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 at a Glance#
About Ko Phai#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 10 mm | some cloud | 72% | 1.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 24° - 30° | 29° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| March | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 46 mm | some cloud | 77% | 2.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 26° - 33° | 35° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 26° - 33° | 35° | 145 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| June | Good | 26° - 32° | 35° | 91 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Good | 26° - 32° | 34° | 91 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.7h |
| August | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 109 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 231 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 246 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| December | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |