Racha Island Day Trip

Racha Yai, also known as Raya or Paradise Island, lies 20 km off the south-eastern coast of Phuket, a thirty-minute speedboat crossing away. There is no bustle here and no crowds — only turquoise water, palm groves, white sand that squeaks underfoot, coral reefs and a rich underwater world. What awaits you is a calm, unhurried day by the sea.

The island has a decent but unobtrusive infrastructure: a few cafes and shops, bungalows to rent, and gear and boats for water sports. Among the local sights are the monitor lizards that now and then leave their hiding places and walk right down to the shore, and the buffalo grazing peacefully among the coconut palms.

Many people come to Racha not only for the seclusion and the chance to step into the wild, but for the snorkelling and diving. The marine life along Phuket's own shores does not begin to compare with Racha Yai. Thais also call it one of the best places for sea fishing, which we are glad to arrange as part of either a private or a group programme.

A trip to Racha Yai is a fine way to escape the noise of tourist-packed Phuket. The sea here stays calm almost all year, so the paradise island works as a destination in any month. We recommend it to anyone who loves snorkelling, beach days, or simply the exotic nature of the Kingdom of Thailand.