Racha Yai Island - Phuket holiday

Have you heard other people rave about the picturesque beaches on Racha Yai but have no idea of how to get there? Have you tried to find out how to get to Racha Yai but had no success? People have mentioned that there are speed boats that make the trip multiple times a day, but you can't find out how to book them?

There is no public ferry service to the Racha yai, the only way to get there is in a private speedboat, diving boat or fishing boat. The three hotels on the Island run their own speedboat service, once or twice per day.

If you want to make the trip to the island, only 24 km south from Chalong Pier, let us know and we can arrange for a speed boat to this beautiful island.

Visit Racha Yai with Easy Day Thailand's Premium Racha Island Tour 

When to Travel to Racha Yai and the Climate

Racha yai Island is just a short trip south of Phuket so is subject to the same weather and seasons.
Like Phuket, Racha Yai is a year round destination with temperatures generally staying within the 25-35 C range.  November through to April is the dry season with what wind there is coming normally from the North east.  The Monsoon season is May to October, the monsoon winds come from the South West often bringing rain showers with them.
As Racha Yai has West, North and East facing beaches there is always a calm, protected beach available.
For Scuba Diving around the Island the monsoon season is the best time as the better dive sites are on the east coast and are protected from the wind at this time.

Where to stay and Beaches

The habitable area of the Island is fairly small and unlike some other local islands development has been limited.

Raya Island can be divided into four main areas, Batok bay (also known as bungalow bay), Siam bay, East Coast and the centre.

Batok Bay is west facing so during the dry season is the arrival point for all people coming to the Island and consequently it is also the busiest of the beaches.  Like all all the beaches on Racha Yai this is a beach of fine white coral sand which stretches he whole width of the  bay between the two rock and boulder ridges projecting out to sea.

Siam Bay is a  five minute walk from Batok bay and is North facing, this 900 metre long white sand beach is backed by a coconut grove, the bay itself is huge with long rocky ridges making up the sides of the bay.  The western ridge has a bamboo constructed bar hanging from it a little way out from the beach.

The area of the eastern side of the Island that is accessible is split into bays, each with a small beach, though they have the same white sand as the other beaches these have a lot more small  rocks and stones on them. The largest of the three beaches is in the central Ter bay, the smallest, and at high tide non-existent beach is to the north in Lar Bay and the most southern of the three in in Konkare bay nestled below a large headland which is where one of the Islands resorts is built. There is a track leading past all these beaches which continues north to Siam Bay or you can take the main track through the centre of the island

The centre of the Island was originally where the few locals lived and is now home to two bungalow resorts and restaurants.  This is also the home of the Island other industry - Coconuts, the centre parts of the nut are normally sold locally but the husk is exported all over the world to make mats and brushes.

There are two types of accommodation on the island - Hotel Resorts (3) and Budget Bungalow resorts (4)

Hotels
The Racha - this high class, high price resort is set on Batok Beach
The Rayaburi Resort is set in the 75 acre coconut grove just behind Siam Beach
Ban Raya Resort is the oldest of the three hotels on the Island and developed from a small bungalow resort to it's current form set on the headland above Konkare bay

Bungalows
Raya Bungalow resort is the oldest  set of bungalows on the Island, set on a rocky promontory on the north side of Batok bay these are the bungalows that caused the common English name for this bay.

Raya Seaview resort is a small group of Bungalows nestled among the rocks at the western end of Siam beach.
Raya Garden Resort and Raya Father Resort are in the centre of the Island next door to each other.

Getting Around
The main form of transport on the island is walking, though there is a tractor pulled trailer that crosses the island and with the two new high end resorts on the Island there is a growing number of golf buggies for transporting their customers. For those not wanting to walk motorcycles and ATV's are available for rent and for the more eco-minded and less lazy mountain bikes are also available to rent.

Things to Do and Sightseeing
This is a small island, the main activity is on the beaches, there is plenty of good snorkelling places, especially between the bays on the east coast but also from Batok and Siam bays. Racha Yai Diving is also a popular activity on the island. There are some dive centres on the island where you can do your course or sign up for a dive if already qualified.
There are also a number of small tracks ideal for exploring by mountain bike or ATV

Racha Yai Pro and Cons

To have an Easy Holiday we believe it is important to say what we think is good and what we think is not so good about Racha Yai. So this is what we think you should know.

Not So Good - getting there can be a bit of an effort as there is no public ferry or transfer service, take away the stress and let us organise your transfer.

Prices - Racha Yai is a tiny Island, everything except coconuts has to be brought in by boat, electricity has to be generated on the island so prices in the mini-mart can be quite high, restaurants and hotels are comparable to Patong on both price and quality.

Shopping - There are a few mini-marts mostly attached to the resorts offering those things you forgot to bring at suitably exorbitant prices. Drinks and snacks can also be found in these mini markets.  There are a limited number of restaurants on the island but no limit in scope, everything from basic Thai/European fare to gourmet seafood is available.

Good - Even when the hotel and bungalow resorts are busy it is still easy to find your own space away from crowds of people, there is still plenty of space on the island and long may it stay that way

Do it Differently

For a different approach, how about an two day overnight private charter on the MV Sai Mai. Head out to the island at your own pace and visit the best parts of the island for snorkelling or diving, you can head inland anytime you like.

