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Rawai Beach: What to do and Where to stay
By Paula Parker
Rawai the Gateway to Phuket's Offshore Islands
Rawai Beach lies on the south east coast of Phuket between Promthep Cape and Chalong Bay on the quieter side of the Island.
Whilst the beach itself is not good for swimming, there are many aspects of Rawai that makes it a charming location to spend some time.
For us, the area around Rawai is a peaceful haven away from the bustling west coast beaches and is the perfect spot to get away from the main tourist areas in Phuket.
Rawai is very different to Phuket’s west coast beaches; the beach is a working beach where you will see local fishermen working on their fishing boats and organizing their fishing gear ready for their days work.
The calm, shallow waters at Rawai make it a popular launching point for day trips to the offshore Islands.
Along the beach you will find an abundance of longtail boats moored in the water that are available for hire, enabling you access to the nearby Coral Island or enjoy a delicious lunch at Bon Island or explore Koh Lone or the Racha Islands.
If you like, you can even charter a boat to go fishing or take a tour to the offshore islands to go snorkelling, .
Rawai Beach Hotels
& Resorts
The area around Rawai beach has a great mix of accommodation, from upmarket 5 star resorts to very good budget hotels.
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Five Star Resorts in Rawai Beach Phuket
Serenity Resort & Residences
The Serenity Resort & Residences
is a fantastic place to stay with a range of rooms and suites that are
ideal for couples or a family vacation in Phuket.
The resort is located
on the beachfront between Chalong and Rawai. Read more
The Vijitt Resort
The Vijitt Resort
is simply stunning; this all villa five star resort has a selection of
villas, pool villas and two bedroom pool villas that overlook Chalong
Bay.
The resort has a range of top notch facilities including a stunning
infinity pool, a kids club, spa, and a complimentary shuttle to Nai
Harn Beach.
Read more.
Budget Hotels in Rawai
Rawai Palm Beach Resort
Rawai Palm Beach Resort
is located towards the southern end of Rawai Beach just 5 minutes from
Promthep Cape.
The resort features a good selection of room to
suit all types of travellers, whether you’re travelling with friends or family. Read more.
Phuket Sea Resort
Phuket Sea Resort
won’t break the budget, but this resort will provide a variety of
facilities and amenities that you would expect in a more expensive
hotel.
The resort is set in a great location, close to a range of
fantastic restaurants and just across the road from Rawai Beach. Read more.
Le Piman Resort
Le Piman Resort
offers great value for money; this small unassuming resort is a hidden
gem in Rawai.
The Villas are clean and spacious, all of which have direct access to the swimming pool and feature a kitchenette with microwave, living room, private bedroom and en-suite. Read more.
To find a full list of hotels & Resorts across Phuket, just click search in the box below.
Attractions at Rawai Beach
The main attractions at Rawai for us personally would have to be the great views of the offshore islands, the array of wonderful seafood restaurants and the laid back lifestyle.
At the northern end of Rawai beach near the Pier you will
find the Sea Gypsy Village and the popular Rawai Seafood Market. Here
you can purchase your seafood from the village markets and then take it to one
of the nearby restaurants where they are happy to cook it for a small fee.
If you do visit Rawai take some time to look around the exhibit of seashells at the Phuket Seashell Museum or if your traveling with kids make your way to Rawai Park Kids Club where you will find a host of fun activities for the kids.
Not to be missed when on holiday in Phuket and while exploring
the area around Rawai is Promthep Cape, this is one of the best and most
popular viewpoints in Phuket.
Where to eat at Rawai Beach
The road that runs alongside Rawai Beach is dotted with a selection of good restaurants and bars; one of our favorites is Nikita’s.
Nikita’s restaurant is set on the beachfront at Rawai with wonderful views overlooking the ocean and out to the offshore islands, serving delicious food with excellent service, take a peak at their menu.
If you like seafood and don't mind the smell of a fish market head to Rawai Seafood Market.
Rawai Ocean Seaview Restaurant is another top spot to stop off for lunch; the restaurant is located on the way to Promthep Cape from Rawai.
Meals here are absolutely delicious, and the elevated location of the
restaurant provides magnificent views overlooking the beach.
Travel Tips
The beach at Rawai is not a swimming beach and you won’t find sunbeds, jet skis or banana boats.
However if you do choose to stay at one of the hotels and resorts in Rawai, there are better beaches to swim at such as Nai Harn or Yanui.
These two beaches are only a short distance
away and most hotels and resorts in Rawai will provide transport to them.
How to get to Rawai
Rawai is about a 30 minute drive south from Patong Beach.
From Phuket Town follow the 4021 Road, south to Chalong
Circle then take the 4024 Road south from Chalong Circle.
Rawai Location Map
View Rawai Phuket Thailand in a larger map
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