Koh Bon is a small island 2 kilometers southeast of Phuket. This small verdant island is covered with lush plants and several small sandy bays.
12 kilometers to the north-northeast of Koh Bon Similan is the isolated limestone island of Koh Bon. Koh Bon is a limestone island and has a very different geological history than the Similan Islands.
It’s astonishing how diverse the rock and reef composition is here, given the fact that Koh Bon is located only 40 kilometers from the north of Similan Island, number 9. It is one of the few real wall dives in the Kingdom; coral ridges extend even further beneath the vertical rock, which descends to a depth of about 34 meters.
Despite the fact that there is less soft coral here than at the Similan Islands, you can still see a variety of blue, turquoise, and yellow colors in the coral cover of this island. Also, April and May are the best months to see manta rays in Koh Bon. To the west of Koh Bon is an exposed pinnacle that draws large current feeders as well.
What to expect from Koh Bon?
Naturally, you won’t be by yourself in Koh Bon during prime time because no restaurant can make it with just one paying patron. They come here for lunch, much like other tourists looking for a secret location or motorboats that stop for lunch en route, as well as visitors who have visited this place before and have fallen in love with the location.
When you stop at Phuket’s attractions, you may go snorkeling, kayaking, or watch the yachts and sailboats pass by while sipping a local beer or a fresh baby coconut once those beach motorboats have left.
Recreations, Hobbies & Things to do in Thailand Koh Bon
Scuba diving is a popular activity to do among visitors to Koh Bon. The Ridge is a fantastic location for safe scuba diving for divers of advanced skill levels (it’s also referred to as Reef or Bay). In a secure bay, the water is shallow, and there is an abundance of life to be seen at all depths. Additionally, there is a 33-meter vertical wall in Koh Bon that is home to numerous species.
This location is accessible for all divers to enjoy while still being thrilling & fascinating for seasoned divers. Divers can be dropped off by liveaboard dive boats or even day trip boats, which typically use the island as shelter from the weather and waves while waiting for the weather to calm a bit.
It is recommended that only experienced divers should dive at the Koh Bon Pinnacle since its shallowest point is 18 meters below the surface. There is a lot to view because the sandy floor surrounding the pinnacles is more profound than the majority of recreational scuba divers can descend. It’s important to note, too, that unless divers desire to swim a significant distance to The Ridge, a lengthy and tedious safety stop is typically required.
The aquatic life at Koh Bon can be dangerous for divers who aren’t paying attention, and the currents can be weak or strong outside of these protected places while being nearly nonexistent in the bay or at the Pinnacle. Particularly in Koh Bon, it’s crucial to always stick with, obey, and follow your dive leader.
How to get to Koh Bon?
The finest way to reach Koh Bon is on a liveaboard tour from Phuket or Khao Lak to the Surin Islands in Thailand. Knowing which port you choose to depart from is worth knowing since it is farther from Phuket than Khao Lak (200 km versus 80 km). Nearly 100 kilometers (km) north of Phuket is Khao Lak, which is reachable by land.
Before buying tickets, please double-check your itinerary. There are domestic flights from Bangkok to Phuket as well as international flights into Phuket. The region, which is a part of the Similan Islands, is closed from May to October.
The most convenient way to travel to Koh Bon is on one of the longtail boats that are constantly stationed at Rawai Beach. Make sure you first come to an agreement on the cost, which is typically 1,300 baht for each boat to go both ways. Prices may change significantly based on the seasons, demand, or number of tourists on a Thai tour, but you should still get a good deal.
Keep in mind that you only pay the boat fare on the return trip. This cost is increased by the commission that each agency or driver adds. Be aware that despite Koh Bon appearing to be nearby, swimming in the channel would be quite risky!
Final words about Koh Bon
Koh Bon is a paradise on earth and one of the top attractions in Thailand. This charming island, with its unique vegetation and nature, catches every person’s eye. You can plan a day on your trip to Thailand to spend on this magnificent island relaxing. Koh Bon is just perfect for a quick run away from the pressure of everyday life in a modern city and country.