LAST VISITED FEBRUARY 2014
White sand, clear turquoise water..........
.......good diving, snorkelling, closeness to Phuket as well as a pocket-size publish of resorts from top-end to budget makes Ko Raya Yai (aka Ko Racha Yai) a pretty attractive location. No dogs as well as virtually no motor vehicles are bonuses. And I can't call back seeing whatever jet-skis either visit. Not everything is perfect - you lot receive got to search hard to detect truthful budget past times Thai standards food. (You tin flame click most of these images to expand them).
Ko Raya Yai is maybe 20-25km S of Phuket. Best access is past times either your resort's ain boat or if that is non a goer, the day-trip speedboats out of Chalong pier, one-half an hr on a calm twenty-four hr menses - I paid 1500 baht provide (which included van transfer from as well as dorsum to Phuket resorts) inward early on December 2010 on a daytrip boat, but I afterwards saw offers every bit depression every bit 1200. Look for fares at all the Phuket move desks as well as online. In 2014 I came past times Bungalow Raya's speedboat at 1000 provide - a pretty expert bargain considering it contained some extras similar the snorkelling trip as well as the buffet luncheon the daytrippers exercise addition costless transfers from/to Phuket resorts. It seems one-way transfers on the speedboats were going at 600b inward 2014.
Some people larn their carry past times paying for a ride on a dive-boat. You tin flame also exercise the trip past times longtail, but unless you lot receive got a bunch of friends to part this volition go to a greater extent than expensive. And way fossil oil inward the blowy weather inward which I made the trip inward December 2010 - February 2014 was pretty calm which fits the common mid-late dry out flavor pattern.
Raya Noi has no accommodation but at to the lowest degree i prissy beach.
Raya Yai is small, barely 2km at its widest E to west. The developed purpose takes upward less than 25% of the island. The arrivals pier is on the west-facing Patok Beach.
I modified this Google basis picture to present the roads (white) as well as tracks (blue). There are a few others, but unimportant to visitors.
The cherry symbols correspond the resorts: 1-THE RACHA 2-RAYABURI 3-BAN RAYA as well as the budget accommodation 4-RAYA BUNGALOW RESORT 5-RAYA FATHER 6-RAYA GARDEN 7-RAYA SEAVIEW (closed at the fourth dimension of my visit).
PATOK BEACH
The arrivals beach, Patok, is the busiest as well as maybe the most attractive if you lot don't hear a few rows of beach lounges. It is dwelling to 2 resorts, the budget/flashpacker BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT amongst fan as well as aircon bungalows behind camera, as well as the rattling high-end THE RACHA which has a large publish of attractive chalets ranging upward the slight loma behind the beach as well as out of frame top left.
Patok attracts a large publish of daytrippers from Phuket. The southern side of the pier is most attractive for swimming as well as snorkelling. There is exclusively a combat of coral but the sandy bottom as well as the headland rocks attract a expert diversity of fish easily spotted inward the crystal-clear water. This beach does non endure too-shallow H2O at depression tide, but hi those beach lounges (mostly owned past times the local community althoght THE RACHA of class has its ain exclusive area) aint inexpensive (200baht December 2010) but at that spot is plenty of sand to spread a towel or sarong. Some shade from trees to left of photographic television set camera past times mid-day. The arrivals pier (right) is i of those low-impact floating jobs. The principal cross-island route starts at i time behind camera.
Patok is a west-facing beach pregnant expert sunsets as well as rattling sheltered dry out flavor conditions. At dusk the daytrip boats are replaced past times cruising arts and crafts seeking a calm black anchorage. Many dive boats provide to Phuket but some live-aboards over-night inward the bay. I'm wondering how exposed this beach is to the moisture flavor westerlies as well as the associated large sea-swell. The floating pier could go a combat of thrill at such times.
Locals receive got prepare a distich of beach bars as well as a inexpensive massage house on the due north side of the beach - hoping to attract high-rollers from THE RACHA. These dudes inward shot enjoying a sunset beer are paying 100 for a pocket-size Chang - YIKES! Certainly didn't attract low-rollers similar me (av cost I payed for a pocket-size Chang inward beach bars inward Nov/Dec 2010 trip was 60).
The lights depression on the headland behind belong to BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT'S restaurant. Real prissy beach/bay views from the tables hither but they receive got also been infected past times large payers from THE RACHA as well as maybe all those Russian mafia daytrippers amongst 90baht pocket-size Changs. YIPS!! So inward the involvement of enquiry I wandered into THE RACHA'S beach bar - pocket-size Changs 140! Hell, that's Austalian beach resort prices. Oh yeah, they coud sell me an Aussie beer - at 220. Tell 'em they're dreaming.
