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.

What marine creatures can you encounter while snorkeling or diving:

• Clownfish – they hide in anemones, especially around shallow reefs.
• Sailfin and butterflyfish – often swim in pairs and love coral “gardens.”
• Parrotfish – chew on coral and shine in all colors.
• Moray eels – stay in holes, peeking out from hiding (do not touch!).
• Scorpionfish and flounders – well-camouflaged, often lying on the sand.
• Sea turtles
• Harmless reef sharks
• Various mollusks and crustaceans
• Octopuses – hide in crevices, active at dusk
• Sea urchins and starfish – found on the seabed, be careful
• Shrimps and crabs – sit among corals, especially visible at night
• Occasionally – dolphins and rays

It’s important to remember: do not touch the coral or the animals.

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. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, a snorkel mask, and special water shoes – reef shoes! Also remember that the Racha Islands are one of the few places near Phuket where you can still see living coral, crystal-clear water, and truly wild nature.
To help preserve all of this, it’s important to follow a few simple but crucial eco-rules:

1. Do not touch the coral or marine animals. Even a light touch can damage a coral. It can “die” over the course of years after just one contact. Never take coral pieces, shells, or sand as souvenirs.
2. Use only reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreens contain chemicals that poison corals even in tiny amounts. Look for products labeled reef-safe, without silicones or parabens.
3. Do not leave trash behind. Plastic, wrappers, cigarette filters – all of it can be blown or washed into the sea.
4. Don’t step on the reefs. They are living organisms!
5. Respect local wildlife. Don’t make noise near animal nesting areas, don’t scare birds, and don’t trample through vegetation.

To find out when is the best time to visit the Racha Islands, check out the article Phuket Weather by Month. 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.