Ko Raya Yai
Island Popular snorkeling island south of Phuket, clear waters
Raya Yai Island southeast of Phuket, visited on day trips for snorkeling and diving at nearby reefs, with short boat transfers from Phuket.
Ko Raya Yai (often written Racha Yai or Raya Yai) is an island in the Andaman Sea south of Phuket, Thailand, known for clear water and reef sites. It is a frequent day-trip destination from Phuket and a small number of on-island bungalows and resorts serve overnight visitors.
Shallow coral reefs and clear waters around the island make it popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, with sheltered bays and sandy beaches used for swimming and sunbathing. Boat operators run regular day trips and dive excursions to the island’s western and southern reef areas.
Historically a small fishing community, the island’s tourism facilities expanded from the late 20th century as Phuket developed into an international tourist base. Development remains limited compared with Phuket, retaining a quieter island character.
Ko Raya Yai sits in the Andaman Sea to the south of Phuket and is part of the small Racha (Raya) island group. It is reached by boat from Phuket’s southern piers and lies within easy day-trip distance of Phuket’s main tourist areas.
- Distance and access: Located roughly 20 kilometers south of Phuket, it is commonly reached by 30-60 minute speedboat transfers from Phuket's southern piers.
- Visit style: Day trips and snorkeling/diving trips are the most common visit types because accommodation on the island is limited compared with Phuket.
How to Get to Ko Raya Yai #
Ko Raya Yai (Racha Yai) is typically reached by speedboat or day-trip boat from Phuket’s Chalong Pier (Chalong Bay). From Phuket (airport or town) take a taxi or local transfer to Chalong Pier and book a speedboat/charter; boats land on Racha Yai’s beaches and the short walk from the landing to beach facilities is a few minutes.
Tips for Visiting Ko Raya Yai #
- Catch one of the first speedboats from Krabi or Phuket if you want to avoid the midday influx of organized day trips - early arrivals find quieter stretches of sand and calmer snorkeling conditions.
- Ask boat operators where day tours normally land and request a drop at a less busy stretch of beach or a quieter cove; the island has multiple landing spots so a small change of drop‑off can avoid the main tourist cluster.
- Don't skip the short walks inland and along the headlands - many visitors stay on the main beach but quieter viewpoints and shallow reef snorkeling sites are a short walk away.
Best Time to Visit Ko Raya Yai #
Visit Ko Raya Yai in the November-April dry season for the best weather and sea conditions.
Weather & Climate near Ko Raya Yai #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2238 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (222 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (258 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (325 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (363 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (311 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
