Phuket Part IV

Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach is popular with locals who come to enjoy seafood and the stunning views of the islands of the coast.

In the days before Phuket became a popular tourist destination, Rawai Beach was where locals from Phuket Town would come to enjoy the sea. These days, the beach itself is not that nice with many small boats anchored off the coast, but it is safe to swim all year round because of its position facing Phang Nga Bay.

At the eastern end of the beach is a village of sea-gypsy who has a small fish market. Here you can also buy local handicrafts and assorted Thai snacks. The view near Laem Phrom Thep, the southernmost tip of the island is especially popular at sunset.

 

Koh Racha, Phuket

Lying about 20kms south of Phuket, Racha Islands comprise two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. To complicate matters, they are also known as Koh Raya Yai and Koh Raya Noi (Yai means "great" in Thai and as you may have guessed, noi means "small"). I've been bathing naked (really naked (-_-).

The islands have clear waters and white sand beaches (that I really really love it indeed). They are very popular with divers and snorkellers, with dive sites for advanced divers and difficult for many beginners and snorkelers. You can walk around the island but it take time.

Racha Yai:

Closest to Phuket is Racha Yai. The island is mainly inhabited by farmers and fishermen Muslims. This island is also where the whole property is located.

The main beach on the northwest coast of the island, and Ao Tawan Tok (also known as Ao Bungalow), which is located in a U-shaped bay The sand here is white as snow and has the consistency of talcum powder(It's great! great soft for your feet). There are a few bungalows and restaurants located here, although the area is fairly limited. There is only electricity for several hours in the evening.

Like many islands in the region, Racha Yai is popular with day-trippers from Phuket and Ao Bungalow can be a bit busy in the afternoon.

At night the island is pretty quiet with only a few restaurants and bars. The lack of light means that the night sky is light with stars, ideal for stargazing on the beach.

Racha Noi:

Just south of Racha Yai is her little sister, Racha Noi. This island is uninhabited and has more rocks than beaches. There is a small bay on the west coast and is a favorite spot for fishing, but outside of the diving there is not much to do here.

The main activities here are scuba diving and snorkelling. Racha Yai's east coast has a bay that is fine for diving even during the rainy-season. Visibility can be as as good as 30m.

Racha Noi is more suited to experienced divers as the sites are at greater depths. There are some sites where larger marine creatures, manta rays in particular, are regularly spotted.

Pictures Credit :
http://travel.upyim.com
http://lovetwovillas.wordpress.com
http://weescuba.tumblr.com
Thank to : www.accorhotels.com