On my foremost see inward 2010 I thought BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT was past times far the most attractive of the budget places on the island. The fan bungalows gain along the headland beyond the eatery - most amongst some sort of bay view. They were the same cost every bit my smaller RAYA FATHER bungalow at 1000 baht per black inward early on December 2010 - silent overpriced inward my view. Restaurant nutrient prices were 0 to 20% higher than my 2011 digs at RAYA FATHER which itself at at the fourth dimension was 20 to 50% higher than typical budget bungalow resort restaurants (the 2014 revisit saw this reduced to 0 to 20% higher). Ko Raya/Racha is an higher upward average isle cost wise for access, accommodation as well as food. Note the most distant of BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT'S bungalows was less than v minutes from the sands of Patok as well as slightly to a greater extent than than v minutes from the northern destination of attractive Siam Beach past times a not-too-steep back-track across the headland.
In 2014 Lady Tezza as well as I decided to rest at BUNGALOW RAYA. That's our fan bungalow closest to camera. Fantastic views - the bungalow itself was no different to thousands of fan bungalows inward the Thai islands. At 1250b without breakfast I consider it overpriced compared the average 600-800, fifty-fifty some with, believe it or not, ameliorate views (see PLAAS as well as SILVERVIEW on the Ko Phangan pages). But compared to the 1000 RAYA FATHER was charging for similar measure bungalows at the time, the higher upward were sure as shooting worth the extra 250 on views as well as closeness to the beach.
I've done a TRIP REPORT amongst lots to a greater extent than pix as well as information on my 2014 visit..
These dudes gathered oft on the rocks contrary the entrance to BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT for a hand-out from the restaurant. Some were the biggest monitor lizards I've seen inward Thailand, approaching 2m long - must go expert tucker they get. The netting is non an enclosure, they could crawl underneath amongst a combat of difficulty - to a greater extent than to maintain the tourists a rubber distance. Be careful, monitors usage their tails every bit a weapon - i swiped me across the breast when I tried to hurry it off a pathway shortly after taking this shot. I had no thought I was unopen plenty to swat.
SIAM BAY
A lilliputian over 10 minutes walk from Patok Beach is the northern facing Siam Bay, longer as well as way quieter. Sand is every bit white, H2O pretty clear although the bay was catching a combat to a greater extent than of the dry out flavor easterly current of air on a rattling blustery twenty-four hr menses which tin flame growth turbidity inward shallow water. We constitute a fair combat of coral lumps as well as stone underfoot when wading. This beach suffers a combat from the low-tide blues - you lot tin flame wade a considerable distance from shore at such times. Note besides the shot shows that high tide leaves exclusively a strip of dry out sand - nevertheless I constitute the beach rattling pleasant at such times.
The stream inward the foreground is non polluted but tannin-stained on its journeying through the rainforest.
I was non whelmed past times the snorkelling. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of the bits of coral unopen to shore was broken, but plenty fish to involvement non fanatical snorkellers. There were some ameliorate lumps of coral as well as fish virtually 100m out from the high tide score (you could wade out hither easily at depression tide) but although I swam a expert 300m out from shore I never constitute a reef drop-off - the bottom instead gradually deepens. Some coral as well as fish out at that spot besides but non hear blowing.
There are 2 resorts on this beach - the mid-range+ RAYABURI RESORT which owns the beachfront eatery as well as Sun lounges mid beach, as well as the budget RAYA SEAVIEW on the loma behind the far destination of the beach which unfortunately was closed when I visited early on December 2010 as well as seemed to go housing locals inward 2014.
RAYABURI RESORT has most of its chalets spaced some distance behind the beach amongst a prissy parkland-like expanse between. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 creek runs behind the chalets inward shot as well as forms a pocket-size lagoon before emptying out at the far destination of the beach shot higher upward this one.
Work was going on amongst a novel fly virtually equal distance behind the camera. THE RACHA dorsum on Patok had much to a greater extent than extensive novel run existence added to an already expansive joint.
This is the deserted beach eatery of budget SEAVIEW RESORT on Siam. There is also a funky beach bar on the starting fourth dimension of the headland rocks virtually 100m farther W inward less expert repair. The eatery higher upward was inward pretty expert condition, dissimilar the bungalows below, scattered across the loma behind amongst tree filtered ocean views.
These needed some run as well as were devoid of slice of furniture - the boss at RAYA FATHER said inward 2010 that he thought the house would go opening for peak flavor (sure gonna go busy), but the travel-agent I booked my trip thru dorsum on Phuket said they had sold out to a bigger operator (um, no novel articulation inward 2014). This is the house I originally intended to rest a inward 2010.
THE EASTERN BEACHES
KONKARE BAY
Konkare is the most distant beach from the arrivals pier at Patok - but exclusively takes a 25 infinitesimal walk. You aint going to write dwelling to mum virtually this beach except for maybe the snorkelling which all the guide books tell is rattling good. There were coral as well as fish but darned if I could detect anything public class or fifty-fifty approaching the standards of the Similans or some locations at Ko Tao. Maybe the daytrip boats common farther off the beach than the 150m I went. The i I came across to the isle on had virtually 100 loaves of breadstuff - seeing tropical fish inward a feeding frenzy is mind-blowing for a foremost timer as well as would go plenty to qualify whatever house every bit first-class snorkelling inward their minds.
