Racha Islands: Vacation in a Tropical Paradise

Racha Islands, also known as Paradise Islands, are two small islands, Racha Yai and Racha Noi, located in the Gulf of Thailand, 12 kilometers off the coast of Phuket. Known for their unspoiled nature, clear waters and incredibly beautiful beaches, the islands are the perfect destination for those looking for a secluded vacation away from mass tourism.

An excursion to the Racha Islands is a great opportunity to explore Phuket’s scenic coastline and engage in water sports such as snorkeling and diving. The underwater world on Racha is truly amazing.

Racha Yai is the larger of the two islands with a more developed tourist infrastructure. There are several hotels and resorts that offer comfortable vacation facilities including bungalows, swimming pools and restaurants.

Racha Noi is a “wild” island, but ideal for lovers of peace and quiet. There are virtually no tourist facilities here, and nature and beaches remain unspoiled.

How to get to Racha Islands

The only way to get to Racha Islands from Phuket is by water – by speedboat, speedboat or longtail boat – longtail. The fastest will be the speedboat, a more comfortable ride awaits you on the speedboat, and the most authentic – on the longtail. However, the price for a customized transfer is quite high. There’s one lifehack – go to the Racha Islands as part of an excursion group. You may not go on the excursion itself, but such a trip will cost less.

Accommodation in the Racha Islands

Racha Yai has properties to suit all tastes, from inexpensive bungalows to luxury hotels with their own beaches and restaurants. There are also villas and houses to rent. The choice depends solely on your preferences and budget.

Racha Island Beaches

The beaches on Racha Yai Island are considered some of the most beautiful in Thailand. They are known for their white sand and dense palm groves on the shore.

Patok Bay is the most famous beach on the island. It has a boat dock and is the easiest to get to.

Kon Kare Bay is a beach located in a picturesque bay surrounded by cliffs and jungle. This place is ideal for snorkeling. Fish swim very close to the shore and are not afraid of people.

Siam Bay is a sandy beach with great ocean views and excellent local restaurants on the beach.

Ter Bay is one of the most secluded beaches in the northwestern part of the island, with incredibly clear waters and the most private setting, as well as beautiful coral reefs.

The beaches on the island of Racha Noi are quite “wild”. The coastline here is not the most convenient for a beach vacation, so this island comes mainly for diving and fishing. Here you can meet a variety of creatures, including dangerous ones, such as sailfish or whale sharks, so you need to be careful. We wrote about the most dangerous sea creatures in Phuket here.

What to do in the Racha Islands

The Racha Islands offer a real reset and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. And for active tourists there are many exciting activities:

Snorkeling and diving. The waters around the islands of Racha are famous for their purity, and coral reefs attract a variety of fish and other marine life. It is an ideal destination for underwater enthusiasts, both beginners and experienced divers.

Kayaking and other water sports. The calm waters around the islands are ideal for kayaking, as well as wakeboarding and other water activities.

Walking and trekking. Many tourists enjoy hiking around the island, exploring its scenic corners, hidden beaches and green forests.

Racha Islands in Thailand is the perfect place for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy nature. Clean beaches, clear waters, rich marine life and a variety of activities make this area an ideal choice for a relaxing and active vacation.

Be sure to check out the Diving and Deep-sea Fishing section to organize an active vacation. And if you want a truly chic and memorable vacation, explore the selection of Yachts and embark on a private voyage to the paradise islands of the Andaman Sea.