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Racha Islands by Private Yacht from Phuket
Racha Islands by Private Yacht from Phuket
About 26 kilometres south of Chalong Pier is a group of islands, Racha Yai and Racha Noi. Translated from the language of the ancient peoples of Thailand, Racha means “king, royal”. Going to those places on a yacht, everyone will feel like a king.
If you want to book one of our full-day trips to the islands, we have already prepared an interesting route. At the same time we are open to your suggestions and will customize the trip to your tastes, desires, ideas about an ideal trip.
The two islands are called Racha Yai and Racha Noi. In Thai Yai means “big” and Noi means “small”: you can choose which one to start with and which one to leave for dessert.
We made the route logical: Racha Yai is the closest to Phuket, so the private tour starts there. Secretly, some people are so caught up in the island’s whirlpool of entertainment that they decide not to visit Racha Noi at all.
Racha Yai
The nearer of the two, about 26 km from Chalong. Inhabited and easy: the white sand of Siam Bay, a gentle entry into the water, snorkelling right off the beach. This is the Racha island for a day that should be simple and calm. Racha Yai in detail.
Racha Noi
The farther one, about 37 km, uninhabited. Rockier, emptier and deeper: almost no beaches, but clearer water and far fewer people. Guests come here for diving and quiet rather than a beach day. Racha Noi in detail.
Day on a private yacht: Phuket – Racha Islands and back
A day tour to Racha Islands is a great way to diversify the everyday life of a tourist in Phuket. If you are tired of the noise and fun of Phuket, plunge into the atmosphere of silence and untouched nature in the Racha Islands. The whole trip will take about 8 hours, during which time you can enjoy the beauty of the islands and the sea view from the comfort of your yacht. Include this trip in your vacation and you will remember it with warmth and nostalgia for a long time.
Why choose us:
- Open to your suggestions and wishes. We can organize a romantic dinner, disco on board the yacht, etc.
- High level of comfort. Spacious cabins, clean, modern common areas, attentive staff.
- Transparent prices. No additional fees that tourists learn about during the trip.
- Safety. All crew members are experienced professionals.
Start planning your private yacht tour to Racha Islands. To do so, contact us right now.
How far are the Racha Islands from Phuket?
In a straight line it is about 26 km (14 nautical miles) from Chalong Pier to the Racha Islands (the first stop, Racha Yai). 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 40–55 minutes, 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 Koh Racha Noi.
Where does this route depart from? Chalong Pier and the island's marinas are compared in where yachts depart from in Phuket.
The Racha Islands lie south of Phuket: about 26 km from Chalong Pier to Racha Yai and about 37 km to Racha Noi.
Racha Yai (“big”) is the closer island, with hotels, bungalows and beaches such as Ao Tawan Tok. Racha Noi (“small”) is more remote and uninhabited, with a rocky shore, an 8 km sandy strip, and is popular for fishing and diving.
Yes. Racha Yai offers good snorkeling and diving spots, while Racha Noi has uniquely beautiful coral reefs and is considered even better for diving than Racha Yai.
Yes, on Racha Yai you can stay overnight, for example at The Racha luxury resort on Ao Tawan Tok beach, and try the local cuisine.
Fishing with trolling and jigging near Racha Noi, scenic viewpoints and tranquil walks on Racha Yai, and exploring the secluded coral coastline of Racha Noi.
Recommended yachts for the Racha Islands
These yachts from our Horizon Cruises Phuket fleet are well suited for a day charter to Racha Yai and Racha Noi:
- Technema 89 “Say Yes” — our flagship yacht.
- Beluga 88 — another yacht from the Horizon Cruises Phuket fleet.
See our full yacht fleet or contact us to request a tailored quote. You may also like Koh Racha Noi Island.
Racha Yai or Racha Noi — which should you choose?
The short answer: if this is your first day at sea in Phuket — Racha Yai. If you have already seen the popular islands and want empty water — Racha Noi.
| Racha Yai | Racha Noi | |
|---|---|---|
| From Chalong | ~26 km | ~37 km |
| Travel time | 40–55 minutes | about an hour |
| Beaches | yes, sandy | almost none, rocks |
| Crowds | can be busy | empty |
| Best for | a first trip, families with children | snorkelling and diving, quiet |
| Format | half day or full day | full day |
The extra hour of running each way decides more than it seems. Racha Yai works as a half day with lunch back in port. Racha Noi is not taken as a half day: after the crossing there would be an hour or so left on the island, and the point of the trip is gone.