All the eastern beaches human face upward into the prevailing dry out flavor winds as well as hence larn a combat choppy - which agency H2O clarity is non every bit expert every bit at sheltered Patok. But they would go rattling sheltered beaches inward the moisture flavor prevailing westerlies.
Access to Konkare beach is thru the grounds of BAN RAYA RESORT (no problems), some other prissy midrange place. Its bungalows as well as chalets are widely spread across the depression loma behind the beach. That's the eatery top right.
TER BAY
Ter Bay's beach is to a greater extent than attractive than Konkare, but can't compare to Patok as well as Siam. You tin flame encounter the blustery weather inward December 2010 were non precisely conducive to expert swimming or snorkelling, hence I gave them the large miss. According to the books snorkelling is okay but downward a measurement from Konkare. There was a newly built modernistic beach bar just out of frame to the right, but it was non operating inward early on December shoulder season. A pile of edifice materials virtually 70m behind photographic television set camera indicates someone may receive got plans for a resort here.
The crap on-shore 2010 slop didn't halt these Thai guys from doing the large Kelly Slater super-surfer routine. I hope they were local isle guys as well as didn't come upward all the way from Phuket for this rubbish. Their carry suggests they were local bungalow guys.
BIG CHANGE
My February 2014 revisit saw way nicer weather - the early on dry out flavor easterlies had been replaced past times an offshore S westerly (more mutual mid-late dry out flavor as well as the common matter inward moisture season) pregnant smoothen weather along this beach. I could encounter patches of coral. plenty of fish as well as lots of divers working the area, hence went for a snorkel. Not bad at all - nowhere every bit expert every bit tell Australia's Great Barrier Reef but ameliorate than my recent visits to the Similans as well as Surins which were supposed to receive got Thailand's best coral but receive got been hitting hard past times global warming. These "panoramic" shots click-expand nicely.
LAR BAY
Another v minutes due north is the third E coast beach at Lar Bay. Well at high tide at that spot aint besides much of a beach. Some locals receive got prepare COCO BAR a curt distance farther north. Snorkelling at Lar is supposed to go of the same measure every bit Ter Bay.
2014
Still no existent beach. But weather similarly smoothen to nearby Ter Bay. And snorkelling slightly better. At to the lowest degree half-dozen dive boats as well as 2 cruising yachts parked offshore. Coco Bar tin flame go seen top of shot left of centre - was catering to a large bunch of twenty-four hr menses trippers when I called in, transported the 2km or hence from the principal beach past times tractor-hauled buggy. Beer prices higher than Bungalow Raya as well as way higher than Raya Father. Wierd controversy of horizon at correct is due to "panoramic" setting on m novel Olympus elcheapo - it has stitched three shots together hither (although I receive got cropped each side).
If you lot force on past times COCO BAR you lot tin flame alternative upward this rails which goes virtually 3km some the island's north-east headland to Siam Bay. It is fairly apartment inward the foremost one-half as well as hence has some moderate slopes amongst a few fossil oil sections - an experienced mountain-biker would non receive got to dismount (BAN RAYA has bicycles as well as I think they are available at Patok Beach) as well as average riders would detect themselves walking exclusively a few rougher/steep sections. Hoof marks indicated BAN RAYA'S riding outfit comes this way as well as the twin tracks inward the shot propose the ATV's seen downward page usage the route. Not besides much to encounter along hither - a distich of pocket-size bays, occasional glimpses of Phi Phi as well as lots of bush. Towards the destination is a fairly expert viewpoint over Siam Bay. UPDATE - unfortunately someone had seat upward a barrier amongst NO ENTRY sign just past times Coco Bar inward 2014 - looks similar the province has been bought past times dudes amongst large plans.
MID ISLAND
In 2010 I stayed at RAYA FATHER RESORT which is a budget house mid-island. Not a bad location inward that none of the beaches is to a greater extent than than 10 minutes away (Siam 5). These were the to the lowest degree expensive huts, fan jobs at 1000baht per night, non including breakfast. This is expensive - I reckon bungalows of this measure off the beach were worth to a greater extent than similar 600 tops inward 2010. These bungalows were inward expert condition, as well as looked to receive got had a fresh coat of pigment inward the off-season. They were rattling create clean as well as just large plenty for 2 people as well as their gear. The manly soul monarch sized sparse mattress was comfy, the insect screens inward expert condition. Towels, lather as well as can newspaper supplied (western toilet). THE RACHA'S large generator is virtually 200m away as well as kept upward a constant drone thru the night, but this was less noisy than sleeping inward the quieter purpose of an airliner cabin. RAYA FATHER has a large eatery which caters for some daytrip groups. Food is pretty expert as well as service first-class amongst prices the same or slightly higher than typical Thai isle budget bungalow restaurants when I revisited inward 2014. This turned out to go the cheapest feed on the isle both trips - as well as made the 10 infinitesimal stroll along the cross-island route good worthwhile my latest trip (loved those 100b large beers). The eatery surface area has wi-fi.