Interested? Let us know... !

Easy Day Thailand can book and organize your stay at all our recommended hotels and resorts, arrange activities and more. Just send us an email now 

Phuket weather 13 and 14 August 2013

Two beautiful days with just a bit of rain on Tuesday evening that last for about one hour. The Tropical Cyclone Utor, at the moment moving to the South China Sea, doesn't affect weather in Phuket.

On boat off Phuket Island in August 2013

Was a great day to be on boat and dive at Racha Noi, crystal clear water, white sand bottom and sun makes this Island, south of Phuket, perfect for snorkeling. Not so many boats are going to this beautiful place that often is unknown to those that travel to Phuket since many years. best way to enjoy Racha Noi is a boat private charter.

Racha Noi Island - Banana Bay

Forecast say that good weather will stay for all week, with wind getting a bit stronger but nothing serious, still during August weather can quickly change making any forecast wrong. Stay informed, don't play with waves and be careful about red flags on the beaches.

Can see from these pictures taken on the way to Racha Noi on 13th August morning.

Passing Racah Yai on the way to Racha Noi

Then during afternoon wind increased a bit and took clouds to Phuket with heavy rain for one hour, welcome to the tropics.

South of Phuket - afternoon 13 August 2013

MV Sai Mai - Private Diving Liveaboard Cruise to Similan Islands, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock - Day 1

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6

I joined this cruise because even though I did several tours and dives in the Southern Andaman Sea I never managed to properly visit Similan Islands and the few others north of them.

As confirmed the driver came to pick me up at my house on time in early afternoon and then we moved towards Phuket Airport to pick up Stefano and Giovanni who were scheduled to land soon, ready to go directly on board upon arrival.

With us was also Jason, a nice guy, diving instructor like me but with several years of experience diving in Similan area. He was an addition to me in order to make the most of this beautiful archipelago and to give the best experience to our guests.

After few minutes of wait finally Stefano and Giovanni, the guys (father and son) who chartered the boat showed up with their luggage. After a handshake and some conversation I quickly realized that we would get along nicely, something not always granted when you spend several days in confined spaces of a boat.

Since we had to wait a few hours before the boat was ready as it just came back from a previous cruise, we decided to take some time stopping on the way to Khao Lak at a place called Cafe 360° View Point which offers a very nice view on the northern side of Phuket Island and later we had dinner and a couple of beers on Khao Lak beach. Between beers and chatting it quickly came the time to finally get on board and set sail.

MV Sai Mai Liveaboard

I always loved cruising at night time, with the lights of the fishing boats weakly breaking the darkness beyond the horizon, between the absolute silence of the flat sea and the gentle breeze my mind clears and starts flying. I could abandon myself to this peace for hours but in this case was better to be considerate and go down to the cabin to get some sleep in order to be well rested for the dives coming next morning.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6

Phuket weather 12 August 2013 - Thailand Public Holiday

First of all today is one of most important Thailand Public Holidays, it is HM The Queen Birthday. Business, government offices and banks are close for one day to allow people to participate to events and pay respect to HM Queen of Thailand Sirikit.

Long Life The Queen

Weather in Phuket during this special day was good in the morning, then strong wind gusts announced the afternoon storms that washed Phuket Town and the West Coast.

During this day you need always be ready for rain so get a dry bag, very useful in the era of electronics and a rain poncho, this will make sure that with a good mood all will be right during your stay.

Rain coats shops in Phuket Town

Don't forget the many things Phuket offers during raining days, enjoy spas, museums and private city and island tour for shopping and sightseeing. Bars and venues will be closed on 12 August when it is prohibited sell alcohol, the ban start at 00:00 on 12 August and end at 5:00 hrs on 13 August.

Phuket Weather 10 and 11 August 2013

The week end started with rain in the night between Friday and Saturday and went like this until Sunday before noon when then clouds made space to a beautiful Sun that stayed out for all day. Everyone enjoyed soon beaches and water sports.

Floating pool at Phuket Wake Park

Phuket Wake Park

Sunday started as Saturday was and sunshine raise temperature, during the morning some isolated rain made the perfect tropical day when rain alternate with sun, raising humidity level and perception of hot air. The from late afternoon large and thick clouds arrived from West and soon was raining and it still going.

Red Flag at Kamala Beach on 10 August 2013

Always keep in mind that red flags are out to the beach to warn people that rips currents are still there and dangerous, specially in August.

Phuket Weather 8 and 9 August 2013

Once again weather has changed and we had more sun than expected. On the 8th was a good day and rain came only at night. Then this morning sunshine,, hot and really nice day until late afternoon.

Patong Beach

Then for a moment was "all in one", sun shine and rain with a big storm at horizon that washed everything for 30 minutes, then back to normal and quiet.

Storm from Patong Beach

This is the time when roads are most dangerous just wet and slippery, drive careful and eventually stop and wait for rain to pass over,  enjoying some food or a drink and the local life that slows down when weather isn't good. if you are on holidays don't need to rush some where so why risk an accident when can enjoy rain.

Another special thing today, tonight the Moon will raise and is end of Ramadan, Muslim people have completed the long fasting month.