Koh Racha
เกาะราชา · Phuket Province
Population
200
Budget / Month
$889
Internet
10 Mbps
Best Season
November to April (dry season); February-April for manta rays at Racha Noi
About Koh Racha
Koh Racha comprises two islands — Racha Yai and Racha Noi — located 23 kilometers south of Phuket. Together they offer some of the clearest, most turquoise water in Thailand, with visibility often exceeding 20 meters. Most visitors come as day-trippers, but Racha Yai has accommodation for overnight stays that reveal the island's quieter side.
Racha Yai's horseshoe-shaped Batok Bay has stunning white sand and crystalline water — tropical perfection just 35 minutes from Phuket's Chalong Pier. Diving is a major draw with sites suitable for all levels, from shallow coral gardens to deeper reef shark encounters. Racha Noi offers advanced diving with manta rays from February to April.
Overnight guests get the remarkable experience of having the beach to themselves after day-trippers leave around 3 PM — a dramatic contrast to the busy daytime when multiple tour boats anchor in the bay.
Historical Note
Koh Racha was historically used by Phuket fishermen as a temporary base. Tourism development began in the early 2000s and the islands gained attention as a premier dive destination and Phuket's best day-trip beach escape.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season); February-April for manta rays at Racha Noi
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะราชา
Province
Phuket
Region
Southern
Population
200
Area
4.5 km²
Elevation
85 m
Postal Code
83130
Airport
HKT
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month32,000 THB
~$889 USD
comfortable
/month69,500 THB
~$1,931 USD
luxury
/month137,000 THB
~$3,806 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant meal (resort) | 200 | 500 |
| Beer (bottle) | 80 | 120 |
| Coffee | 60 | 100 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 20 | 30 |
| Fresh fruit plate | 80 | 150 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget bungalow | 800 | 1,500 |
| Mid-range resort | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| The Racha (luxury) | 5,000 | 15,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip from Phuket (all-inclusive) | 1,200 | 2,500 |
| Speedboat transfer (one way) | 600 | 1,000 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| 2-dive day trip | 3,000 | 4,500 |
| Discover Scuba (intro dive) | 3,500 | 5,000 |
| PADI Open Water course | 12,000 | 16,000 |
| Kayak rental (hour) | 300 | 500 |
| Beach lounger | 100 | 200 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
5% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to April for calm seas and clearest water. February to April for best manta ray sightings at Racha Noi. May to October brings rougher seas and reduced visibility.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 24 | 20 | 72% |
| Feb | 33 | 24 | 10 | 70% |
| Mar | 34 | 25 | 30 | 72% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 100 | 76% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 280 | 82% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 250 | 80% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 260 | 80% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 260 | 80% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 330 | 84% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 310 | 84% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 170 | 78% |
| Dec | 31 | 24 | 50 | 74% |
Things to Do
Snorkeling at Batok Bay
Coral formations and tropical fish right off the beach in crystal-clear water with exceptional visibility.
Scuba Diving at Racha Yai
Excellent dive sites for all levels in calm, clear water. One of the best places in Thailand for beginner divers and PADI certifications.
Manta Ray Diving at Racha Noi
Advanced diving at the uninhabited southern island with the best chance of manta ray encounters in the Andaman Sea.
Beach Day at Batok Bay
Horseshoe-shaped white-sand bay with turquoise water. The kind of tropical perfection usually requiring a long journey.
Kayaking Around the Island
Explore rocky coves and hidden beaches along Racha Yai's coastline by kayak.
Sunset from the Hilltop
Short walk to a viewpoint on Racha Yai for panoramic sunset views over the Andaman Sea.
Food & Dining
-
Grilled Seafood Platter
Resort-style seafood platter with grilled fish, prawns, squid, and local dipping sauces.
400-800
Resort restaurants at Batok Bay
แกงเขียวหวาน
Green Curry with Rice
Classic Thai green curry with coconut milk, Thai eggplant, and your choice of protein. Resort preparation at island prices.
150-250
Resort restaurants
ต้มยำกุ้ง
Tom Yum Kung
Hot and sour prawn soup with lemongrass and galangal. The warm island air makes this soup even more satisfying.
200-350
Resort dining rooms
-
BBQ Beach Dinner
Special dinner events organized by resorts with grilled seafood on the beach under the stars.
500-1,500
Resort beach events (check schedule)
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
600 - 1,000
THB / night
Budget Hotel
800 - 1,500
THB / night
Mid-Range
2,000 - 5,000
THB / night
Luxury
5,000 - 15,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
20,000 - 40,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
30,000 - 60,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
All accommodation is on Racha Yai around Batok Bay. The Racha is the standout luxury option. Overnight stays are recommended to experience the empty beach after day-trippers leave.
Getting There from Bangkok
Phuket International Airport
Airport Code: HKT
Flight to Phuket + speedboat
1.5 hours flight + 35-45 min boat
3,500-6,000 THB
Day trip from Phuket (all-inclusive)
35-45 min speedboat
1,200-2,500 THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadRacha Yai is small enough to walk between beaches in 15-20 minutes.
Free
Longtail boat
LimitedBetween beaches by sea if needed.
200-500
Neighborhoods
Batok Bay (Ao Tawan Tok)
Busy daytime, serene eveningThe main horseshoe-shaped bay with all resorts, restaurants, and the arrival pier. Where day-trippers and overnight guests spend their time.
Best for: Everyone — the only developed area
Siam Bay
Quiet and undevelopedA smaller bay on the north side with less foot traffic, some coral for snorkeling, and a quieter atmosphere for those exploring.
Best for: Snorkelers seeking solitude
Festivals & Events
Dive Season Opening
Dive shops celebrate the start of peak visibility season with promotional prices and special trips.
Manta Season
Peak manta ray sighting period at Racha Noi draws advanced divers from around the world.
Practical Info
Hospital
Very basic first aid at resorts; serious cases by speedboat to Phuket (35-45 min)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
English spoken at resorts and dive operations. Thai helpful for basic interactions.
Drinking Water
Bottled only. Desalination at major resorts.
Tipping Culture
Not expected but appreciated at resorts
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Racha Noi (Diving)
Uninhabited island with advanced diving, stronger currents, and the best manta ray encounters in the Andaman.
Phuket
Full island amenities, shopping, dining, and nightlife on the mainland. Easy speedboat connection.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Racha worth visiting?
Yes, for the clearest water near Phuket. As a day trip for snorkeling and beach time, it is excellent. Overnight stays are even better.
Can I see manta rays?
At Racha Noi, February to April, on deeper dives with experienced operators. Not guaranteed but one of Thailand's best manta sites.
Is it good for learning to dive?
Excellent. Calm, clear, warm water makes Racha Yai one of the best places in Southeast Asia for beginner divers and PADI certifications.
Should I stay overnight?
If budget allows, absolutely. Having Batok Bay empty after day-trippers leave around 3 PM is remarkable. Sunrise on the empty beach is stunning.
Is the island crowded?
From 10 AM to 3 PM, yes — multiple tour boats anchor in the bay. Early morning, late afternoon, and evening are peaceful.
What about monsoon season?
May to October brings rougher seas and lower visibility. Racha Yai is usually still accessible but trips may be canceled. Racha Noi is often unreachable.