MAITON ISLAND

               Maiton Island (Maithon or Mai Ton) is a beautiful tropical island just off the east coast of Phuket. The island spans 2.5 km across at its widest point, with beautiful golden sands and palm trees, as well as pristine waters that are home to vibrant coral reefs. It's a very popular stop for cruises, particularly those leaving from Chalong Pier. While most boats can only stop nearby so that you can swim and snorkel in the sea, there are some tours offering buffet lunch right on the pristine beach. You can dive just off-shore to encounter sea turtles, cuttlefish, and many tropical seas lives. Maiton Island is privately owned, so getting there on your own can be a challenge. We recommend joining a tour if you're looking to visit the island, which is virtually non-spoilt by mass tourism.