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Banana Beach occupies the northwestern curve of Koh Hey, the small island better known to day-trippers as Coral Island. The beach operates under its own name and schedule, distinct from the main landing points at Long Beach and the eastern shore. This guide clarifies the naming overlap and covers the practical details you need before you book a longtail.
Quick answer
Banana Beach Koh Hey Coral Island is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, with free entry to the beach itself. Optional fees apply for beach chairs, umbrellas, and organized water sports. The beach shares the same island as Coral Island's other coves but maintains separate branding and on-site management, which can confuse first-time visitors searching under either name.
Koh Hey sits three kilometers off Rawai's southeastern tip, a twenty-minute longtail ride through the sheltered channel between Phuket and the outer reef. The island hosts three distinct beach zones, each with its own operator and brand. Banana Beach claims the northwest cove, a crescent of pale sand backed by casuarina trees and a single open-air restaurant. Tour packages sold as "Coral Island day trips" typically land passengers at Long Beach on the eastern side, leaving many visitors unaware that Banana Beach exists as a separate destination on the same landmass. The confusion is not accidental. Koh Hey lacks a unified tourism authority, so each beach operates independently under its own name. Banana Beach Koh Hey Coral Island is the full designation used by the property itself, a hedge that captures search traffic under both the island's geographic name and the marketing label used by Phuket's tour desks. If you book a "Coral Island" package and expect to arrive at Banana Beach, confirm the landing point with your operator—the two beaches are a fifteen-minute trail apart, and longtails rarely make unscheduled crossings. The cove's appeal rests on shallow water and relative seclusion. Morning arrivals between 09:00 and 11:00 secure front-row seating before the midday sun drives most swimmers into the shade. The sand shelf extends thirty meters offshore before dropping to snorkeling depth, making it popular with families carrying young children. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel sets are available for hourly rental through the beach's activity desk, though the house reef here is less intact than the coral gardens off the island's southern point. Banana Beach enforces a quieter atmosphere than Long Beach, with no jet skis and a single restaurant rather than a row of competing vendors. The trade-off is fewer amenities: no on-site changing rooms, limited shade structures, and no ATM. Visitors should carry cash in small denominations for chair rentals and meals. The last longtail departure to Rawai leaves the beach at 17:30, thirty minutes before the official closing time, so plan your exit accordingly.
“Koh Hey lacks a unified tourism authority, so each beach operates independently under its own name.”
The best arrival window for Banana Beach Koh Hey Coral Island is 09:00–11:00. Arriving during this period allows visitors to secure preferred beach seating while avoiding the peak intensity of midday heat and incoming crowds.
Dry season, 28°C–32°C
This period offers the calmest seas and highest visibility for water activities.
Monsoon season, 25°C–30°C
Expect periodic rainfall and occasional rougher sea conditions during these months.
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Visiting on weekdays before 11:00 provides the most tranquil experience before afternoon boat arrivals.
Verdict: Arrive between 09:00 and 11:00 from November to April for optimal beach conditions and manageable crowd levels.
Banana Beach on Koh Hey operates on a consistent schedule throughout the week to accommodate visitors. The beach is open daily from morning until early evening.
Access to Banana Beach on Koh Hey is free for all visitors. Optional costs apply only if you choose to utilize specific on-site services.
Verdict: A typical adult pays 0 THB for entry, with total spending varying based on individual choices for beach furniture or water activities.
Banana Beach is located on the north side of Koh Hey (Coral Island). Access is primarily facilitated via private boat operators departing from the Rawai area in Phuket.
Travel to the pier area near Viset Road in Rawai
Direct transfer to Rawai pier from Phuket town or major beach hubs
Speedboat transfer from Rawai pier to Banana Beach
Secure your transport arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth transition from your accommodation to the pier. Upon arrival at the pier, confirm your boat operator details to facilitate a direct transfer to the beach.
Everything you need to know about banana beach koh hey coral island
Yes, Banana Beach is a popular destination situated on Koh Hey, which is frequently referred to as Coral Island. This location acts as a primary hub for visitors exploring the white sands and turquoise waters of this regional attraction.
The entrance fee is 0 THB as there is free entry to the beach itself. Visitors may choose to pay for optional services such as beach chairs or specific recreational activities while on site.
The site is open daily from 09:00–18:00. This schedule remains consistent throughout the week, including weekends and public holidays.
It is recommended to arrive between 09:00–11:00 to secure better beach seating and avoid the peak midday heat. Early arrival also helps visitors enjoy the shoreline before the largest crowds arrive by boat.
The area features various facilities including restaurants, beach clubs, and water sports centers. These amenities support snorkeling, scuba diving, and relaxing under the shade of trees along the coast.
Yes, this island destination is suitable for families looking to enjoy clear water and tropical scenery. Parents should monitor children near the water and ensure they have adequate sun protection during their stay.