The Racha (or Raya) islands,
some 12 km south of Phuket, are best known as excellent diving and snorkelling
daytrip destinations. Racha Yai, however, is quickly developing into a
place to stay on for a while with a number of bungalow and resort operations
springing up in recent years.
Racha Yai reveals itself in splendid fashion, with most arrivals landing
onto a strip of fine white sand tucked deep into the long, U-shaped main
bay, called Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. The water here is clear and perfect
for snorkelling, though the bay gets quite busy with visiting boats in
the afternoons. The other large bay, Ao Siam, is a pretty place where
lonely strolls in solitude are possible
