Koh Racha Yai, the ultimate dream getaway

Posted by admin on February 25th, 2008 filed in Uncategorized

Koh Racha Yai is one of the most perfect paradisiacal getaways on our planet. This gorgeous island provides a most welcome escape from the hectic western world. The waters are true turquoise and the sands snowy white. Its exceptional natural beauty impresses the visitors and some even suddenly seem to realise that they have to reassess life’s priorities. The last time I went diving was two years ago and I looked forward to some new diving adventures during my stay on Koh Racha Yai.

As we walk to the dive site I watch the scene of several beginners in the shallow water, just off the beach of Balok Bay, paying attention to their teacher. Mon, our dive master informs us that the site where we will go underwater is at least ten metres deep. Suddenly I get that happy feeling again and realise that the ocean causes this.

One I am in the blue sparkling sea the marine life and coral reef seem like old buddies. It is truly something like a reunion. The gigantic force of the Tsunami scattered many reef balls throughout these waters. I watch a lionfish and, a gladly taken up its residence, big moray eel. Than I spot three tiny food-picking filefish, a lonely cute-looking boxfish and a large shoal of brightly coloured parrotfish. Tranquilly moving on the seabed I see a small stingray while a group of cuttlefish gently glides by. Nearby an abundance of anemones a lobster finds shelter hiding away in stag horn coral.

On the northern part of Racha Yai you’ll find Siam Bay. Here you have the option to watch a manmade sculpture park, which is positioned underwater. It’s the area’s newest diving playground boasting models of two elephants, a huge pearl oyster, decorated traditional arches and several Yaks (demonic creatures which feature in ancient Buddhist stories).

This small getaway at Racha Yai makes me realise this is simply the finest dive spot, mainly due to the bay’s natural shelter. Mon tells us that beyond the bay, there aren’t any large reefs but only submarine cliffs. Last year, nearby Koh Racha Noi, he’d spotted a few sharks and manta rays. Racha Yai’s nearby located sister island Racha Noi is uninhabited and rugged. The ocean here provides a great playground for advanced diving enthusiasts.

There are only two Racha island destinations, positioned within less than 15 nautical miles off Phuket’s shore. Mon informs us that once they were just insignificant sailors stopovers but it rapidly changed when the divers arrived. The crews of the Phuket regatta still use them as a touch point. Today, Racha Yai has become a year-round popular dive site. The island’s tourist infrastructure is capable of handling its new visitors’ demands. Solely on the western part, an untouched lush vegetated area retains.

In general European and South Korean holidaymakers flock to Racha Yai between December and March. During this time the hotel rooms are for about 80% occupied.

Bungalows set amidst nature 

Due to a network of pathways, the island can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. Balok Bay is the most popular destination and located on one side of it lies the smaller Ter Bay. You’ll discover Siam Bay by climbing up the hill. Konkare Bay features another small secluded beach. For a while you won’t have to worry about the daily pressures of life, the paradisiacal and laid-back atmosphere will simply make you forget about that!

Life on the four bays is uncomplicated: people take a fast boat trip to a dive spot, stroll for five minutes to observe the majestic sunrise and sunset, climb a small hill to another gorgeous bay, or just chill in bed. Probably there will be many visitors dreaming that our entire planet were as idyllic and tranquil as this wonderful island.

You can access Racha Yai Island by speedboat or longtail boat, which depart from Chalong Bay in Phuket.

The trip by speedboat from Chalong Bay in Phuket to Racha Yai takes about 45 minutes

Depending on what type of vessel you travel with, the duration of the trip is between 45 and 65 minutes. The hotels on the island offer a pick-up service, which will meet you at the shore. There are plenty of travel agencies in Phuket organising   all-inclusive daytrips. Complete South Thailand guide.
               
The Raya Resort is one of the island’s cheaper quality establishments. Daily room rates here start at 1,000 baht. Wonderfully positioned, the mid-range Ban Raya Hotel offers guestrooms between 1,900 and 6,000 baht. Most suitable for the wealthy holidaymaker is the luxurious Racha. This first-class hotel charges nightly room rates ranging from 8,500 to 50,000 baht.

Phuket hotels/resorts online