Islands · Andaman Sea, south of Phuket
Racha Yai
The island for a calmer day than Phi Phi: clear water in the high season, a beginner dive site, and a short crossing from Chalong.
Access
By boat only
Time to allow
A day trip or a dive day
Best time
November to April; the sea is roughest in September and October
Why go
For a calmer day than Phi Phi: clear water in the high season and a crossing of about 30 to 40 minutes by speedboat from Chalong. It is also a beginner and training dive site.
Not for you from September to October if you get seasick: the sea is at its roughest then.
What you will find
According to one guide, the beaches to use from November to April are on the west and north sides, Patok Beach and Siam Bay, and the rockier east side from May to October.
Its neighbour Racha Noi has no real beach: it is a dive and snorkel stop, with strong currents at its southern tip, for intermediate to experienced divers. Manta rays are possible there in the high season, with no guarantee.
Getting there
There is no public ferry: you come on a tour, a dive boat or a private boat, almost always from Chalong, in about 30 to 40 minutes by speedboat or 60 to 90 minutes by bigger boat. One guide also mentions longtails from Rawai.
Before you go
One guide finds no park fee listed by the trips and says the island lies outside the marine national parks; we could not confirm it.
If you get seasick or travel with young children, one guide advises a bigger boat rather than a speedboat.
National rules for snorkelling and diving, since April 2025, forbid touching coral and feeding fish.
Common questions
How do I get to Racha Yai from Phuket?
On a tour, a dive boat or a private boat, almost always from Chalong: about 30 to 40 minutes by speedboat, 60 to 90 minutes by bigger boat. There is no public ferry.
Is there a park fee at Racha Yai?
One guide finds none listed by the trips, and says the island lies outside the marine national parks. We could not confirm it: check your booking.
Racha Yai or Racha Noi?
Racha Yai if you want a beach, or a first dive. Racha Noi has no real beach and strong currents at its southern tip: it is for intermediate to experienced divers.