is located 30 minutes south of Phuket by speedboat. Further to the south is the smaller sister island Racha Noi, who is popular among divers.

Day trippers flock to Racha Yai for snorkeling and diving in the veeery clear sea on the east coast.

The two main beaches, Batok and Siam, are located on the west coast, where Batok Beach is the far most developed beach.
A floating jetty contribute to the fact that Batok Bay is used as the harbor of Racha Yai Island in high season. I counted 30 boats on last visit and that is a lot in a so small bay.

Most of the area behind Batok Beach is occupied by the luxurious The Racha Resort.
Before the construction of The Racha there was no more sun beds on the beach that everyone could live with. But now, the whole beach is occupied by Coca-Cola and other colorful umbrellas that should make Patong Beach proud.
Even worse, 80% of the sun beds was not in use. What a waste of the perfect white sand!
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Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket’s southern coast.

Raya Yai Island

On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.

Raya Noi Island

This island, 10 kms. 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 fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.

To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.