Thailand – Coral and Raya Islands
Off Phuket’s southern coast are a number of small islands whose pristine shores lure scuba-divers and beach bums away from the mainland. Most of these isolated islands are undeveloped, but the notable exceptions are Coral Island and Raya Island (also known as Racha Island) which have accommodation options and restaurants.
Both islands have safe swimming, reefs teeming with aquatic life, and a sense of ‘getting away from it all’ that’s harder and harder to come by in Phuket proper. Coral Island is privately owned by the Coral Island Resort — the only place to stay on the island. Raya Island is larger and, while still largely undeveloped, is home to three established resorts and some nameless bungalow operations open only during the high season.
Coral Island Only a 15 minute speed boat trip from Chalong pier, Coral Island is the more commercial of the two islands. During the day, it plays host to a steady stream of day-tripppers who come to enjoy the island’s long white sandy beach and excellent year-round swimming. The snorkelling is pretty good and you don’t have to go out very far before you start to see colourful reef fish, making this an excellent beach for kids to learn how to snorkel.
Other beach activities like diving, banana boat rides, and para-sailing are available (for an extra fee, of course). A host of souvenir shops, restaurants, and services operate along the beach. If you’re aching for an oil massage, in need of a cold drink, or forgot your swimmers, all can be purchased on the island.
Raya Island
Raya Island is a prime destination for yachties, who stay at the resorts, and divers, who typically book up all the island’s cheaper rooms. Between the yachts, diving boats, and speedboats with snorkelling day-trippers, Raya’s beautiful bays can get quite congested during the high season. Thankfully, this doesn’t really detract from the natural beauty of the place. It’s always possible to find a secluded spot and bask in the feeling of being miles away from everything — which you really are.
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