Racha Yai Island

Racha Yai Island, Batok Bay (2001). Photo: Kjell Engvoldsen

RACHA (RAYA) YAI ISLAND Location: 30-40 minutes south of Phuket with speedboat from Chalong Bay. View map in Google Earth

Racha Yai is a relative small island 24 km southeast of Chalong pier on the east coast of Phuket.

Racha has always been famous for its crystal clear sea, white powder sand, snorkeling, diving and big fishing.

Day trippers from Phuket arrive every morning on the powder white main beach (Batok) where many stay till afternoon before going back to Phuket. Others are on a half day trip.
Day trippers will two times a day leave the beach for snorkeling and lunch. Then you can relax on a less busy beach. Not that it ever get overcrowded.

If you prefer a bay with no boats and only a few people on the beach, then Siam Beach is only a five-ten minutes walk over a small hill away.
Where a wide shallow bay and white narrow beach stretching 900 meters greets you welcome. Not yet developed by a large company, Siam is a tranquil beach with a few bamboo restaurants, some newly constructed buildings and not that much else. So long it last!!!
On the way to Siam you will pass some basic bungalows in the hills between Batok and Siam.

Back at Batok Beach the beautiful five star resort "The Racha" line a large part of the powder white beach. Here the rates start around 10,000 baht for a night. If "The Racha" is too expensive then Ban Raya Resort at the other side of the island is a less expensive alternative.

Batok beach has perfect powder white sand and beautiful crystal clear water. Would be one of my favorite beaches around Phuket if it was not for all the boats anchored up in the small beautiful bay. Another minus is the floating jetty that was not there before the construction of "The Racha".

Rest of the area along the beach that "The Racha" don't occupy has a few shops, restaurant, public toilet (10 baht), shower (20 baht), bars and a diving shop.

When going on a day trip, Batok Beach is where you will stay most of the day. After one hour or so it's time to go snorkeling a few minutes away with speedboat. First stop is close to Siam Bay in mostly deep waters. The second and last snorkeling spot is in Kon Kare Bay on the east coast where Ban Raya Resort is located. This small bay has very clear water, but the sea on the east side of the island can be more rough in high season.

After snorkeling it's time to dinner at a restaurant on the island. There are two restaurants that is used by tour companies. The best restaurant is located in Batok Bay with a nice view of the whole beach. The other restaurant is located midway between "The Racha" and Ban Raya Resort.

Siam Beach is now my favorite beach on Racha. Here I will swim in the clear water. Snorkel in the long shallow bay. Relax on the white sand and get that tropical paradise feeling! Thanks to no resort, no day trippers, no tour boats.


Batok BayBatok Beach

More photos from Racha Island

Banraya Resort and Spa has 48 guest rooms situated in a 27 acre beautiful coconut plantation near to Khon-Kae Bay.

6 family rooms:	Electric fan, Hot/Cold water, Air Conditioner, TV and Refrigerator*
16 deluxe rooms:	Electric fan, Hot/Cold water, Air Conditioner, and TV*
16 superior rooms:	Electric fan and Air Conditioner**
10 standard rooms:	Electric fan**

*  The electricity would provide all 24 hours a day.
** The electricity would provide during 6 pm. - 8 am.

Reviews:   Tripadvisor.com  |  Travel Blog Review

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are also some basic bungalows on the hill between Batok and Siam Bay for under 1000 Baht.
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