Koh Racha Yai Island (also known as Racha Yai or Ko Racha Yai) near Phuket is a true embodiment of a tropical dream. Just about one hour by speedboat from Rawai Beach, travelers are rewarded with crystal-clear turquoise water and powdery white-sand beaches.
The island’s main gem is Racha Beach, a wide and picturesque bay with a gentle entry into the sea, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling along coral reefs. Thanks to Thailand’s eco-friendly tourism policies, the island has remained largely untouched — there are no noisy hotels here, only a few bungalows and long, sun-filled days surrounded by sea and tranquility.
This makes Koh Racha Yai Island an ideal one-day trip for those who want to escape Phuket’s bustle and experience a true island paradise.
Why Koh Racha Yai Is a Must-Visit When Staying in Southern Phuket
Koh Racha Island, also known as Racha Yai Island Thailand, is a must-see destination for travelers who appreciate pristine nature. The reason is simple: it is considered one of the cleanest, most well-maintained, and visually stunning islands in the Phuket area.
Its signature feature is a perfectly shaped bay with dazzling white sand and water in striking shades of turquoise. This destination is ideal for a day excursion — you arrive in the morning by speedboat, spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the underwater world, and return to Phuket in the evening.
The route is especially convenient for travelers staying in Rawai or Nai Harn, as the boat journey takes minimal time, making Phuket to Koh Racha Yai one of the most comfortable island trips available. The island truly represents the benchmark of a tropical beach escape within easy reach.
Where Is Koh Racha Yai Located?
Koh Racha (Racha Yai) is located in the Andaman Sea, approximately 20 kilometers south of Phuket. The closest and most convenient departure point for excursions is Chalong Pier, which is just a 15–20 minute drive from Rawai, one of the most popular resorts in southern Phuket.
From Chalong Pier, a modern speedboat will take you to the island in about 30–45 minutes. Nearby lies its smaller and more secluded “brother” — Koh Racha Noi, which is far less visited and attracts travelers seeking complete isolation.
Beaches of Koh Racha Yai: Where Is the Best Place to Swim?
The undisputed highlight and calling card of Koh Racha Yai Phuket is Batok Bay. This is the beach most often seen in photographs: a wide crescent of fine white sand with a gentle slope into crystal-clear turquoise water. It is a safe and ideal spot for swimming and shoreline snorkeling.
In addition to Batok Bay, the island also features several smaller, rockier coves that are well worth exploring.
Sai Keo Beach
Sai Keo Beach is a lesser-known corner of peace and untouched nature near Rawai and the lively southern coast of Phuket. Its unique charm lies in its rocky shoreline, scenic boulders, and calm, crystal-clear water, giving it the feel of a hidden lagoon rather than a classic sandy beach.
There are no sun loungers or beach bars here. Sai Keo is a place for solitude and contemplation — perfect for watching local fishermen, sunbathing on flat rocks, or capturing stunning photos against the backdrop of turquoise sea and stone formations. It is an excellent alternative for travelers tired of crowded sandy beaches.
Tammalang Beach
Tammalang Beach offers a more active and functional beach experience. It serves as the island’s main hub and the most developed area. Here you will find essential tourist infrastructure, including restaurants and cafés serving fresh seafood, drinks, sunbed and umbrella rentals, and dive centers.
Tammalang acts as the logistical center and departure point for divers exploring the rich underwater world around Ko Racha Yai. The beach itself is rocky, with a concrete pier for boats, so visitors often move to nearby Batok Bay for sandy swimming areas.
Water quality at both beaches is excellent. Tammalang Bay is well protected, making the sea calmer, while Sai Keo offers exceptionally clear water during calm weather.
Things to Do on Koh Racha Yai Island
Koh Racha Yai Island is more than just white sand and turquoise water. It is a perfect destination for water activities and immersion in nature. The main attractions are snorkeling and diving — underwater visibility often exceeds 20 meters, revealing vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, schools of tropical fish, and even harmless reef sharks.
For calmer exploration, kayaking and SUP boarding are excellent options. The island’s stunning color palette also makes it ideal for photography. Visitors can take short walks inland, enjoy a picnic under palm trees, or simply relax on one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.
How to Get to Koh Racha Yai from Rawai and Phuket
Reaching Koh Racha Island from southern Phuket is quick and easy. Most travelers follow a two-step route.
First, you travel from Rawai, Nai Harn, or Kata to Chalong Pier, which takes about 15–25 minutes by taxi or motorbike. From there, a speedboat will take you to the island in 30–45 minutes.
The most popular option is joining a group tour, usually priced between 2,000 and 3,500 THB per person. This typically includes hotel transfer, boat transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Private boat charters are also available for a more flexible schedule.
The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season, when sea conditions are calm and underwater visibility is at its best.
Why Rawai Is One of the Best Starting Points for Koh Racha Yai
Guests staying at Rawayana Central Park Villas are perfectly positioned for a trip to Koh Racha Yai Island Thailand. Located in a quiet yet central area of southern Phuket, the villas are just 15 minutes from Chalong Pier, allowing travelers to reach the island early and enjoy the beach before crowds arrive.
Excursions can be easily arranged through the villa administration, offering a hassle-free and reliable option. After a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation, guests return in the evening to the comfort of their private villa.
Additionally, Rawai has its own small pier within walking distance. While large catamarans do not depart from here, speedboats and longtail boats are available, making it another convenient option.
Useful Tips Before Visiting Koh Racha Yai
Before heading to Koh Racha Yai, make sure to bring:
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Sun protection — high-SPF sunscreen without oxybenzone, a hat, and sunglasses
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Water and snacks — prices on the island are higher, and options are limited
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Cash — Thai baht for sunbeds, food, and small purchases (no ATMs on the island)
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Equipment — a waterproof phone case and personal snorkeling mask for comfort and hygiene
Following these tips will help you fully focus on relaxation and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Koh Racha Yai: A Piece of Paradise Easily Reached from Phuket
Koh Racha Yai Island is more than just another excursion — it is a benchmark of tropical perfection. Its immaculate white sand, turquoise water with over 20 meters of visibility, and serene atmosphere set it apart from other destinations.
Its proximity to Phuket is its greatest advantage, especially for travelers staying in Rawai or southern Phuket, where access to the pier takes just minutes. For those seeking the perfect base that combines authentic island living with easy access to paradise islands, Rawayana Central Park Villas offer an ideal solution.
Koh Racha Yai proves that true paradise does not have to be far away — sometimes it is just one boat ride from Phuket.