There are bigger fan bungalows of similar trend to the higher upward at 1200 inward 2010 which seem ameliorate value (worth maybe 800) addition a row of novel concrete,tile as well as tinted drinking glass motel-like fan rooms at the same cost every bit seen below.
These looked pretty prissy within but silent non worth 1200 inward 2010 - similar a dope I didn't inquire for prices inward 2014. They are farther from RACHA'S generator hence dissonance is non a feature.
RAYA GARDEN resort is just across the laneway from FATHER. Bungalow standards as well as pricing seem similar The eatery had several budget dishes but authorities notation this is a Muslim owned house as well as no alcohol is on sale.
These restaurants were following to FATHER as well as RAYA GARDEN. Surprisingly prices were a combat higher - exterior restaurants are ordinarily competitively lower. But these catered for large daytrip groups hence peradventure they don't receive got to chase business. Behind photographic television set camera was a dive store as well as several other touristy businesses.
ATM
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 sign inward the higher upward surface area suggested a dive store at that spot had an ATM but when I inquired inward 2014 this turned out to go an emergency cash house - they tin flame advance cash on your credit carte amongst a hefty accuse (I think it was 10%!)
SHOPS
There is a cluster of shops where the cross-island rails starts at Patok Beach - three pocket-size full general stores (prices considerably higher than Phuket - booze available inward i but prices no cheaper than Bungalow Raya), a pastry/ice creamery, a beauty salon as well as a dive shop. Most resorts also receive got a store selling basics.
TRAFFIC
Ko Raya is largely vehicle-free. Local individuals don't seem to receive got motorcyles except for a distich of sidecar outfits which the budget resorts usage to shuttle passengers as well as supplies to as well as from the pier.
The exclusively 4 wheel vehicles I saw were a few pickup truck/songthaew types used past times BAN RAYA as well as RAYABURI every bit shuttles, a distich of trucks busy on the novel constructions as well as a fair few staff-driven electrical golf game buggy type thingies gliding noislessly on the isle tracks close THE RACHA.
These ATVs are available for day-tripper as well as resort invitee hire but I saw them on exclusively 2 occasions.
VIEWPOINT
For some prissy Patok bay as well as beach views follow the steps/path from the the far correct corner (facing inland) of the beach - three minutes upward the loma as well as hence v minutes to the right, moderate to steep slopes inward parts: you lot could exercise it inward flip-flops etc but joggers are better.
Viewpoint route. You tin flame perish on W higher upward the bay for a curt distance (some side tracks downward onto the rocks) as well as hence loops dorsum - you lot tin flame provide to the beach the curt way or long thru THE RACHA'S staff surface area every bit seen. Vegetation etc rattling ordinary along loop routes.
MORE SNORKELLING INFO - after my 2010 visit, having been hindered past times the choppy weather at Konkare, Ter as well as Lar Bays, I made a comment virtually the snorkelling on a move website: "Not besides much coral seen inward most of the bays though, although the deep stuff out where the divers concentrated may go different."
Steve who is a dive teacher out of Phuket replied: "In the bays non much corals, but become a combat out of the bays along the coast as well as you'll encounter lots of corals, also very, rattling shallow."
So it looks similar to larn the best snorkelling at Raya you lot demand to stick to a daytrip boat, maybe a dive boat or hire a local longtail to present you lot the expert spots.
UPDATE - good every bit mentioned up-page, my 2014 see had much ameliorate weather on the far coast as well as I saw some reasonable coral as well as fish starting 50m offshore inward Ter as well as Lar Bays. I'm non sure how much value a day-trip boat would go - BUNGALOW RAYA seems to go a large fourth dimension day-trip operator these days, as well as despite promises inward their brochure that they would see Siam Bay as well as Konkare Bay for snorkelling, they gave these a immature adult woman as well as only snorkelled the pocket-size bay at i time due north of BUNGALOW RAYA bungalows (see painting present below), non far off the principal beach. Coral as well as fish at that spot pretty ordinary. Then i time again when leaving Siam bay at the destination of the 2014 trip I noticed several speedboats parked against the far eastern rocks, an surface area besides far for the average snorkeller to attain from the beach - hence maybe other daytrip operators are visiting the other bays.
