Ko Raya Yai Island

Address: Ko Racha Yai (Ko Raya Yai), off Phuket, Thailand

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free (public island; boat transfer fees apply)

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.

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.

• 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.