Ko Racha Yai (เกาะราชาใหญ่) and Ko Racha Noi (เกาะราชาน้อย), also known as Ko Raya Yai and Ko Raya Noi, are twin islands off the southeastern coast of Phuket. Known for their crystal clear blue waters these islands have been an almost exclusive paradise for divers for years. With Racha Yai’s white sand beaches and expanding accommodations, Racha Yai is growing in popularity.
Ko Racha Yai with its gleaming beaches can be reached by chartered boat from Ao Chalong and Rawai. Travelling time varies by type of boat:
- Speedboats make the journey in about 20-25 minutes.
- Dive boats, fishing boats, and large boats travel time is about 1 1/2 – 3 hours depending on the season (longer in the Summer Season).
- Longtail boats can be chartered when the winds and waves are mild. Travel time in a longtail is over 2 hours in calm seas. Caution should be taken when chartering a longtail – if the weather turns you may become stranded overnight on the island or the boat may capsize.
Sightseeing and snorkeling services are available from tour operators in town. Accommodation is available. A hilltop viewpoint on the bay’s south offers a magnificent view of the whole island.
Ko Racha Noi, 10 kilometres from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and the fishing there is famous, but swimming is not recommended.
Racha Yai is an available travel and tour option year round. When the seas and winds are too strong, boats will cancel their trips for safety reasons. During the summer season this only occurs a few times.
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