The Racha Islands (Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi) sit south of Phuket and make for a calmer, closer alternative to Phi Phi.
Why choose Racha over Phi Phi
The crossing is shorter and generally calmer, the water is notably clear, and the islands see fewer crowds — a good option for families or anyone who found Phi Phi's popularity off-putting on paper.
What to expect
Good snorkelling directly off the beach at Koh Racha Yai's main bay, plus dive sites around Koh Racha Noi favoured by local dive schools for beginner and certification dives — see our diving courses guide for the certification path.
Koh Racha Yai vs Koh Racha Noi
Racha Yai is the more visited of the two, with a proper beach and simple facilities; Racha Noi is smaller, more remote, and geared more toward diving than a standard beach day.
Booking
Typically sold as a half-day or full-day speedboat trip from Chalong Pier or Rawai, often with fewer stops than a Phi Phi itinerary — more time in the water, less time sightseeing.