Things to do at Khai islands
Explore the island on foot: The Khai islands are uninhabited and are so small that you walk through each island in just about 30 minutes. Walk through the white-sanded beaches, gaze at the natural rock formations and capture as many pictures as you can in this whimsical tropical paradise.
Swim in the warm waters: All the three islands - Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui have shallow water and gentle waves in their beaches which make swimming in the Khai islands extremely safe and pleasurable not just for adults but for children too. Colorful tropical fishes are found thriving even close to the shores that you would be literally swimming with them in the Khai islands. While both Khai Nai and Khai Nui do not have stalls to buy swimming gear, there is one souvenir shop in Khai Nok where you can buy sarongs. The beaches of the islands have small rocks at their beds and hence, it is advisable to carry your own swimming shoes.
Snorkel and explore the coral reefs: Khai islands are blessed with abundant coral reefs that are a sheer delight to be explored with snorkeling. The best part is that these coral structures are found pretty near the shore and so, if you are a novice snorkeler, Khai islands are the best destinations to hone your snorkeling skills. The brightly colored tropical fishes play a game of hide and seek within the corals and watching them through the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. There are no shops to rent snorkeling equipment and hence, snorkelers are advised to carry their own gear. Most boat tour agencies that take you to the Khai island have an option of renting snorkeling gear from them.
Shop souvenirs at Khai Nok: While the Khai islands are uninhabited, there is one souvenir shop in Khai Nok where you can shop for souvenirs like jewelry made from sea shells and beads, sarongs, T-shirts with prints of Khai island, and other handicraft items.
Get sun kissed: Khai islands are known for their pristine white-sanded beaches and laid back atmosphere, where you can spend hours and hours under the shade of an umbrella rewinding yourself and getting tanned in the sun. The Sun does get merciless at times, particularly in the afternoons, and do not forget carrying sunscreens with maximum UV protection formula.
Marvel at the magnificence of Mother Nature: Khai islands look magnificent with untamed beauty and tourists can bask in the beauty of the white-sanded beaches, the turquoise green waters of the sea, and the unique rock formations on the islands.
Places to visit near Khai island
1. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
This Elephant sanctuary sprawling over 30 acres of dense tropical jungle is the rehabilitation center for old and injured elephants rescued from abuse. The park hosts several programs for tourists which include activities like sanctuary exploration, observing the huge mammals in their natural habitats, elephant feeding, and elephant food preparation.
2. Phuket Aquarium
The Phuket aquarium has more than 30 tanks of marine creatures like an eel, crabs, shrimps, sharks, spaceships, razorfish,stonefish and many exotic ones. The key attraction here is the tunnel inside the large tank through which you can watch rays, snapper, and sharks swimming around you in enclosures.The fish feeding program at the aquarium is a huge draw for kids and adults alike. There is also a souvenir shop to shop for T-shirts, coffee mugs, keychains, cloth bags, and stuffies with prints of marine creatures.
3.Siam Niramit Phuket: This is a 1760-seat theatre where more than 100+ actors are dressed in more than 500+ vibrant costume stage shows that depict Thailand's culture, history, and heritage.
Also Read: National Park In Phuket
Places to stay near Khai islands
1. Yao Yai Resort: This beachfront resort features villas and rooms with amazing views of the beach. The rooms are modest with comfortable bedding and wardrobes. The outdoor pool at the resort overlooking the beach and the sun loungers placed around it are a perfect retreat.
Distance from Khai island: 8.4 km
2. Island Escape By Burasari: Located at Koh Maphrao, this luxury resort has 46 private villas and 204 rooms built and designed using natural materials and sustainable design. The rooms are air-conditioned with astounding views of the landscaped gardens and the resort has private beach access for its guests.
Distance from Khai island: 13.1 km
3. Koh Yao Yai Village: Featuring refreshing rooms that brim with rustic charm, the resort promises authentic rural island life to its inmates. The rooms are air-conditioned and have private balconies. The spa at the resort offers world-class therapeutic massages.
Distance from Khai island: 14.9 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Phuket Island
Places to shop near Khai island
1. Jungceylon Shopping Mall: This is one of the most luxurious shopping malls in Phuket that has all major international brands within its roof. The shopping mall also doubles up as an entertainment destination with so many eateries, a theatre, and a trampoline park.
2. Phuket Weekend Market: This market sprawls over 30,000 sq. metres and is divided into three zones - one for fashion accessories, the second for food, and the last for second-hand items. No trip to Phuket is complete with checking out the Phuket Weekend Market that is open every Saturday and Sunday from 4.00 PM to 11.00 PM.
3. Chillva Market: This artistic night market in Phuket Market is full of shops made from recycled shipping containers and gets lively after the sunsets. The market also has an amphitheatre within it where live bands perform during peak hours.
4. Phuket Old Town: The Old Town area in Phuket is lined with local retail shops that sell clothing in vibrant colours and astounding pieces of antiques.
Recommended Read: Markets In Phuket
Traveller Tips For Koh Khai Island:
1. Always carry sunscreen lotion with you while going to this island as the sun does get scorchingly hot in the afternoons.
2. The best time to visit the island is in the mornings as it gets crowded with passing time; particularly during the peak season that you might not find a sun umbrella or a lounge chair to take refuge from the blazing sun.
3.Do not carry anything expensive with you while visiting the islands.
4. Keep your rented snorkelling gear safe. Missing them can cause hefty penalties to be levied.
5. Always wear shoes or slippers while entering the beach to protect your feet from the rocky coast and sea urchins.
6. Carry basic topical antiseptic creams with you.
7. Do not miss carrying your cameras and power banks.
8. Speedboat rides to Khai islands are not recommended for pregnant women, children below 1 year, and people with heart diseases and chronic neck and back pain.
