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Koh Racha Noi by Private Yacht from Phuket
Koh Racha Noi by Private Yacht from Phuket
Koh Racha Yai has a “little brother” – the small island of Koh Racha Noi. It is located a few dozen kilometers south of Koh Racha Yai. This place is a must-visit for all adventurers.
What is Koh Racha Noi like?
Koh Racha Noi is an island located about 37 kilometres south of Chalong Pier, Thailand.
It is one of the two islands that make up the Racha Island group, the other being Koh Racha Yai.
The island is rocky – with beaches formed by the accumulation of coral stones.
The waters around Koh Racha Noi are emerald green and rich in fish: ideal for fishing, but not for swimming.
The island, with its diverse, including unique coral reefs, is an object of study for divers from all corners of the world. Important: the eastern and western parts of the island are suitable for divers of all levels, while the southern and northern parts (due to strong currents) are suitable only for advanced divers.
On Koh Racha Noi there are no hotels, roads and cars, only beaches, palm trees and coral reefs.
Why go 11 km further than Racha Yai?
The island fully corresponds to the concept of “uninhabited”, there is no tourist infrastructure in the conventional sense of the word. But it is a paradise for lovers of privacy, diving, snorkeling.
Advantages of vacationing on the island of Koh Racha Noi:
- Relaxation, rest, relaxation. Motorized sports such as jet skis and paragliders are prohibited on the island. There is no noise – there is a feeling of merging with exotic nature.
- Landscapes. Spectacular sea views, white sand, coral reefs, lush greenery, unusual animals and plants – all this is Koh Racha Noi.
- Even more transparent water than Koh Racha Yai. The fact is that Koh Racha Noi is even farther out in the open sea.
- Delicious seafood.
For what Racha Yai no longer has. Racha Noi is uninhabited: no infrastructure, no sun loungers and almost no sandy beaches — the shore is rocky. In return you get water you can see the bottom through, and anchorages with one or two boats nearby instead of fifteen.
This is a destination for those who have already seen the popular islands. For a first day at sea it is almost always the poorer choice compared with Racha Yai: a beach there, rocks here.
Day by private yacht: Phuket – Koh Racha Noi Island and back
A trip to Racha Noi Island is one effective way to take a break from the hustle, bustle and energy of Phuket. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle and crave a quiet and leisurely vacation, consider a short trip to this idyllic paradise island. The trip will take about an hour and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the picturesque views of the island from the water.
Reasons to choose our services:
- We cater to your preferences and requirements, wishes and interests.
- The yachts have spacious cabins, impeccable cleanliness, high level of service.
- Your safety is our priority. The crew consists of experienced professionals who provide reliable protection throughout the journey.
Embark on an exclusive yacht trip to Racha Noi Island today. Contact us and we will tell you where to start planning your trip.
How far is Koh Racha Noi from Phuket?
In a straight line it is about 37 km (20 nautical miles) from Chalong Pier to Koh Racha Noi. This is an approximate straight-line distance, not an exact navigational figure — the actual route on the water is always somewhat longer.
For a motor yacht, a crossing of this length typically takes about 1–1.5 hours, depending on the yacht, the weather and the state of the sea. The departure pier is also chosen to suit the route and the vessel, so we confirm the exact timing and departure point when planning your trip.
When planning a longer day on the water, this trip is often combined with Koh Racha Yai or the Racha Islands overview.
Where does this route depart from? Chalong Pier and the island's marinas are compared in where yachts depart from in Phuket.
Recommended Yachts for Your Koh Racha Noi Tour
Horizon Cruises Phuket offers a private yacht charter to Koh Racha Noi tailored to your group. Two of our vessels are especially well suited for this trip:
- Technema 89 “Say Yes” — a spacious motor yacht ideal for families and groups seeking comfort on the way to Koh Racha Noi.
- Beluga 88 — a stylish yacht offering a relaxed, private atmosphere for couples or smaller parties.
See our full yacht fleet or contact us to plan your Koh Racha Noi day trip.
Koh Racha Noi is located about 37 kilometres south of Chalong Pier, and the yacht trip takes about an hour.
The waters around Koh Racha Noi are emerald green and rich in fish, making the island ideal for fishing and diving, but its rocky, coral-stone beaches make it less suited for swimming than Koh Racha Yai.
