Koh Racha is located in the Andaman Sea and is an archipelago about 20 km south of Phuket. It consists of the two islands Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. Yai means "big" and Noi means "small". The smaller island is completely uninhabited and there are no sandy beaches. Only Koh Racha Yai is inhabited and a little touristy developed. From Phuket go some day trips (snorkeling trips) to the island. Koh Racha Yai can be reached by speedboat (from Ao Chalong Pier, Phuket) or longtail boat. The trip by speedboat takes about 30-40 minutes. Here are some tours with snorkel stops, beach and lunch offered (price about 1.200, - - 1.800, - THB, depending on the provider) with the longtail boat is much longer on the way. From Rawai the boats leave. The price is negotiable between 2.000, - and 3.000, - THB per boat. For long tail, it is recommended to do with several people together, as the price per boat is. On the longtails is easy place for 6-8 people.

The small travel agencies in Phuket also offer trips with overnight accommodation. Here the price starts at 1.800 THB for 2-3 nights.

Koh Raya Yai exudes the charm of a small pirate island with beautiful beaches and turquoise blue sea. During the main season (between December and April) the island is very well visited. Especially day trippers travel by speed boat or longtail boat. In the late afternoon, the beaches empty again and the island turns into a quiet, dreamlike natural idyll.

Koh Racha Yai is only slightly open to tourists. There are only 4 hotels on the island:
The Racha (luxurious villas on Patok Beach)
Bungalow Raya Resort  (on the southern Patok Beach) From the restaurant of the complex you have a very nice view over the Patok Beach
Baan Raya Resort and Spa (Kon Kare Bay)
Rayaburi Resort (Siam Beach)

Phuket is the closest island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge (Sarasin Bridge). So there are many ways to travel by land to Phuket. Also, Phuket has an international airport and is connected to Thai Airways' hourly flights as well as other local airlines, with the provincial capital of Bangkok. Koh Racha can be reached from the pier in Ao Chalong or Rawai. Also in Phuket day tours including snorkeling equipment and food and drinks offered.

Airport transfer (Phuket) to pier (Chalong / Rawai):
The airport transfer is regulated in Phuket. For about 550 baths, it takes about 1.5 hours (depending on traffic) from Phuket Airport to Chalong or Rawai. By taxi, the trip costs about 1,300 THB. There are no price negotiations with the taxi drivers because the taxi tickets are still issued in the airport building, just before the exit, and the fixed price is charged depending on the destination. There you will receive a receipt and can then board the booked taxi or a (mini) bus / van.

You can also rent a car at the airport. Here are several lenders to choose from. In addition to the common lenders AVIS and Europcar, Thailand's largest lender is Thai Rent a Car. Depending on the season, the prices vary greatly and often smaller vehicles are fully booked in the main season. The best way to book the car already in Germany.

Arrival from Bangkok:

• Arriving from Bangkok by plane is possible with either Bangkok Airways or another local airline (PB Air, Thai AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Airways, etc.).
• The journey by land is e.g. possible from Bangkok with the so-called "VIP Bus" or "Aircon Bus" and takes depending on the traffic between 13 and 16 hours. Due to the air conditioning, it gets really cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. There are 3 different buses at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok:

1. Standard buses (orange) with approx. 75-80 seats (280 THB = approx. 7.- EUR) (the bus stops in different locations)
2.  Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 40 seats (600 TBH = approx. 15.- EUR)
3.  VIP buses (inscription "VIP Bus 999") with approx. 24 seats (895 THB = approx. 25.- EUR)

• Phuket is not (yet) connected to Thailand's rail network. But you can take the train to Surat Thani and from there about 200 km with the mini bus continue towards Phuket drive. In Phuket we continue towards the pier (Ao Chalong or Rawai).

Arrival from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan / Koh Tao:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, take the minibus to the "Bus Station" in Phuket Town. In Phuket we continue towards the pier (Ao Chalong or Rawai).

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Khao Lak, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. With the mini bus it goes on to the bus station and from there with the VIP bus to the "bus station" in Phuket Town. In Phuket, head towards Pier (Ao Chalong or Rawai).

Also, the Khao Lak - Phuket and Krabi - Phuket routes are also served by public buses. Here the fare is much cheaper, but is stopped at many stops.

The island captivates with its natural charm. You can see some rare bird species (including the hornbill) as well as large bark-lizards. The bays are full of small fish. The island is very well suited for relaxing hours on the beach and for snorkeling.
Likewise, the small islands are a hotspot for divers. You will find a beautiful underwater world here. Diving tours in the area are offered.
For all dive sites in the Andaman Sea applies that the coral was partially destroyed by the tsunami and a subsequent warming of the sea. The warming of the ocean caused a coral bleaching, which killed the coral reefs. Likewise, in recent years, more jellyfish occur, which are also due to the higher sea temperatures. On some beaches throughout Thailand you will also find signs.
In the center of the island there is a tiny village with a restaurant, a small diving school and a small collection of houses.
At Patok Beach there is a small shop where you can buy swimwear and snorkeling supplies.

There are several beaches on Racha Island. The main beach of the island is the Pathok Bay. This is where the boats dock and many day visitors only come to this one beach. The sight is heavenly: powder-fine sandy beach framed in large cliffs and crystal-clear water with many colorful fish. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing. During the high season it is relatively busy during the day, but the beach is big enough, so that nevertheless a quiet place finds itself. In the morning and evening hours, the overnight guests can enjoy a true postcard idyll here. There are 2 resorts on this beach. Both hotels have a restaurant operation.

Also very popular is the Siam Beach. Here is the Rayaburi Resort. The beach is also large and the beach is flat in the turquoise blue sea. For sunbathing and relaxing and for visiting children, the beach is very well suited.

The Ter Bay is also very popular. The bay is sheltered from the wind and you can swim and snorkel wonderfully.

Kon Kare Bay is home to Ban Raya Resort. There is no sandy beach and the bay is not quite as popular as the one before. But if you are looking for peace and just want to enjoy the beautiful landscape, here is its idyll.

The other bays are not a touristy shot. But you can take boat tours to Bang Fad Bay, Bang Hai Bay and Tham Mo Bay.