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Grand Palace (The)
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Islands of Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi Thailand Travel Guide
Just 20 km south of the more popular Phuket Island, the islands of Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi lay settled amidst clear blue waters and white sand beaches. The larger of the two islands Koh Racha Yai, is home to all accommodation that can be found between the two islands. Koh Racha Noi, 10 km further south, is uninhabited and the coastline is mostly craggy rocks (with the exception of a small bay frequented by local fisherman on the western coast). Although those who have seen the changes complain that the islands are not as pristine as they once were, tourists looking for a serene getaway outside of Phuket will probably not be disappointed.
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Koh Racha Yai
Koh Racha Yai, sometimes spelled Raya Yai, is home to friendly farmers and fisherman as well as those working in the small service industry. The island is still mostly undeveloped. There are two bays with beaches on northern coast of Racha Yai, Ao Tawan Tok (also known as Batok and Ao Bungalow) and Ao Siam. Ao Tawan Tok has a floating jetty that can get busy during the high season. Settled at the edges of the fine powdered sand of Ao Siam are a hand full of restaurants and bungalows. Ao Kon Kae Bay, on the eastern side of Racha Yai, is a good dive spot. Impressive dive spots can also be found around Racha Noi as the island was formed from coral build up.
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Transportation
Travel to the Racha Islands is only possible in the dry season and periods when the monsoons are tame. Many people choose to take a day trip to the islands from Phuket. Journey time depends on the type of boat you arrange, usually through a tour company. Total travel time is one hour each way via speedboat and up to two hours on a regular long-tail boat. To get to Racha Noi directly from Phuket, you must charter a boat from Phuket's Ao Chalong or Rawai. Otherwise, you can arrange transportation from Racha Yai.
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Accommodation
Although small, Racha Yai has something for every budget. The Racha, settled on the white sands of Batok beach, is the island's one luxury resort and offers villas starting around US$130++. Resort facilities include a spa, meeting facilities, pool, dive center, three restaurants, and a bar. Transportation can be arranged directly from Phuket International Airport. A decent mid-range option is the Ban Raya, used by dive operators out of Phuket, starting around US$50++ per night. Ban Raya is located closer to the snorkeling bays than to the beaches. Facilities include a restaurant/bar and spa. Budget accommodation is the typical basic bungalow that can be found throughout the island with fan, bed, and bathroom.
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Diving
Dive operators offer tours to the Racha islands from Phuket for day trips, overnight stays, or two day liveaboards. Although the diving has mixed reviews, many say it is better than the dive spots more immediately accessible to Phuket. Visibility can be 25 meters or more, but varies throughout the year. Diving in Racha Yai usually consists of a slow drift dive during which you can expect to see coral, cuttlefish, octopus, and numerous tropical fish species. The area is safe and accommodating for both snorkeling and diving. Racha Noi, with deeper dives and stronger currents, is better for the more experienced diver. Larger marine life can be found around the northern tip of the island. Other dive spots include the southern tip, which can be combined with a stop at one of the islands small beaches, and a wreck off the southwest side of the island.
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Fishing
Racha Yai is also reputedly good for game fishing. Tuna, wahoo, and sailfish can be found in the waters just offshore. Fully equipped boats can be hired or just tag along with the locals when they set out.
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About The Author
James Doswell writes for Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com - All of the materials on this site are the sole property and responsibility of Cheapthaitravel.com. This material may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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