pam

racha noi, the upgraded racha escape

the water looks like similan but the trip is way easier

2,000 baht

the price is 2,000 baht per adult or child and it already covers everything for the day
all inclusive
no extra costs
no extra thinking
you just show up and the whole schedule is already arranged

this island is more beautiful than racha yai and much quieter than the usual phuket spots
the beach is clean
the water is clear
the whole place feels calm and easy to enjoy
you step onto the sand and it feels like a proper day off from everything

racha noi is one of those trips where people come back wondering why they didn’t do it sooner

Koh Racha Noi

the small island with the biggest blue

this is the only join in tour that actually goes to racha noi
everything is included and the structure is simple
you don’t have to plan anything yourself

other options are private charters
no guide
no lunch
no fixed plan
you have to decide the route and manage everything on your own and it usually costs more

this tour gives you
a guide who stays with you and explains the program
a premium buffet lunch at the island restaurant
towels and fins provided so you don’t need to bring your own
a comfortable soft style day from start to finish

racha noi gets very few visitors compared to other islands
so the tour runs only on tuesday thursday and sunday
one boat
one group
limited seats
some days fill up fast

if you are coming to phuket or phang nga this is the island you really should not skip
it feels quiet relaxed and visually impressive
even in low season or rainy season the water stays warm and calm and the visibility is still good

4x snorkeling adventure

four real snorkeling spots with clear water

you get four snorkeling spots and all of them are proper stops not filler

boat snorkeling
one spot at racha noi
one spot at racha yai

the racha noi boat spot has clear deep blue water similar to similan with high visibility and a more outer sea feeling
the racha yai boat spot is bright turquoise with soft corals and reef areas
if sea conditions are good they often use ao siam which is one of the nicer areas around racha yai

beach snorkeling
haad pirate at racha noi has easy entry from the beach with big fish including giant pufferfish and other reef fish close to shore
racha yai has coral off every main beach so if you bring your own snorkel set you can use it directly from the sand at several spots

Pickup

early but smooth and organized

hotel pickup is available from phang nga and phuket with direct transfer to the private pier at leam nga in phuket

phang nga pickup times

5:30 Tumbon Takua Pa
5:40 Pullman Khao Lak Resort, Ban Nam Khem 
5:50 Haad Bangsak
6:00 Haad Pakarang, Haad Khuk Khak
6:10 Haad Bang Niang
6:20 Haad Khao Lak, Khaolak Sunset Resort
6:30 Khaolak Merlin Resort
7:10 Tumbon Khok Kloi, Haad Natai

phuket pickup times

6.50 Haad Patong
6:40 Haad Kamala, Haad Rawai, Haad Naihan, Haad Tritrang
7:00 Laem Panwa, Haad Kata, Haad Karon

the times are early but standard for island trips and the vans are air conditioned so most people just rest on the way

Leam Nga Pier

9:00
everything is ready when you arrive

you reach leam nga pier around 9:00 and the setup is already in place
check in and insurance registration are done at the pier
fins and towels are provided so you can leave your own at the hotel
seasick pills are available if you want a more comfortable ride
a simple breakfast is served
there is a program briefing so you know the schedule and safety points
extra amenities are included at no additional charge

this promotion applies only to the koh racha noi tour
you choose your fin size after check in
towels are already on the boat so there is no need to take one before boarding

Departure

9:30
the water gets bluer as you go

the boat leaves the pier at 9:30
the ride to koh racha noi takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on a four engine speedboat with around 45 seats
the boat is fast but still comfortable for the distance
as you move away from phuket the water gradually turns clearer and deeper blue and you can see the change in color along the way

Koh Racha Noi

10:50
deep blue water similar to similan

arrival at koh racha noi is around 10:50
the island is more untouched and more visually impressive than racha yai
it is considered one of the more beautiful islands in thailand in terms of water clarity and color

because racha noi sits in the outer sea the water is clearer and deeper than the islands closer to phuket
the sea here is clear and deep blue similar to similan with high visibility on most days

haad pirate is the main beach stop on racha noi
here you can
swim in clear water
do beach snorkeling directly from the sand
sit on the beach and relax
take photos
try stand up paddleboarding if available that day

the atmosphere is simple and open and you can choose to join activities or just stay on the beach and rest

Ao Kluay

13:00
banana bay with clear easy snorkeling

around 13:00 the boat moves to ao kluay also known as banana bay
this area has very clear water and is used for boat snorkeling
there are many fish around the boat and the visibility is usually high
it is an easy spot for people who want straightforward snorkeling without strong currents

Koh Racha Yai

14:00
more snorkeling and a proper lunch stop

around 14:00 the program continues to koh racha yai
racha yai has bright turquoise water and a softer look compared to racha noi
it is less dramatic but has several beaches where you can walk around and snorkel from shore

you do boat snorkeling around the reefs at racha yai first
after that the group heads in for lunch

lunch at tarikipas

buffet lunch with real choices

lunch is served around 14:30 at the island’s hotel restaurant tarikipas
the buffet has a proper selection of thai style dishes and side items
vegan or vegetarian options can be arranged if you tell the guide before boarding in the morning

the restaurant is located in the central area of racha yai with a relaxed beach resort feel
you can eat at your own pace and take a short break from the sun

after lunch you can
swim again
do more relaxed beach snorkeling
walk around the island area
or just sit and rest until it is time to leave

every main beach on racha yai has coral areas offshore so bringing your own snorkel set is useful if you like to explore

Koh Mai Ton

16:00
short stop to look for dolphins

around 16:00 on the way back the boat makes a short stop near koh mai ton
this part of the program is to look for dolphins in the area
dolphins come up to breathe so there is a chance to see them near the boat
it is not guaranteed every day but when they appear you can watch them at the surface for a while

Return

back to the pier and hotel

16:30

the boat leaves the mai ton area and heads back to leam nga pier around 16:30
arrival at the pier is usually around 17:00
there are showers available so you can rinse off and change into dry clothes
a small snack is usually provided at the pier before the transfer

17:30

the vans leave the pier around 17:30
hotel arrival time is around 18:30 depending on where you are staying in phuket or phang nga
you finish the day clean fed slightly sun kissed and generally tired in a good way

ready to book

limited days and one boat only

the racha noi tour operates only on tuesday thursday and sunday
there is only one boat and one group per day
seats are limited and some dates fill quickly especially in good weather periods

if your schedule is fixed it is better to book early and lock in your day
this is the trip that gives you similan style clear deep blue water in a shorter easier program from phuket without the long travel time

More of Racha

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