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Ko Racha Yai
Beaches & Islands
Phuket

Ko Racha Yai

4.6(502 reviews)

Ko Racha Yai is a small, car-free island located a short boat ride from Rawai on Phuket's southern coast, making it a popular destination for day-trippers and overnight guests alike. The island is best known for its strikingly clear, blue water and sandy beaches that consistently draw comparisons to postcards. Snorkelling and scuba diving are among the main draws, with the surrounding reef accessible even to those without prior certification or experience. Visitors can expect a relaxed atmosphere well removed from the busier beaches of mainland Phuket. Day tours from Phuket regularly include Ko Racha Yai as a stop, and the journey by catamaran, while taking some time, is considered well worthwhile on arrival. Several resorts are spread across the island, catering to a range of budgets, though accommodation here tends to sit at a higher price point than comparable options on the mainland. For those planning a day trip, joining an organised tour from Phuket is a practical and common approach, with coral island combo tours frequently available. Visitors staying overnight should book accommodation in advance, particularly during peak season, as options on the island are limited. The absence of cars keeps the island quiet and unhurried, which adds considerably to its appeal for travellers seeking clean water and a slower pace.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Ko Racha Yai, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

Beautiful place to spend your day at the beach. With resorts nearby, you can even do an all nighter though the resorts can tend to be somewhat expensive. However, the waters here are crystal clear and if you bring your gogs you might be lucky to see a fish or two swimming with you. There are other activities that you can spend on at the beach here like snorkelling and scuba diving. If you are with a tour group your snorkelling will be free though flipper ls are an extra cost of 100 baht. Scuba diving costs 1500 baht and even if you are not licensed, you can go scuba diving here for upto 10 meters below the sea to look at the coral reefs, old cement structures and various fishes in the sea.

This island is post card pretty. This was one of the destinations on our day trip from Phuket. Whilst it took a long time to get there (we were on a catamaran) it was very much worth it. The water was just beautiful. The snorkeling was just ok, plenty of fish but the coral didn't look the healthiest to me (grey or brown colour). However, the water was clean and clear and at the time we visited very calm. We had to use a long boat to transfer to the island. The island has a few shops, bars and restaurants which were busy given the day trippers. However, whilst it was busy, the island was tranquil and peaceful. I would have liked to have stayed here for a few nights.

The color of water will take your breath away. Blue and crystal clear. This place is not too far from Phuket. It is cool for snorkeling and scuba diving. You don’t need certification or experience for scuba diving, there are staffs who will assist you during the dive. Snorkeling 🤿 is awesome, the coral 🪸 are so beautiful. Variety of fish 🐠 . Try to feel the water , it is so soft and relax. There is a tiny view point, you can go up there and take picture. It is peaceful up there and be careful of coconuts falling while you are sunbathing 😜

Location Info

Rawai

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around

  • Grab (widely available)
  • Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
  • Motorbike rental
  • Airport bus to Phuket Town
  • Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands

Where to stay near Ko Racha Yai

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Tips for Visiting Beaches & Islands

Check Monsoon Seasons

The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) has rough seas from May to October. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) is roughest from October to December. Plan your island-hopping around these windows.

Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy

Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Tesco Lotus or Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.

Book Ferries on 12Go.Asia

The 12Go platform lets you compare ferry operators, times, and prices between islands. Book a day or two ahead in high season. Avoid the cheapest operators if reviews mention safety concerns.

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