Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) & the far islands
Pattaya's far islands — clearer water and white sand, Navy-kept and facility-free
Updated 16 June 2026 · We visit. We don't sell placement.
The clearer-water, white-sand escape beyond Koh Larn — wilder and prettier, but a full speedboat day with nothing laid on. Reach the far islands by speedboat charter or on a full-day island-hopping/snorkel tour from Bali Hai — about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Pack water, food, sunscreen and shade, because there is nothing on the islands.
- Distance
- ~20–23 km off Pattaya (the 'far islands')
- Boat
- ~1.5–2 hrs by speedboat from Bali Hai
- Access
- Speedboat charter or island-hopping/snorkel tour only — no ferry, no facilities
- Overnight
- Day trips only — Navy-supervised, with no accommodation or facilities.
About Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) & the far islands
Beyond the near islands lies the far-island chain, with Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) the largest, alongside Koh Man Wichai, Koh Klung Badan and Koh Luem. About 20–23 km off Pattaya, they sit under Royal Thai Navy supervision, which has kept them undeveloped: pristine white-sand beaches, clearer water than the near islands, and good coral for swimming and snorkeling — but no permanent shops, restaurants or accommodation. There is no ferry; you reach them by speedboat charter or on a full-day island-hopping or snorkel tour from Bali Hai. Bring everything you need for the day.
เกาะไผ่ · one of Pattaya’s far islands
Snorkeling & diving
Clearer water and healthier coral than the near islands; snorkeling and diving over the reefs around Koh Phai and Koh Man Wichai.
- Marine life
- Better-condition coral and reef fish than the near islands, thanks to the protected, undeveloped setting.
- The beach
- Pristine, undeveloped white-sand beaches — Koh Phai especially — with no facilities.
- Best for
- A wilder, clearer-water day; snorkelers and beach-seekers happy to do a longer boat trip.
How to visit Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) & the far islands
Reach the far islands by speedboat charter or on a full-day island-hopping/snorkel tour from Bali Hai — about 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Pack water, food, sunscreen and shade, because there is nothing on the islands.
- A full-day speedboat trip — not a quick hop
- Pack water, food, sun cover and a dry bag; nothing is sold there
- Clearer water rewards snorkelers
- Check the sea and the weather before committing
Pros & cons
- Clearer water and whiter sand than the near islands
- Quiet, undeveloped and protected
- Great snorkeling over healthier coral
- Long boat trip (1.5–2 hrs each way)
- No facilities — bring everything
- Speedboat charter or tour only
Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) & the far islands questions
What are the far islands off Pattaya?
The far-island chain about 20–23 km out: Koh Phai (Bamboo Island), the largest, plus Koh Man Wichai, Koh Klung Badan and Koh Luem. They are under Royal Thai Navy supervision and have no facilities.
How do you get to Koh Phai / Bamboo Island?
There is no ferry. You reach the far islands by speedboat charter or on a full-day island-hopping or snorkel tour from Bali Hai, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Are the far islands better than Koh Larn?
The water is clearer and the sand whiter, and they are far quieter — but they are undeveloped with no shops or facilities and need a long boat trip. Koh Larn is the easier, fuller day out; the far islands are the wilder escape.
More of the island group
Koh Larn's little neighbour — beginner diving and a quiet beach Koh Krok
The turtle island — one white-sand beach, quiet snorkeling Koh Rin
Pattaya's best diving — canyons, swim-throughs and big marine life Koh Larn’s 8 beaches
The main island, ranked
Most of these are reached on a boat trip from Bali Hai Pier. For the diving, see scuba diving; deciding between islands, see Koh Larn vs Ko Samet vs Ko Si Chang.