GETTING THERE
Most bungalows/resorts receive got their ain speedboats these days out of Chalong pier inward south-east Phuket. See websites for times etc. If not, the day-trip operators at the pier volition carry you lot for 1200 to 1500+b. In 2014 I constitute Bungalow Raya's transfers rattling expert value because the 1000 provide included costless carry from/to Phuket resorts plus the snorkelling trip as well as luncheon the daytrippers do. Seeing they pay 2000b, my 1000 was non a bad deal. One occupation - Bungalow Raya's provide is at 1500 to 1600 which volition non suit people heading for before flights etc. In this representative they accuse 600 i way as well as adjust for some other operator to accept you lot dorsum to Phuket earlier. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 2d occupation nosotros had with Bungalow Raya's transfer is that they didn't respond my emails re where to larn the boat at Chalong - a telephone telephone band the twenty-four hr menses before informed us they would alternative us upward at our Nai Harn resort as well as deliver us to their Chalong depot (which is NOT at the pier but inward a laneway leading away from the beach maybe 400m due north - I would receive got had a helluva undertaking to detect it as well as I receive got been to Chalong to a greater extent than than one-half a dozen times).
You could charter a longtail boat to convey you lot out, but for 2 or fewer this would go to a greater extent than expensive than the speedboats as well as could go actually moisture as well as bumpy on a blustery day.
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If you lot are visiting Ko Raya you lot may go interested in:
- similar Coral Isand
- as well as of class Phuket itself
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If you lot encounter mistakes or receive got extra info, delight post it below. If you lot receive got questions, delight post them inward THE FORUM, accessed via the INDEX page. I don't larn to cheque private isle pages all that often. Sumber http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
White sand, clear turquoise water.................good diving, snorkelling, closeness to Phuket as well as a pocket-size publish of resorts from top-end to budget makes Ko Raya Yai (aka Ko Racha Yai) a pretty attractive location. No dogs as well as virtually no motor vehicles are bonuses. And I can't call back seeing whatever jet-skis either visit. Not everything is perfect - you lot receive got to search hard to detect truthful budget past times Thai standards food. (You tin flame click most of these images to expand them).
Ko Raya Yai is maybe 20-25km S of Phuket. Best access is past times either your resort's ain boat or if that is non a goer, the day-trip speedboats out of Chalong pier, one-half an hr on a calm twenty-four hr menses - I paid 1500 baht provide (which included van transfer from as well as dorsum to Phuket resorts) inward early on December 2010 on a daytrip boat, but I afterwards saw offers every bit depression every bit 1200. Look for fares at all the Phuket move desks as well as online. In 2014 I came past times Bungalow Raya's speedboat at 1000 provide - a pretty expert bargain considering it contained some extras similar the snorkelling trip as well as the buffet luncheon the daytrippers exercise addition costless transfers from/to Phuket resorts. It seems one-way transfers on the speedboats were going at 600b inward 2014. Some people larn their carry past times paying for a ride on a dive-boat. You tin flame also exercise the trip past times longtail, but unless you lot receive got a bunch of friends to part this volition go to a greater extent than expensive. And way fossil oil inward the blowy weather inward which I made the trip inward December 2010 - February 2014 was pretty calm which fits the common mid-late dry out flavor pattern.
Raya Noi has no accommodation but at to the lowest degree i prissy beach.
Raya Yai is small, barely 2km at its widest E to west. The developed purpose takes upward less than 25% of the island. The arrivals pier is on the west-facing Patok Beach.
I modified this Google basis picture to present the roads (white) as well as tracks (blue). There are a few others, but unimportant to visitors.The cherry symbols correspond the resorts: 1-THE RACHA 2-RAYABURI 3-BAN RAYA as well as the budget accommodation 4-RAYA BUNGALOW RESORT 5-RAYA FATHER 6-RAYA GARDEN 7-RAYA SEAVIEW (closed at the fourth dimension of my visit).
PATOK BEACH
The arrivals beach, Patok, is the busiest as well as maybe the most attractive if you lot don't hear a few rows of beach lounges. It is dwelling to 2 resorts, the budget/flashpacker BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT amongst fan as well as aircon bungalows behind camera, as well as the rattling high-end THE RACHA which has a large publish of attractive chalets ranging upward the slight loma behind the beach as well as out of frame top left.
Patok attracts a large publish of daytrippers from Phuket. The southern side of the pier is most attractive for swimming as well as snorkelling. There is exclusively a combat of coral but the sandy bottom as well as the headland rocks attract a expert diversity of fish easily spotted inward the crystal-clear water. This beach does non endure too-shallow H2O at depression tide, but hi those beach lounges (mostly owned past times the local community althoght THE RACHA of class has its ain exclusive area) aint inexpensive (200baht December 2010) but at that spot is plenty of sand to spread a towel or sarong. Some shade from trees to left of photographic television set camera past times mid-day. The arrivals pier (right) is i of those low-impact floating jobs. The principal cross-island route starts at i time behind camera.
Patok is a west-facing beach pregnant expert sunsets as well as rattling sheltered dry out flavor conditions. At dusk the daytrip boats are replaced past times cruising arts and crafts seeking a calm black anchorage. Many dive boats provide to Phuket but some live-aboards over-night inward the bay. I'm wondering how exposed this beach is to the moisture flavor westerlies as well as the associated large sea-swell. The floating pier could go a combat of thrill at such times.
