The Racha Resort on Racha Yai Island
The Racha Resort is located on Racha Yai Island about 20 kilometers south of Phuket, so right away you have something different. Racha Yai is a small island with sandy beaches, shallow reefs, and is a place I have been countless times for diving - day trips come here every day from Phuket. If you stay here, you can't complain that it's too far from town, or too far from the nightlife - I guess you will stay here if you WANT to be away from the crowds and away from the bars. The resort has an environmental message (their website says "the resort strives to be recognised as a leader in responsible and environmentally sustainable tourism") which I think must be important when you are based on a small island - you have to take care of resources.
The Racha has 70 villas, some with private pools, all overlooking the ocean and it's a view without any concrete or other hotels, just ocean. I note that some reviews mention the beach in front of the resort - it's not a private beach, maybe some people are expecting it to be - but daytrippers also use the beach.. they can't use the huge infinity horizon pool though :) Of course for a hotel like The Racha you are not paying low rates, right now I see rates on Agoda from about 15,000 Baht per night (for April) or only about 6000 Baht in low season. The resort has several restaurants which will also be priced to match.. and on Racha Yai island don't expect to find many more dining options save for a couple of small beachside places. The Racha is a little hideaway, good for hiding from the world and being looked after.
Reviews on Agoda are very positive, and it probably should be on my Best Phuket Hotels list, except when I wrote the list it was not in the TripAdvisor Top 10 .. it is now, though that list changes daily.. always makes me laugh that in amongst all the reviews saying "paradise" you get one terrible review, it's the same for all hotels and you learn which ones to ignore!
The Racha Resort - Booking & Information Links
• The Racha Resort - Rates and Reservations at Agoda.com
• The Racha Resort - Guest Reviews at Agoda.com
The Racha Resort - Photos
Phuket Hotels - More Information - Online Booking
• More of Jamie's Phuket Hotel Suggestions
• Top 10 Phuket Hotels
• Phuket Hotels - Book Online at Agoda.com
• Thailand Hotel Booking at Agoda.com
The Racha has 70 villas, some with private pools, all overlooking the ocean and it's a view without any concrete or other hotels, just ocean. I note that some reviews mention the beach in front of the resort - it's not a private beach, maybe some people are expecting it to be - but daytrippers also use the beach.. they can't use the huge infinity horizon pool though :) Of course for a hotel like The Racha you are not paying low rates, right now I see rates on Agoda from about 15,000 Baht per night (for April) or only about 6000 Baht in low season. The resort has several restaurants which will also be priced to match.. and on Racha Yai island don't expect to find many more dining options save for a couple of small beachside places. The Racha is a little hideaway, good for hiding from the world and being looked after.
Reviews on Agoda are very positive, and it probably should be on my Best Phuket Hotels list, except when I wrote the list it was not in the TripAdvisor Top 10 .. it is now, though that list changes daily.. always makes me laugh that in amongst all the reviews saying "paradise" you get one terrible review, it's the same for all hotels and you learn which ones to ignore!
The Racha Resort - Booking & Information Links
• The Racha Resort - Rates and Reservations at Agoda.com
• The Racha Resort - Guest Reviews at Agoda.com
The Racha Resort - Photos
Phuket Hotels - More Information - Online Booking
• More of Jamie's Phuket Hotel Suggestions
• Top 10 Phuket Hotels
• Phuket Hotels - Book Online at Agoda.com
• Thailand Hotel Booking at Agoda.com
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The Racha Resort on Racha Yai Island | Jamie's Phuket Blog
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Please do add your comment or ask a question
Hi Jamie,
Great recommendation thanks :)
We are planning to go to Phuket again and for sure I will think about it :)
May I ask how you reach to Racha Yai island? transportation is really important for me.
Thanks :)
The Racha has transfers by speedboat, 3 times per day (scheduled) from Chalong Bay to Racha Yai takes about 30 - 40 minutes, 800 Baht per person each way, free if you stay 7 nights. Private transfers can also be arranged at extra cost. Transfer to Racha Yai at 11:30, 14:00, 17:00, and transfer from Racha Yai at 09:00, 12:00 and 16:00.
Thanks Jamie for a great blog. Found it very helpful for my first visit to Phuket in January. Might I suggest you check out Sansuko Ville on the road froPhuket to Cape Panwa. Very comfortable and very well run accomodation. Also Chai Yo Seafood restuarant.
Please keep up the good work.
Hi Arthur,
Yes I have heard Saunsuko Ville is a nice spot. I like the Cape Panwa area.. good idea to have your own wheels if you stay there. My wife said she went to Chai Yo once and did not like it.... she da boss!