Off the southern coast of Phuket are a number of islands, many of which are good for scuba diving, but have no accommodation. The two notable exceptions are Coral Island and Raya Island (sometimes known as Racha Island). Both feature beautiful beaches and a feeling of getting away from it all, which you\’ll only find on Mai Khao beach on the main island. They differ from each other fairly drastically in other ways, however. Coral is a private island own by Coral Island Resort, so it\’s the only place to stay and the only reason to go. Raya is mostly uninhabited, but there is some accommodation on the northern third of the island, where the water is calmer and the secluded bays feature excellent beaches.
Coral Island
Coral is the more commercial of the two islands, but not by much. The beach near the resort plays host to a constant stream of day-trippers who come for snorkelling, diving and other beach activities like parasailing and banana boat rides. Because the island is privately owned, this hasn\’t resulted in a lot of uncontrolled development, so there\’s a bare minimum of annoyances and plenty of time and space for relaxation. A speedboat ride out to the Island should cost about 400B per person — go to the Ao Chalong pier and ask around.
Raya Island
Raya Island is a prime destination for a lot of yachties and divers, so the bays here can get congested during the high season. But that doesn\’t really detract from the natural beauty of the place, or the feeling it has of being miles away from everything, which it is. The roads are all dirt, and they are kept in a perpetual state of bumpiness by run-off during the rainy season, so people get around by motorcycles, salaengs and tractors for the most part, ATV rentals are also available. Raya Island is a predominantly Muslim island, with a small mosque, so they ask visitors not to bring any pork with them, in case you were planning to. There is a dive-shop, Raya Divers, based here so you can get your PADI cert if you like. There isn\’t much else on the island beside the accommodation and their associated restaurants: internet service is available but expensive, and most recreational activities here will put a dent in your wallet, so either bring a lot of money, or a good book and a very mellow attitude to enjoy your stay. Twelve miles off the southern coast of Phuket Island, it takes 30 to 45 minutes to get out here by speed boat from the Ao Chalang pier, which should cost about 500B per person.
Subscribe
0 Comments