Locals receive got prepare a distich of beach bars as well as a inexpensive massage house on the due north side of the beach - hoping to attract high-rollers from THE RACHA. These dudes inward shot enjoying a sunset beer are paying 100 for a pocket-size Chang - YIKES! Certainly didn't attract low-rollers similar me (av cost I payed for a pocket-size Chang inward beach bars inward Nov/Dec 2010 trip was 60). The lights depression on the headland behind belong to BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT'S restaurant. Real prissy beach/bay views from the tables hither but they receive got also been infected past times large payers from THE RACHA as well as maybe all those Russian mafia daytrippers amongst 90baht pocket-size Changs. YIPS!! So inward the involvement of enquiry I wandered into THE RACHA'S beach bar - pocket-size Changs 140! Hell, that's Austalian beach resort prices. Oh yeah, they coud sell me an Aussie beer - at 220. Tell 'em they're dreaming.
On my foremost see inward 2010 I thought BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT was past times far the most attractive of the budget places on the island. The fan bungalows gain along the headland beyond the eatery - most amongst some sort of bay view. They were the same cost every bit my smaller RAYA FATHER bungalow at 1000 baht per black inward early on December 2010 - silent overpriced inward my view. Restaurant nutrient prices were 0 to 20% higher than my 2011 digs at RAYA FATHER which itself at at the fourth dimension was 20 to 50% higher than typical budget bungalow resort restaurants (the 2014 revisit saw this reduced to 0 to 20% higher). Ko Raya/Racha is an higher upward average isle cost wise for access, accommodation as well as food. Note the most distant of BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT'S bungalows was less than v minutes from the sands of Patok as well as slightly to a greater extent than than v minutes from the northern destination of attractive Siam Beach past times a not-too-steep back-track across the headland.I've done a TRIP REPORT amongst lots to a greater extent than pix as well as information on my 2014 visit..
These dudes gathered oft on the rocks contrary the entrance to BUNGALOW RAYA RESORT for a hand-out from the restaurant. Some were the biggest monitor lizards I've seen inward Thailand, approaching 2m long - must go expert tucker they get. The netting is non an enclosure, they could crawl underneath amongst a combat of difficulty - to a greater extent than to maintain the tourists a rubber distance. Be careful, monitors usage their tails every bit a weapon - i swiped me across the breast when I tried to hurry it off a pathway shortly after taking this shot. I had no thought I was unopen plenty to swat.SIAM BAY
A lilliputian over 10 minutes walk from Patok Beach is the northern facing Siam Bay, longer as well as way quieter. Sand is every bit white, H2O pretty clear although the bay was catching a combat to a greater extent than of the dry out flavor easterly current of air on a rattling blustery twenty-four hr menses which tin flame growth turbidity inward shallow water. We constitute a fair combat of coral lumps as well as stone underfoot when wading. This beach suffers a combat from the low-tide blues - you lot tin flame wade a considerable distance from shore at such times. Note besides the shot shows that high tide leaves exclusively a strip of dry out sand - nevertheless I constitute the beach rattling pleasant at such times. The stream inward the foreground is non polluted but tannin-stained on its journeying through the rainforest.
I was non whelmed past times the snorkelling. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of the bits of coral unopen to shore was broken, but plenty fish to involvement non fanatical snorkellers. There were some ameliorate lumps of coral as well as fish virtually 100m out from the high tide score (you could wade out hither easily at depression tide) but although I swam a expert 300m out from shore I never constitute a reef drop-off - the bottom instead gradually deepens. Some coral as well as fish out at that spot besides but non hear blowing.
There are 2 resorts on this beach - the mid-range+ RAYABURI RESORT which owns the beachfront eatery as well as Sun lounges mid beach, as well as the budget RAYA SEAVIEW on the loma behind the far destination of the beach which unfortunately was closed when I visited early on December 2010 as well as seemed to go housing locals inward 2014.
RAYABURI RESORT has most of its chalets spaced some distance behind the beach amongst a prissy parkland-like expanse between. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 creek runs behind the chalets inward shot as well as forms a pocket-size lagoon before emptying out at the far destination of the beach shot higher upward this one. Work was going on amongst a novel fly virtually equal distance behind the camera. THE RACHA dorsum on Patok had much to a greater extent than extensive novel run existence added to an already expansive joint.
This is the deserted beach eatery of budget SEAVIEW RESORT on Siam. There is also a funky beach bar on the starting fourth dimension of the headland rocks virtually 100m farther W inward less expert repair. The eatery higher upward was inward pretty expert condition, dissimilar the bungalows below, scattered across the loma behind amongst tree filtered ocean views.
