Two lesser-visited spots worth knowing about, both easily reached from Phuket Town.
Koh Siray
A small peninsula just east of Phuket Town, technically almost an island, home to a long-established sea gypsy (Chao Ley) fishing community and quiet views back across to the mainland — a genuine slice of local life rather than a tourist attraction. See our sea gypsies guide for more on this community's history.
Naka Yai
A small island off Phuket's east coast known for pearl farming, reachable by a short boat trip — quieter and far less visited than the west-coast tourist islands, with a handful of simple beach resorts. Some pearl farms on the island offer visits showing the cultivation process, alongside the chance to buy pearls directly.
Why bother
Both are good options for travellers who've done the main west-coast circuit and want somewhere genuinely quieter, without an all-day boat commitment.
Getting there
Koh Siray connects to the mainland by a short bridge and is reachable by road; Naka Yai requires a short boat crossing, typically arranged through a local operator rather than a scheduled public service.