Racha Yai Island, just 12 miles south of Phuket, is a picturesque destination for yachting without the need for a long drive. Racha Yai is sometimes referred to as Raya Island because of the eponymous Raya Resort hotel located right on the shore.

This island is perfect for day cruises where you can swim in the clear waters, snorkel in the island’s cozy coves and watch the marine life. Racha Yai is a great place for swimming, snorkeling and diving, especially for beginners who want to familiarize themselves with the underwater world, as there are many places with shallow depths and calm currents.

Racha Yai is a small inhabited island with bungalows and hotels for accommodation, cafes and stores, if you want to have lunch on the shore of Siam Bay by the water. A definite plus is that the island is not classified as a national park and various water activities are available, including inflatable slides, sapboards, water scooters and more, making it attractive for water activities and travelers with children.