Island: Naka Islands

The Naka Islands are just off the northeast coast of Phuket. There are two islands, Koh Naka Yai (big) and Koh Naka Noi (little). The islands are still mostly undeveloped although one luxury resort has set up shop here and there is another in the pipeline. There are some lovely beaches around the two islands and they are well worth a visit for those who enjoy exploring Phuket's attractions.

The most common way people visit the Naka Islands is as part of a Phang Nga Bay day trip. However, it is also possible to make your own way to the Naka Islands and you can also stay here. There are two very different resorts on Koh Naka Yai.

Koh Naka Yai

Koh Naka Yai is of course the larger of the two islands. It has four main beaches and a few other slivers of sand. The two big beaches on the east coast have great views across to Koh Yao Yai and to the northeast are the distant towering limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay.

There is a long line of deckchairs on this beach. You can rent kayaks and unfortunately, also jet-skis and banana boats. For three hours, the beach is a hectic hive of activity and then around 5 pm, the day-trippers disappear and the island returns to its normal tranquil state.

Koh Naka Noi

To the south of Koh Naka Yai is Koh Naka Noi, the smaller of the two Naka Islands. This island has a single long beach which runs around the north and western side of the island. It is a beautiful, pristine, unspoiled stretch of sand with overhanging coconut palms.

The island is best known for its pearl farm. Several of the day trip boats stop here for a tour of the farm and there is also a shop that sells the pearls. If you go to the island privately, the farm is often not open for a tour but the pearl shop is usually open.

Apart from the pearl farm, this island is totally undeveloped.