Picture this: you, in your swimsuit, floating in water so clear you can see your own toes without squinting, while palm trees wave at you like they’re in on a secret. That fantasy is real at Banana Beach on Koh Hey, Thailand - a tiny island that’s somehow managed to stay serene while Phuket next door throws a never-ending Full Moon Party. Tripadvisor named it the second-best beach in the world (and best in Asia) for 2025, and Travel + Leisure called Thailand the “Destination of the Year” for 2025. Because apparently, beaches are now ranked like college football teams.

Koh Hey, also known as Coral Island (or Koh He, or Koh Hae - pick your favorite spelling), is a 30-minute longtail boat ride from Phuket’s Rawai Beach. No airport, no problem: you’ll need a boat. A round-trip longtail ferry runs about 1,500 to 2,000 Thai baht ($45 - $60), while a speedboat charter costs about double. Or you can let a tour group handle everything - Rick Steves approves, and who are we to argue with the pope of budget travel?

The best time to visit is November through May, when the water is clear and calm. Summer brings rain and stronger surf, so plan accordingly unless you enjoy your beach experience with a side of monsoon. Amenities are limited - no overnight stays since the Coral Island Resort closed - but you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels, and even a banana boat (yes, really). There’s an open-air cafe with bamboo architecture that one visitor from Rainier-Siam.com said gave them “a little crush.” Nearby Chophouse serves Thai beach fare for about 700 - 800 baht ($20 - $25) per person. It’s not cheap, but hey, you’re paying for the privilege of pretending you discovered it first.