Ko Racha Yai
A car-free island near Phuket with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and resorts for all budgets.
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Details
- Address
- Rawai
Tours that include Ko Racha Yai
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Ko Racha Yai.
Why go, and how to do it well
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. Snorkeling 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 organized 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 travelers seeking clean water and a slower pace.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
Tours that include Ko Racha Yai
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Ko Racha Yai.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ko Racha Yai, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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 😜
If you wanna swim in clean and clear water away from the crowed place with amazing swimming sandy beach, highly recommended you to join Racha and coral islands tours.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 513 reviews on Google.
Rawai
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Islands
Check Island Closures
Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Koh Tachai close mid-May to mid-October. Some smaller islands reduce ferry service in monsoon season. Always verify schedules before planning your route.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Bring Cash to Smaller Islands
ATMs on smaller islands like Koh Kood, Koh Mak, and Koh Yao sometimes run out of cash. Withdraw enough on the mainland before heading over.
Ko Racha Yai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ko Racha Yai worth visiting?
Ko Racha Yai holds a 4.6★ rating from 513 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated islands in Phuket.
When is the best time to visit Ko Racha Yai?
The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough seas).
Where is Ko Racha Yai located?
Ko Racha Yai is at Rawai, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).
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