These needed some run as well as were devoid of slice of furniture - the boss at RAYA FATHER said inward 2010 that he thought the house would go opening for peak flavor (sure gonna go busy), but the travel-agent I booked my trip thru dorsum on Phuket said they had sold out to a bigger operator (um, no novel articulation inward 2014). This is the house I originally intended to rest a inward 2010.THE EASTERN BEACHES
KONKARE BAY
Konkare is the most distant beach from the arrivals pier at Patok - but exclusively takes a 25 infinitesimal walk. You aint going to write dwelling to mum virtually this beach except for maybe the snorkelling which all the guide books tell is rattling good. There were coral as well as fish but darned if I could detect anything public class or fifty-fifty approaching the standards of the Similans or some locations at Ko Tao. Maybe the daytrip boats common farther off the beach than the 150m I went. The i I came across to the isle on had virtually 100 loaves of breadstuff - seeing tropical fish inward a feeding frenzy is mind-blowing for a foremost timer as well as would go plenty to qualify whatever house every bit first-class snorkelling inward their minds.All the eastern beaches human face upward into the prevailing dry out flavor winds as well as hence larn a combat choppy - which agency H2O clarity is non every bit expert every bit at sheltered Patok. But they would go rattling sheltered beaches inward the moisture flavor prevailing westerlies.
Access to Konkare beach is thru the grounds of BAN RAYA RESORT (no problems), some other prissy midrange place. Its bungalows as well as chalets are widely spread across the depression loma behind the beach. That's the eatery top right.TER BAY
Ter Bay's beach is to a greater extent than attractive than Konkare, but can't compare to Patok as well as Siam. You tin flame encounter the blustery weather inward December 2010 were non precisely conducive to expert swimming or snorkelling, hence I gave them the large miss. According to the books snorkelling is okay but downward a measurement from Konkare. There was a newly built modernistic beach bar just out of frame to the right, but it was non operating inward early on December shoulder season. A pile of edifice materials virtually 70m behind photographic television set camera indicates someone may receive got plans for a resort here.
The crap on-shore 2010 slop didn't halt these Thai guys from doing the large Kelly Slater super-surfer routine. I hope they were local isle guys as well as didn't come upward all the way from Phuket for this rubbish. Their carry suggests they were local bungalow guys.BIG CHANGE
LAR BAY
Another v minutes due north is the third E coast beach at Lar Bay. Well at high tide at that spot aint besides much of a beach. Some locals receive got prepare COCO BAR a curt distance farther north. Snorkelling at Lar is supposed to go of the same measure every bit Ter Bay.2014
If you lot force on past times COCO BAR you lot tin flame alternative upward this rails which goes virtually 3km some the island's north-east headland to Siam Bay. It is fairly apartment inward the foremost one-half as well as hence has some moderate slopes amongst a few fossil oil sections - an experienced mountain-biker would non receive got to dismount (BAN RAYA has bicycles as well as I think they are available at Patok Beach) as well as average riders would detect themselves walking exclusively a few rougher/steep sections. Hoof marks indicated BAN RAYA'S riding outfit comes this way as well as the twin tracks inward the shot propose the ATV's seen downward page usage the route. Not besides much to encounter along hither - a distich of pocket-size bays, occasional glimpses of Phi Phi as well as lots of bush. Towards the destination is a fairly expert viewpoint over Siam Bay. UPDATE - unfortunately someone had seat upward a barrier amongst NO ENTRY sign just past times Coco Bar inward 2014 - looks similar the province has been bought past times dudes amongst large plans.MID ISLAND
In 2010 I stayed at RAYA FATHER RESORT which is a budget house mid-island. Not a bad location inward that none of the beaches is to a greater extent than than 10 minutes away (Siam 5). These were the to the lowest degree expensive huts, fan jobs at 1000baht per night, non including breakfast. This is expensive - I reckon bungalows of this measure off the beach were worth to a greater extent than similar 600 tops inward 2010. These bungalows were inward expert condition, as well as looked to receive got had a fresh coat of pigment inward the off-season. They were rattling create clean as well as just large plenty for 2 people as well as their gear. The manly soul monarch sized sparse mattress was comfy, the insect screens inward expert condition. Towels, lather as well as can newspaper supplied (western toilet). THE RACHA'S large generator is virtually 200m away as well as kept upward a constant drone thru the night, but this was less noisy than sleeping inward the quieter purpose of an airliner cabin. RAYA FATHER has a large eatery which caters for some daytrip groups. Food is pretty expert as well as service first-class amongst prices the same or slightly higher than typical Thai isle budget bungalow restaurants when I revisited inward 2014. This turned out to go the cheapest feed on the isle both trips - as well as made the 10 infinitesimal stroll along the cross-island route good worthwhile my latest trip (loved those 100b large beers). The eatery surface area has wi-fi.There are bigger fan bungalows of similar trend to the higher upward at 1200 inward 2010 which seem ameliorate value (worth maybe 800) addition a row of novel concrete,tile as well as tinted drinking glass motel-like fan rooms at the same cost every bit seen below.
These looked pretty prissy within but silent non worth 1200 inward 2010 - similar a dope I didn't inquire for prices inward 2014. They are farther from RACHA'S generator hence dissonance is non a feature.
