Exploring Koh Maphrao: Phuket’s Hidden Island Gem
Koh Maphrao, commonly known as Coconut Island, is just a short boat ride from Phuket’s east coast and is a little-known, quiet retreat that has remained under the radar for decades. Despite its proximity to popular spots like Laem Hin Pier and the well-known Laem Hin Seafood Restaurant, this island has only recently begun attracting attention with the opening of its first hotels. Having lived in Thailand for 30 years, we finally took the time to explore this small island, and here’s what we discovered.
Overview of Koh Maphrao
Koh Maphrao sits approximately 850 meters east of Laem Hin Pier 2, making it one of the closest islands to Phuket’s mainland. Spanning less than 3.2 kilometers in length and 2.4 kilometers at its widest point, the island’s small size contributes to its intimate atmosphere. The northern coast features the primary stretch of sand, Coconut Beach, which faces Phuket’s eastern shoreline. While the island is visible from Laem Hin Seafood Restaurant, its low-key development has kept it off the typical tourist trail until recent years.
The landscape blends modest beaches with pockets of local vegetation. Unlike larger islands of the nearby Phang Nga Bay, Koh Maphrao lacks dramatic cliffs or dense jungle, offering instead a gentle topography ideal for leisurely exploration. Its eastern and western coasts have smaller, quieter beaches, though these are less frequented due to limited public access.
How to Get to Koh Maphrao
Reaching Koh Maphrao is straightforward. Longtail boats depart regularly from Laem Hin Pier, with the crossing taking just 10–15 minutes. These traditional wooden boats operate throughout the day, providing flexible options for visitors. For those staying at island resorts, private transfers are often included, streamlining the journey.
Laem Hin Pier itself is easily accessible from Phuket Town, located roughly 8 kilometers away. Taxis and tuk-tuks can drop visitors directly at the pier, where boat operators offer round-trip services. While some travelers opt for day trips, overnight stays have become more appealing with the rise of accommodation options.
The Beaches and Landscape
Coconut Beach, the island’s main sandy stretch, lines the northern coast. The sand here is darker than Phuket’s famed white beaches, with a coarse texture mixed with occasional shells and rocks. Shallow waters extend several meters from the shore, creating safe wading areas, though swimmers should note the presence of stingrays and jellyfish, as indicated by warning signs.
A second beach on the western side offers more seclusion but lacks public facilities. Both beaches have minimal shading, so sun protection is recommended. During our visit, the main beach was becoming popular since the Barcelo Hotel and its beach club opened, but it still had this unique island’s tranquil vibe.
Where to Stay on Koh Maphrao?
The arrival of resorts has transformed Koh Maphrao from a day-trip destination into an overnight stay option. Island Escape by Burasari, situated on the northeastern tip, provides beachfront villas with private pools and a waterslide, catering particularly to families. Rates start at 3,400 THB during high season, offering relative affordability compared to Phuket’s pricier resorts.
Barcelo Coconut Island
Barcelo Coconut Island is an enchanting resort situated on the small island of Koh Maphrao (which means coconut island), just a kilometre east of the Phuket coast. Nestled amidst the lush greenery and fringed by pristine sandy beaches, the resort offers a tranquil and secluded retreat. Read more about Barcello Coconut Island.
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Island Escape by Burasari
Island Escape by Burasari is a resort located on Coconut Island, next to Phuket Island. This enchanting getaway offers a blend of luxury and relaxation in a tropical atmosphere. Coconut Island, locally known as Koh Maphrao, is a tropical paradise with lush greenery, natural beaches and warm waters.
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Restaurants and Local Food
Two main restaurants serve Coconut Beach on Koh Maphrao. Coconut Seafood Restaurant anchors the central area, dishing up Thai and Western fare with sunset views. Their fried seafood platters and cocktails are crowd-pleasers, with most mains priced under 200 THB. Along with this, Pa Yoi Restaurant offers similarly priced meals in a simple setting.
However, for a truly unique dining experience, visitors can explore the floating restaurants located just east of Koh Maphrao. Two notable options include:
Kruvit Raft
This floating restaurant has gained fame for its inclusion in the Michelin Guide. It offers a unique dining experience with ultra-fresh seafood, where guests can select their meal from nets holding live fish, crabs, and lobsters. The grouper soup with Chinese soybean paste and stir-fried black tiger prawns is popular. A short five-minute boat ride from Laem Hin Pier brings you to this unique floating restaurant.
Bang Mud Seafood Restaurant
Another floating restaurant in the area, Bang Mud, is known for its Halal seafood options. It features a rustic setup with wooden huts on floating rafts, offering dishes like blue crab and various fish cooked to order. This restaurant is a great choice for those looking for a local, authentic experience without alcohol.
Both restaurants use locally sourced seafood brought in daily from Phuket’s fishing communities. During evening visits, soft lighting and the sound of waves create a relaxed dining atmosphere distinct from Phuket’s bustling restaurants.
Laem Hin Seafood
Laem Hin is a well-known local seafood restaurant on Phuket’s east coast. It’s built on a large wooden terrace where you can enjoy fresh seafood. Fish, crabs, and prawns are delivered daily by local fishermen and kept alive in tanks. The restaurant gets crowded, especially on weekends, but arriving by 6 pm can be peaceful. Although there’s no sunset view, the evening sky is beautiful. Laem Hin’s excellent seafood and southern Thai dishes make it a standout, offering a more authentic experience compared to tourist spots in Patong. It’s a must-visit for both new and returning visitors to Phuket.
Visitor Experience and Practical Tips
Koh Maphrao’s charm lies in its simplicity. Activities are low-key: swimming in designated areas, beachcombing, or kayaking around the island’s perimeter. The absence of nightlife and shopping centers makes it ideal for travelers seeking respite from Phuket’s busier zones.
Day-trippers should carry cash, as ATM access is nonexistent. While resorts accept cards, smaller restaurants and boat operators may not. Visitors with limited mobility might find the island challenging, as pathways are uneven and transportation between beaches requires walking.
Summary
In a region often associated with overcrowded beaches, Koh Maphrao offers a glimpse of old Phuket—a place where mornings begin with the sound of waves, not traffic. Its compact size means everything is within walking distance, yet the island never feels cramped. The recent addition of mid-range resorts has made it more accessible while maintaining its peaceful character.
Koh Maphrao Photos
Koh Maphrao Map
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