Koh Racha Yai Island Excursion

The moment you first step onto the pristine sand of Koh Racha Yai, it’s hard not to be amazed. The sand is remarkably fine and white — almost like powder — so bright in the sun that sunglasses are a must. When the heat gets too much, you can always find shade beneath the island’s tall palm trees.

Brief characteristics of the island

Koh Racha Yai, also known as Raya Island, is a small, idyllic island located about 12 km south of Phuket. It’s a popular spot for day excursions, snorkeling and diving. The island is compact enough to host just a handful of resorts, including:

The luxurious The Racha
Racha Island Resort
Baan Raya Resort
The charming Bungalow Raya Resort

Even people who live on Phuket sometimes need to escape to a small slice of paradise like Koh Racha Yai to make the most of their free time.

Advantages of vacationing on the island

Getting to Koh Racha Yai is easy — just 30 to 60 minutes by comfortable yacht and you’re there.

Other advantages:

Beautiful bays. Bungalow Bay is framed by a jagged shoreline, giving you a wonderful vantage point for taking in the vivid underwater world in all its glory. Snorkeling is an especially popular activity on Racha Island. Next to Bungalow Bay is Siam Bay, which — while less crowded — has notably shallow water, making it ideal for travelers with children.
Comfortable, warm climate — even during the rainy season.
You can easily spot plenty of local wildlife: crabs, monitor lizards, exotic birds.
The island’s compact size means you can walk around it in a single day.
You can swim and dive away from the boat traffic, and there is plenty of shade to escape the sun — everything a traveler could want.
This luxury resort welcomes anyone looking for privacy, a bit of pampering, and genuine Thai hospitality. It comprises seventy beautifully appointed villas and spacious suites, each with a private pool. Guests can enjoy exceptional Thai and international cuisine at three restaurants, including an open-air garden setting surrounded by towering coconut palms.

There’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail at sunset while relaxing on comfortable loungers right on the pristine beach — arguably one of the best spots to do exactly that.

Day by private yacht: Phuket – Koh Racha Yai Island and back

A trip to Koh Racha Yai is a refreshing break from the busy energy of Phuket. If you’re tired of the noise and hustle and craving a calm, unhurried getaway, consider a short trip to this island paradise. The journey takes just half an hour, and you’ll get to enjoy the island’s picturesque scenery right from the water. Adding this excursion to your Thailand itinerary will make the trip even more memorable.

Why choose our services:

We’re open to your preferences and needs, offering personalized touches like a romantic dinner or an onboard disco to make your trip even more enjoyable.
Our top priorities are spacious cabins, impeccably clean and modern common areas, and a dedicated, attentive crew.
Your safety is our priority. Our crew consists of experienced professionals who ensure you feel safe throughout the entire journey.

Start planning your exclusive yacht trip to Koh Racha Yai today. Contact us now to begin planning your tour.

How far is Koh Racha Yai from Phuket?

Koh Racha Yai is located about 12 km south of Phuket, roughly 30 to 60 minutes away by comfortable yacht.

What is the beach like on Koh Racha Yai?

The sand is remarkably fine and white, almost powder-like and very bright in the sun, with shade available under the island’s tall palm trees.

What can you do on Koh Racha Yai?

Snorkel in Bungalow Bay’s vivid underwater world, swim in the shallow, family-friendly Siam Bay, spot local wildlife such as crabs, monitor lizards and exotic birds, and walk around the compact island in a single day.

Is Koh Racha Yai a good destination during the rainy season?

Yes — the island enjoys a comfortable, warm climate even during the rainy season.

What resorts are on Koh Racha Yai?

The island hosts a handful of resorts, including The Racha, Racha Island Resort, Baan Raya Resort, and Bungalow Raya Resort.

Distance and travel time from Chalong Pier

In a straight line it is about 26 km (14 nautical miles) from Chalong Pier to Koh Racha Yai. This is an approximate straight-line distance, not an exact navigational figure — the actual route on the water is always somewhat longer.

For a motor yacht, a crossing of this length typically takes about 40–55 minutes, depending on the yacht, the weather and the state of the sea. The departure pier is also chosen to suit the route and the vessel, so we confirm the exact timing and departure point when planning your trip.

When planning a longer day on the water, this trip is often combined with Koh Racha Noi or the Racha Islands overview.

Recommended Yachts for Your Koh Racha Yai Tour

Horizon Cruises Phuket offers a private yacht charter to Koh Racha Yai tailored to your group. Two of our own vessels are especially well suited for this trip:

Technema 89 “Say Yes” — a spacious motor yacht ideal for families and groups seeking comfort on the way to Koh Racha Yai.
Beluga 88 — a stylish yacht offering a relaxed, private atmosphere for couples or smaller parties.

See our full yacht fleet or contact us to plan your Koh Racha Yai day trip.