Ko Phai
Island Small island off Chon Buri with coral reefs
A small island off Chon Buri near Pattaya, Ko Phai forms part of a marine park known for coral reefs, day‑trip snorkeling and short boat excursions from Sattahip.
Ko Phai (also spelled Koh Phai) is an island in Chon Buri province off Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast, forming the largest island in a small offshore group near Sattahip. It is known for its clear water and coral-fringed shores and is commonly included on day-trip itineraries from the Pattaya area.
The island is uninhabited except for occasional park or military personnel and has no large tourist infrastructure, so visits are generally short and focused on snorkeling, swimming and short shoreline walks. Boat operators run regular day trips and snorkeling stops around the reef.
Ko Phai is a natural island composed of rocky shorelines and scrubby coastal vegetation; its reefs and coastal shallows are the primary attractions rather than cultural or historical sites.
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island lies roughly 20 kilometres offshore from Pattaya and serves as the principal destination within the nearby marine leisure area.
- Access: Part of a small island group off the Sattahip coast and typically reached by day-trip boats from Pattaya, at a distance of roughly 20 kilometres.
- Marine interest: Fringing coral reefs and clear water make the nearshore areas a frequent stop for snorkeling and short guided marine excursions.
How to Get to Ko Phai #
Day boats and snorkeling trips leave from Pattaya and Sattahip piers; travel time is roughly 40-90 minutes depending on the vessel. Private charters can be booked through Sattahip tour operators; the island is part of a protected marine area so follow local rules on landing and snorkeling.
Tips for Visiting Ko Phai #
- Day trips from Pattaya or Sattahip are common; choose an early boat to avoid afternoon haze and sea chop.
- Bring snorkeling gear - the reefs around Ko Phai have hard corals and blacktip reef sharks are occasionally sighted (keep distance).
- Respect the marine park rules: fishing is prohibited and some zones are strictly no-entry to protect corals.
- If visiting the lighthouse, ask boat operators whether they include a short guided loop of the island; private landing is restricted in spots.
Best Time to Visit Ko Phai #
November-February is the most reliable period for calm seas and good snorkeling visibility.
Weather & Climate near Ko Phai #
Ko Phai's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1149 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (231 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (246 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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