A First Taste of Heaven: The Postcard Scene
Picture soft white sand that squeaks under your feet, emerald bays fringed by jungled hills, and sunsets to make you forget all about your cell phone: these are the Racha Islands, also called Raya Islands by Thais. Close to Phuket, they look every inch the dream destination – but they also remind us that paradise is fragile and worth preserving.
Racha Yai vs. Racha Noi – Which one‘s for You?
Located only 30 minutes away by speedboat from Phuket’s Chalong Pier in the direction of The Racha Islands, there are two varieties of paradise:
Racha Yai – The one that never sleeps.
Beach clubs, resorts, bars, restaurants and one beautiful bay after another.
- East Bay – A horseshoe shaped bay with some hotels, but also home to luxury stays such as The Racha.
- Hoot Bay – The longest beach and only beach in peace on are all forecast as suns
- Kan Kae Bay and Le Bay – Snorkel with staghorn corals, colorful fish bigs and small
Racha Noi – The one that has not been tamed.
No hotels, no bars, only the deep blue sea and some of Phuket’s best diving. Strong currents draw in blacktip reef sharks, manta rays and (if you are lucky) whale sharks between February and April.
Choose Racha Yai if you want comfort and cocktails, choose Racha Noi If you’re hungry for Pure Adventure!
Launching Water Getaways: How to Get There by Boat, Large or Small
Most tours start at Chalong Pier in Phuket.
- Day Trips – The Easy Way: hotel transfers, lunch/snorkeling gear all included.
- Overnight Stays – Stay when the crowds have left and wake up on empty beaches. Resorts provide their own private transfers.
- Private Charters – A perfect idea for groups of friends or families. Hire your own yacht or speedboat at your leisure, costing between THB 13,000–15,000.
Excursions – The Best Time to Go
- High season (Nov.–Apr.): calm seas, blue skies and good visibility in the water for snorkeling.
- Racha Noi is the best place to see manta rays Oct–Feb (Dry Season, aka “Cool Season”).
- Rain from May to November, with a peak in September and October.
Activities
- Sailing & Yachting – Add sea kayaks or a slide into the water for fun.
- Beach Hopping – Simply wander barefoot from one bay to another.
- Snorkeling – Discover colorful coral reefs and swim among tropical fish.
Where to Stay
- The Racha – Eco-luxury villas with serious barefoot chic vibes.
- Baan Raya Resort & Spa – A less developed, more natural hideaway.
Food
Resorts and restaurants offering fresh seafood and international cuisine
Paradise Under Pressure
The Racha Islands are replete with challenges. This coral bleaching, anchor damage, plastic litter and overfishing has all caused them to be put under protection as a marine park. Coral restoration projects in this area boast a 95%+ survival rate.
How you can help:
- Do not throw litter in the sea or feed the fish
- Don’t touch or step on reefs of coral
- Choose tours that use mooring buoys instead of anchor chains
- Respect the ban on alcoholic beverages in formal marine protected zones
Final Word
Turns out that the Racha Islands are more than just a quick beach escape. It’s a chance to experience the future of tourism in which adventure, luxury and conservation come together. Whether you’re chasing manta rays, enjoying the seaside pool bar or just lying on the sand with a good book, your decisions matter.
Beauty is the way to go, Quiet is beautiful. Leave it as perfect for the next traveler.
And if reading this has sparked your wanderlust, you can explore trip options here: Racha Island & Coral Island Tour Phuket
