beaches. Its proximity to Phuket makes it an excellent choice for a quick getaway. Explore Ao Nang with a mix of unique experiences: visit an elephant sanctuary to care for and bathe rescued elephants, kayak or walk to Phra Nang Cave to see its unusual shrine, or discover the stunning Diamond Caves with their dramatic stalactites and bats. Each activity offers a memorable glimpse into the area’s natural beauty and culture. Watch the daily fire show at Ao Nang Beach, or for a panoramic 360º view of Krabi, hike the 1,260 steps to the top of the Tiger Cave Temple; entrance is free, but donations are welcome.
Travel options from Phuket include ferries, minibusses, taxis, or combinations of both. The ferry is the fastest and offers scenic views but depends on weather conditions. Budget travelers can opt for a minibus or a bus+minibus combination. Taxis provide the most convenience but are the most expensive.
When heading to Ao Nang, you can take a boat from Phuket to Krabi first, then take a songthaew to Ao Nang, or go directly from Phuket to Ao Nang. This can save you two hours of travel and significantly reduce your time on the waves. You can find different travel options to travel on 12go.asia
7. Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are two quiet neighboring islands that remain largely undiscovered by most travelers. Situated in Phang Nga Bay, they are just a short boat ride from Phuket. They offer unspoiled tranquility, perfect for couples and honeymooners.
With eco-friendly resorts, serene beaches, and activities like kayaking and island hopping, these islands are a haven for a relaxing holiday. They are also ideal for those looking for understated luxury and romance.
You can choose between ferries, minibuses, or taxis from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi. Ferries are the most affordable and offer scenic views. Depending on your chosen mode of transport, the journey takes between 1 and 6 hours.
8. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park offers unrivaled opportunities for nature lovers, ecotourists, and adventurers. It is famous for its stunning jungle scenery, iconic floating bungalows, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Swap the beaches for the lush jungle when you visit Khao Sok, home to Thailand’s oldest rainforest and Cheow Lan Lake. It is a nature lover’s paradise and is just a few hours’ drive from Phuket.
The 75 km journey takes between 2 and 5 hours. You can choose between buses, minibuses, or taxis from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park. Buses are the most affordable option, while taxis provide the fastest and most flexible journey but can be expensive.
Conclusion
These top 8 destinations offer more than just a vacation — they’re a chance to kick off the New Year with adventure and discovery. From the secluded shores of Koh Yao to the thrilling treks of Khao Sok, each trip promises an unforgettable experience.
Make 2025 the year you explore more, plan more brilliantly, and travel further. With 12Go, turning those travel plans into reality has never been easier. Book your itineraries today, and let the adventure begin.