RAYA GARDEN resort is just across the laneway from FATHER. Bungalow standards as well as pricing seem similar The eatery had several budget dishes but authorities notation this is a Muslim owned house as well as no alcohol is on sale.
These restaurants were following to FATHER as well as RAYA GARDEN. Surprisingly prices were a combat higher - exterior restaurants are ordinarily competitively lower. But these catered for large daytrip groups hence peradventure they don't receive got to chase business. Behind photographic television set camera was a dive store as well as several other touristy businesses.ATM
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 sign inward the higher upward surface area suggested a dive store at that spot had an ATM but when I inquired inward 2014 this turned out to go an emergency cash house - they tin flame advance cash on your credit carte amongst a hefty accuse (I think it was 10%!)
SHOPS
There is a cluster of shops where the cross-island rails starts at Patok Beach - three pocket-size full general stores (prices considerably higher than Phuket - booze available inward i but prices no cheaper than Bungalow Raya), a pastry/ice creamery, a beauty salon as well as a dive shop. Most resorts also receive got a store selling basics.
TRAFFIC
Ko Raya is largely vehicle-free. Local individuals don't seem to receive got motorcyles except for a distich of sidecar outfits which the budget resorts usage to shuttle passengers as well as supplies to as well as from the pier.
The exclusively 4 wheel vehicles I saw were a few pickup truck/songthaew types used past times BAN RAYA as well as RAYABURI every bit shuttles, a distich of trucks busy on the novel constructions as well as a fair few staff-driven electrical golf game buggy type thingies gliding noislessly on the isle tracks close THE RACHA.
These ATVs are available for day-tripper as well as resort invitee hire but I saw them on exclusively 2 occasions.VIEWPOINT
MORE SNORKELLING INFO - after my 2010 visit, having been hindered past times the choppy weather at Konkare, Ter as well as Lar Bays, I made a comment virtually the snorkelling on a move website: "Not besides much coral seen inward most of the bays though, although the deep stuff out where the divers concentrated may go different."
Steve who is a dive teacher out of Phuket replied: "In the bays non much corals, but become a combat out of the bays along the coast as well as you'll encounter lots of corals, also very, rattling shallow."
So it looks similar to larn the best snorkelling at Raya you lot demand to stick to a daytrip boat, maybe a dive boat or hire a local longtail to present you lot the expert spots.
UPDATE - good every bit mentioned up-page, my 2014 see had much ameliorate weather on the far coast as well as I saw some reasonable coral as well as fish starting 50m offshore inward Ter as well as Lar Bays. I'm non sure how much value a day-trip boat would go - BUNGALOW RAYA seems to go a large fourth dimension day-trip operator these days, as well as despite promises inward their brochure that they would see Siam Bay as well as Konkare Bay for snorkelling, they gave these a immature adult woman as well as only snorkelled the pocket-size bay at i time due north of BUNGALOW RAYA bungalows (see painting present below), non far off the principal beach. Coral as well as fish at that spot pretty ordinary. Then i time again when leaving Siam bay at the destination of the 2014 trip I noticed several speedboats parked against the far eastern rocks, an surface area besides far for the average snorkeller to attain from the beach - hence maybe other daytrip operators are visiting the other bays.
GETTING THERE
Most bungalows/resorts receive got their ain speedboats these days out of Chalong pier inward south-east Phuket. See websites for times etc. If not, the day-trip operators at the pier volition carry you lot for 1200 to 1500+b. In 2014 I constitute Bungalow Raya's transfers rattling expert value because the 1000 provide included costless carry from/to Phuket resorts plus the snorkelling trip as well as luncheon the daytrippers do. Seeing they pay 2000b, my 1000 was non a bad deal. One occupation - Bungalow Raya's provide is at 1500 to 1600 which volition non suit people heading for before flights etc. In this representative they accuse 600 i way as well as adjust for some other operator to accept you lot dorsum to Phuket earlier. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 2d occupation nosotros had with Bungalow Raya's transfer is that they didn't respond my emails re where to larn the boat at Chalong - a telephone telephone band the twenty-four hr menses before informed us they would alternative us upward at our Nai Harn resort as well as deliver us to their Chalong depot (which is NOT at the pier but inward a laneway leading away from the beach maybe 400m due north - I would receive got had a helluva undertaking to detect it as well as I receive got been to Chalong to a greater extent than than one-half a dozen times).
You could charter a longtail boat to convey you lot out, but for 2 or fewer this would go to a greater extent than expensive than the speedboats as well as could go actually moisture as well as bumpy on a blustery day.
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If you lot are visiting Ko Raya you lot may go interested in:
- similar Coral Isand
- as well as of class Phuket itself
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If you lot encounter mistakes or receive got extra info, delight post it below. If you lot receive got questions, delight post them inward THE FORUM, accessed via the INDEX page. I don't larn to cheque private isle pages all that often. Sumber http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/