Raya Island or Racha Island, Phuket has two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket ’s southern coast.
Raya Yai Island or Koh Raya, Phuket
On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hills that stretch away from it like two arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. The sands are sparking clean and the waters crystal clear like those of the Similan Islands. From the top of a hill on the bay’s south is a viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae, is a coral reef where diving is excellent.
Raya Noi Island or Koh Raya Noi, Phuket
This island, 10 kilometers from Raya Yai Island, Phuket is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi Island are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not advised.
To getting there
Boats are available for charter from Chalong and Rawai bays. The trip takes 40 minutes by speedboat and will cost about 800 Baht. A long tail (those fishing boats with big outboard motors) is slower. They take approximately an hour-and-a-half for the trip and charges are negotiable, depending on your barter skills and the size of your group – expect to pat around 2,000 Baht. Many tour operators offer day trips. Be aware that the crossing can be quite rough during the southwest monsoon season.
Boats will normally drop you off at Batok beach, a long U-shaped stretch of sand on the northwest coast, dominated by the Racha Resort, a pricey place used by the rich and famous. The likes of Brad Pitt and Leonardo Dicaprio have graced its elegant porticos. If you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it.
For the rest of us there are a number of small bungalow developments set back from Siam Beach, on the other side of the island. These are fairly basic, and rent out for about a 1,000 Baht per night. There are a few bamboo restaurants, which offer Thai, seafood and barbecue dishes.
Things to do
The main point to makes is that there isn’t much to do on the island – that’s why you ‘re going, right? Bring that treatise on political philosophy you’ve always been meaning to read, but never had the time for. Swimming and snorkeling are obviously must-dos. The restaurants rent out masks and fins for 150 Baht, beach chairs cost the same per day. If you eat in the restaurant they’ll loan you a body board for noting. Footballs are also available, but the combination of heat and soft sand make play a bit of a challenge.
If you’re more energetic, there’s a trekking trail and camp site on Ao Lar, with tents available for about 300 Baht a night – no food included. The local people run this facility.