Can you visit both islands in one day?
Yes — and it is the most common request on this route. The scheme is simple: leave at eight, go to the farther Racha Noi first, come back via Racha Yai. You reach the far point while it is still empty, and stop at the near one on the way back as the main crowd is starting to leave.
It does not work on every boat. Count the whole route: 37 km to Racha Noi, about 11 km between the islands and 26 km back from Racha Yai — roughly 74 km in a day. A speedboat at 25–35 knots covers it easily; a motor yacht does too, with an early start. A sailing catamaran at 5–7 knots does not do both islands in one day: on it you pick one and stay longer.
How a day at the Racha Islands actually goes
A standard full day to both islands. Times shift with the boat and the weather, but the shape of the day is this:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Meet the crew at the pier, bags aboard, safety briefing |
| 08:00 | Cast off. The longest leg of the day — straight to the far island |
| 09:00 | Racha Noi. Snorkelling; the water is clearest in the morning |
| 11:30 | Cross to Racha Yai, about 20 minutes on a fast boat |
| 12:30 | Lunch on board at anchor in the bay |
| 14:00 | Second stop at Racha Yai, swimming |
| 15:30 | Start back |
| 16:30 | Alongside |
The schedule is yours to move: a private charter has no timetable to hold to. But the eight o'clock departure is worth keeping — the tour boats reach both islands between ten and eleven, and the first two hours decide what kind of day it becomes.
When is the best time to visit the Racha Islands?
November to April is the main season: calm water, predictable visibility, snorkelling worth it on any day. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings wind and swell in bands rather than continuously: there are calm weeks in July and rough days in December.
In practice this means that in low season the route is chosen on the morning, not a week ahead. Racha lies south of Phuket in open water, and in a strong wind the captain may suggest another direction in the lee of the coast. That is not a cancellation but a substitution — and better accepted than sailing into swell for the sake of an island's name.
What does a trip to the Racha Islands cost?
The price is per boat per day, not per person, and is the same for any destination within a day: from ฿18,900 for a speedboat for 4–12 guests, from ฿20,900 for a sailing catamaran, from ฿33,900 for a motor yacht, from ฿39,115 for a power catamaran, from ฿100,000 for a luxury yacht.
Fuel for the distance is added to the rate: about 74 km for a day to both islands — more than a trip to Racha Yai alone. Season moves the base rate by roughly a quarter. Full tables are on the yacht charter prices page.
Where do boats to the Racha Islands depart from?
Both islands lie south of Phuket, so they are served from the south side — usually from Chalong Pier, and the distances on this page are measured from it. The exact boarding point depends on where the chosen boat is berthed and is confirmed at booking together with a map pin and the time. Every marina in one place: where yachts depart from in Phuket.
What to bring
A hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and a light long-sleeved layer for the middle of the day — it protects better than any amount of cream. Swimwear worn under your clothes saves the changing routine. Cash in baht in case of fees on the route. A dry bag if you take a phone into the water.
Towels, masks and fins, water, soft drinks, ice and life jackets in adult and child sizes are already on board. On full-day trips most boats include lunch.
Other destinations nearby
- Coral Island — about 11 km, 20–25 minutes. The shortest trip from the south.
- Maiton — about 17 km. Quieter than Coral, with a long empty beach.
- Phi Phi and Bamboo — about 48 km. A full day, the best-known destination.
Frequently asked questions
How far are the Racha Islands from Phuket?
Racha Yai is about 26 km — 40–55 minutes on a motor yacht and about 35 minutes by speedboat. Racha Noi is about 37 km, roughly an hour. Distances are measured from Chalong Pier.
Which Racha island is better for a first visit?
Racha Yai: nearer, with sandy beaches and a gentle entry into the water, and it fits even a half day. Racha Noi is more interesting for those who have seen the popular islands and want empty water.
Can the Racha Islands be done in half a day?
Racha Yai — yes, on a fast boat. Racha Noi — no: after the crossing each way there would be an hour or so left on the island.
How do the Racha Islands compare to Phi Phi?
Racha is nearer — 26 km against 48 — and noticeably quieter. The water at Racha Noi is clearer. Phi Phi wins on scenery and fame, but you pay for that in travel and crowds.
Boats that suit this route
Departure marina is the practical filter for this direction:
- 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
- Princess F55 RISA — 55 ft, from ฿180,000