The island is best known for diving and snorkeling among its diverse coral reefs. Motorized water sports such as jet skis and paragliders are prohibited, keeping the island quiet and unspoiled.
No — the island has no hotels, roads or cars, only beaches, palm trees and coral reefs, which makes it ideal for travelers seeking privacy and untouched nature.
Koh Racha Noi is the smaller neighbor of Koh Racha Yai, lying further out to sea with even clearer water, but with a more rugged, undeveloped character and no beach facilities.
How long does the trip take on different boats?
| Boat | Cruising speed | One way |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | 25–35 knots | about 50 minutes |
| Motor yacht | 9–28 knots | about an hour |
| Power catamaran | 8–18 knots | 1–1.5 hours |
| Sailing catamaran | 5–7 knots | 3.5–4 hours |
37 km each way is already a distance at which the type of boat decides the shape of the day. On a sailing catamaran Racha Noi is taken only as the single point of the day, with a long stay there.
Can Koh Racha Noi be done in half a day?
No. An hour there, an hour back, and of four or five hours an hour and a half is left for the island itself — not enough for the trip to pay off. Racha Noi is a full day, and it works best paired with Racha Yai on the way back: both islands in one day.
How a day at Koh Racha Noi actually goes
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Depart Chalong. The longest leg of the day |
| 09:00 | First stop at Racha Noi. The water is clearest in the morning |
| 11:00 | Second anchorage along the coast, where the current is weaker |
| 12:30 | Lunch on board at anchor |
| 14:00 | Head back, usually with a stop at Racha Yai |
| 16:30 | Alongside |
When is the best time to go, and when is it not?
November to April. This destination depends on the weather more than the others: the island lies in open water farther south than any of them, there is less shelter from the wind, and the point of the trip is clear water, which disappears in swell.
From May to October trips run, but it is for Racha Noi that the captain most often suggests a substitute. If the particular day turns out windy, better to agree: there is nothing to do here in murky water, and the day would be wasted.
What does a trip to Koh Racha Noi cost?
Per boat per day: from ฿18,900 for a speedboat, from ฿20,900 for a sailing catamaran, from ฿33,900 for a motor yacht, from ฿39,115 for a power catamaran. Plus fuel for 74 km there and back — more than for Racha Yai. Season moves the rate by roughly a quarter. Full price tables.
Where do boats to Koh Racha Noi depart from?
The island lies south of Phuket, so it is served from the south side, usually from Chalong Pier — the 37 km on this page are measured from there. The exact boarding point depends on where the particular boat is berthed and is confirmed at booking. All Phuket marinas.
What to bring
The same as for any full day: a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, swimwear under your clothes, cash in baht. Specific to this destination — your own mask, if you have one and are used to it: here you spend more time snorkelling than on beach routes. A shared set of masks and fins is on board.
Other destinations nearby
- Racha Yai — 26 km, with a beach, for a first trip
- Both Racha islands — how to fit them into one day
- Phi Phi and Bamboo — 48 km, a full day
Frequently asked questions
How far is Koh Racha Noi from Phuket?
About 37 km from Chalong Pier: roughly an hour on a motor yacht, about 50 minutes by speedboat, 3.5–4 hours under sail.
Is there a beach on Koh Racha Noi?
Almost no sandy beaches; the shore is rocky. The island is uninhabited and has no infrastructure. People come here for clear water and the absence of crowds.
Which is better — Racha Noi or Racha Yai?
For a first trip — Racha Yai: nearer and with a beach. For snorkelling and quiet — Racha Noi. Both can be done in one day, starting with the farther one.
Do I need a diving certificate?
Not for snorkelling — masks and fins are on board. Diving with equipment is arranged separately at booking: it depends on the particular boat.
Boats that suit this route
Departure marina is the practical filter for this direction:
- Beluga 88 — 88 ft, from ฿214,000
- Bohemian — 50 ft, from ฿26,000
- Sea Explorer — 47 ft, from ฿50,165
- Jeanneau Cap Camarat 10.5 — 36 ft, from ฿65,000
- Leopard 51 Se La Vie — 51 ft, from ฿74,900
- Ferretti 80 Sofia — 80 ft, from ฿100,000
