Racha Islands Phuket
Escape to the Racha Islands, a tropical paradise south of Phuket, renowned for crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and serene beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Racha Islands Phuket
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to the Racha Islands, a tropical paradise south of Phuket, renowned for crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and serene beaches.
"The Racha Islands offer an unforgettable snorkeling and diving experience with breathtakingly clear waters."
speedboat tours
Speedboat tours from Phuket are popular and efficient, taking about 30-45 minutes to reach the islands.
Snorkeling Paradise
The Racha Islands are renowned for exceptional snorkeling and diving with incredible water visibility.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Racha Yai & Racha Noi
Dive into unbelievably clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling with vibrant marine life.
Pristine Sandy Beaches
Various bays on Racha Yai
Relax on soft, white sandy beaches like Siam Bay and Ter Bay, offering a peaceful escape from the mainland.
Underwater Exploration
Coral Gardens, Racha Noi
Discover diverse coral reefs and a rich variety of fish species, making it a top spot for diving and snorkeling.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on Racha Islands
Island Hopping Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
speedboat tours
Speedboat tours from Phuket are popular and efficient, taking about 30-45 minutes to reach the islands. 
Snorkeling Paradise
The Racha Islands are renowned for exceptional snorkeling and diving with incredible water visibility.
Avoid Peak Times
Visit on weekdays to escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful island experience.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate marine ecosystem by using sunscreen that is safe for coral reefs. : sunscreen:
Tips
from all over the internet
speedboat tours
Speedboat tours from Phuket are popular and efficient, taking about 30-45 minutes to reach the islands.
Snorkeling Paradise
The Racha Islands are renowned for exceptional snorkeling and diving with incredible water visibility.
Avoid Peak Times
Visit on weekdays to escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful island experience.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate marine ecosystem by using sunscreen that is safe for coral reefs. : sunscreen:
Day Trip or Overnight?
Most visitors do day trips, but overnight stays offer a chance to experience the islands' quiet charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Racha Islands' stunningly clear turquoise waters and pristine white-sand beaches, making them a top choice for snorkeling and relaxation near Phuket. While some find the islands can get crowded with day-trippers, many appreciate the opportunity for an overnight stay to experience their tranquil beauty.
"Beautiful and crystal clear water here. Very quiet and strong waves."
Curvy Killer
"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."
Ahmet D.
"Beautiful Island I'm not very far for Phuket. If you're stay overnight in the evening quiet."
Suay Klansranol
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Racha Islands from Phuket is by speedboat, which typically takes 30-45 minutes. Tours often depart from Chalong Pier or Rawai Pier.
While speedboat tours are the primary mode of transport, some services might offer ferry options. It's best to check with local tour operators for the most up-to-date schedules.
Yes, Racha Noi island is accessible from Phuket, often included in tours that visit both Racha Yai and Racha Noi. It's known for being less crowded than Racha Yai.
By speedboat, the journey from Phuket to the Racha Islands usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes.
While Chalong Pier is a common departure point, some tours may also leave from Rawai. It's advisable to confirm your departure point when booking your trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost of Racha Island tours from Phuket can vary depending on the operator, inclusions, and type of boat. Expect prices to range from approximately 1,500 to 3,000 THB per person for a day trip.
It is highly recommended to book your Racha Island tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
Generally, there are no specific entrance fees to visit the Racha Islands themselves. However, tour packages will include the cost of boat transport, activities, and sometimes lunch.
Most day trips include speedboat transfers, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and sometimes access to specific beaches or viewpoints.
While it might be possible to buy tickets on the spot, booking in advance is safer to guarantee availability and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Siam Bay and Ter Bay are two of the most popular and beautiful beaches on Koh Racha Yai, known for their soft white sand and clear waters.
Yes, Koh Racha Yai is excellent for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and a good variety of marine life visible in its clear waters.
Absolutely! There are several resorts on Racha Yai, offering a chance to experience the islands' tranquility after day-trippers leave.
Activities include swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing on the beaches, and exploring the island's viewpoints.
Racha Islands can get crowded, especially during peak season day trips. Visiting on weekdays or opting for an overnight stay can help avoid the crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for panoramic views from viewpoints on Racha Yai, the stunning white-sand beaches, and the vibrant underwater scenes while snorkeling or diving.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Yes, the clear waters make Racha Islands fantastic for underwater photography. Consider bringing a waterproof camera or housing.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and ocean views. For underwater shots, a GoPro or similar action camera is ideal.
Racha Yai has several viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the bays and surrounding sea, perfect for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of sun protection, including hats and rash guards, as the sun can be intense. Consider a tour that offers a relaxed pace, allowing ample time for beach fun and swimming without feeling rushed. 💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Racha Islands: A Snorkeler's and Diver's Paradise
Racha Yai offers accessible snorkeling spots right off its main beaches, making it ideal for beginners and day-trippers. Racha Noi, on the other hand, is generally considered more pristine and less crowded, often favored by divers for its deeper dive sites and potential for encountering larger marine species.
When planning your underwater adventure, remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine ecosystem. The visibility and abundance of marine life make the Racha Islands a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring Thailand's underwater beauty.
Island Hopping from Phuket: Racha vs. Other Destinations
Racha Yai is known for its beautiful, easily accessible beaches and clear waters, making it a great choice for families and those seeking relaxation.
Racha Noi provides a more secluded and rugged experience, often favored by snorkelers and divers looking for pristine conditions away from the main tourist trails. For those looking to escape the crowds of Phuket, the Racha Islands, particularly Racha Noi, are often cited as a good option.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit