 Coral Island, Phuket
Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae or Ko Hi in Thai, is a small resort island to the southeast of Phuket. It is situated 9 km from Phuket. It stretches 3 km from east to west but is only 800 metres from north to south. Apart from a fisherman's village, much of the island is clad in jungle, and has not changed much for decades.
Koh Hae became popular with visitors from Phuket because of its lovely coral reef. That was how it came to be known as Coral Island on the tourist brochures. Well, it also become known as Coral Island because foreigners have difficulties pronouncing Koh Hae correctly - and saying it wrong can mean something rude in Thai. So, to be safe, called it Coral Island!
Unfortunately, nowadays most of the coral reefs near the shore is dead. Nevertheless, the island has two stretches of long, white sandy beaches which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Among the tourist activities available at Koh Hae is the Underwater Seawalker, a sort of helmet that allows visitors to walk underwater.
There are a few eateries here to prepare lunch for the day trippers. Most people come on day trips, enjoy a few hours in the sun, and then return to Phuket before sunset. The island even has a resort, the Coral Island Resort, so those who want to overnight here may do so, and have the island all to themselves.
Getting there
Book a package from any of the travel agencies in Phuket. The trip by speedboat takes about half an hour.
Coral Island (11 July 2004)
© Timothy Tye
Coral Island Location Map
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