There are many fabulous smaller Thai islands surrounding the largest of them all – Phuket, where the most well-known of them all are three pairs of small and large twins: Yao, Racha, and Naka. As the blessings of development have touched but a few, each atoll couldn’t be more perfect for diving and various types of ecotourism.
Location
You can reach the Yao islands by boat or ferry from the Bangrong pier on the east coast of Phuket (travel time: about one hour), or from the Ao Nang Pier on Koh Krabi (travel time: about 40 minutes).
The Racha islands are 12 km from the Chalong or Rawai piers on Phuket and can be accessed by speedboat (travel time: 30 minutes) or skiff (total travel time: minimum one hour), with a distance between the two measuring 10 km.
Find the Naka islands by long-tail or speedboat from Ao Po Pier on the east coast of Phuket (travel time: 15 minutes).
Beach Vacation
All beaches on Koh Yao Noi are located on the east coast, while the west is occupied by mangroves and rice paddies.
Koh Racha Yai has a great oft-empty beach, which is the perfect place to relax after an afternoon of diving. Weather conditions don’t seem to affect the waters in this area as the bays are often protected from the storms. It is recommended however that divers keep their distance from the sea bottom around Koh Racha Noi as it is covered with large stones and boulders.
Koh Naka Yai has four large beaches, with those in the east and northwest attracting daytrippers with their beautiful wide sandy areas. On the east coast specifically, you can rent loungers and umbrellas while enjoying the attractive views of Phang Nga Bay.
Activities and Entertainment
Exotic hornbills can be found in the Koh Yao Noi forests, while ancient cave paintings – thousands of years old, are preserved on Koh Yao Yai. At the base of Koh Racha Noi, there is a coral reef making the beach a little rockier. But if cooler temperatures are what you’re after, then this is the place for you.
Go kayaking, ride a banana, or water ski just off the beaches of Koh Naka Yai. Or, check out the network of paths weaved around the entire island. Koh Naka Noi on the other hand is famous for its pearl farms, which are used to create beautiful pieces of jewelry found in the various shops on the island.
For those really looking for a taste of the islands, various local restaurants are known to give Thai cooking classes.
Restaurants and Shops
In addition to offering a pristine landscape, there are some good fish restaurants on Ko Yao Noi.
On Ko Racha Yai, you’ll be referred to the local hotels, such as Racha Resort, Raya Resort, and Ban Raya, for a meal. If you’d rather snack on the beach, a number of shops are available where you can buy food and various beach products, while a small village in the interior provides options for shopping and seated dining also.
The Tenta Nakara restaurant can be found in the hotel of the same name, and is on the shorter of the two eastern beaches on Koh Naka Yai. Here, Thai restaurants and shops are available along the beach also.
Prices
Koh Naka Yai is a popular vacation destination, so the prices here are high in comparison to the other islands, which might be more appropriate for those on a budget.
Please note:
the current is very strong on the beaches of Koh Yao Noi, while waterskiing and parasailing are banned outright on Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. Also, while travel by long-tail boat is cheap and cheerful, most of them are in poor condition, so it is at your own risk.
