Ko Racha Yai (Racha Island)
Clear-water island south of Phuket with white-sand bays, prized for snorkelling, diving and Andaman visibility, plus a few overnight resorts.
- Category
- Diving & Snorkeling
- Entrance fee
- Island free; snorkel/dive day tours ~1,500–2,500 THB, as of 2026
- Hours
- Daytime; speedboats approx 08:00–17:00
- Best time
- Nov–Apr for clearest water
- Time needed
- Full day
About Ko Racha Yai (Racha Island)
Ko Racha Yai is one of the best water and visibility options close to Phuket, which makes it a favourite for divers and snorkellers who don't want the long haul to the Similans. White-sand bays and clear Andaman water are the draw.
The catch is timing. Batok Bay's main beach gets busy with day-tour boats around midday, so the peaceful version of this island is early or late in the day.
There are a few overnight resorts if you want to stay and catch it quieter. For a day trip, it's a strong choice for underwater time near the island.
Highlights
- Some of the best water and visibility near Phuket
- White-sand bays good for diving and snorkelling
- A shorter trip than the Similans
- A few overnight resorts if you want to linger
Tips
- Batok Bay's main beach gets busy with tour boats midday
- Come Nov–Apr for the clearest water
- Stay overnight to enjoy the island quieter
- Chalong pier is the launch point via speedboat
How to get there
~15 km from Phuket Town to Chalong pier (Grab ~200 THB), then speedboat ~45–60 min.