Most arrivals land onto a strip of fine white sand, tucked deep into a long, U-shaped Bay called Ao Tawan Tok.

There are a few bungalow resorts and restaurants located here, including the 5-star The Racha. The water here is clear and ideal for snorkelling; however, the bay can get quite busy in the afternoon with visiting boats and day-trippers from Phuket. At night, the island is pretty quiet with only a handful of bars and restaurants open – great for stargazing on the beach and relaxed evenings. The other large bay, Ao Siam, is a very pretty place where peaceful strolls in solitude are possible.

Please note that the waters between the southern tip of Phuket and Koh Racha Yai can be a little muddled during both seasons, especially when the wind is against the tide.

Highlights

Due to its relatively isolated location, Koh Racha Yai has been an almost exclusive paradise for divers for years. There are a number of challenging dive sites for advanced divers, whilst the clear waters, colourful reefs and abundance of tropical fish also makes it ideal for beginners and snorkellers.

Barracuda

Cuttlefish

Harlequin Shrimp

Stonefish

Sailing Tips

• Most of the shallower part of Koh Racha Yai Bay has moorings, whilst the only anchorage opportunity is in 15-25 metres of sand and calcified coral in the outer bay.
• There is a floating jetty operated by The Racha Resort in the high season. Sailors are welcome to tie their dinghy to the jetty if you are using the hotel’s facilities. Please note, however, that there have been reports of dinghies “untying” themselves.
• Koh Racha Yai East offers good shelter for overnight stops during the southwest monsoon.
• Strong currents are common around deep-water anchorage at Koh Racha Yai East.
• For more information, we recommend checking out the always reliable Southeast Asia Pilot.