Rawai Phuket
Rawai offers a tranquil escape in southern Phuket, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant seafood market, and relaxed vibe, perfect for a chill geta...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset views are spectacular
Rawai Phuket
Best Time
Sunset views are spectacular

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rawai offers a tranquil escape in southern Phuket, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant seafood market, and relaxed vibe, perfect for a chill getaway.
"Rawai is a very chill district with cute beaches and fancy restaurants. A perfect place for people who want calm and cute area to stay.
"🛵 Rent a Scooter
Essential for exploring Rawai's spread-out attractions. Be cautious and ensure you have an IDP.
📱 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Grab, Bolt, and IN DRIVE offer affordable bike taxis and car rides if you prefer not to drive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nai Harn Beach
South Phuket
A stunning, crescent-shaped bay with soft sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Ya Nui Beach
South Phuket
A picturesque, smaller bay nestled between green hills, offering a tranquil escape and clear waters.

Rawai Seafood Market
Rawai Pier
Choose fresh seafood from local vendors and have it cooked at a nearby restaurant for a delicious meal.

Promthep Cape
Southernmost tip of Phuket
Famous for its breathtaking sunset views over the Andaman Sea.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill Vibe
Beach Realities & Island Hops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Essential for exploring Rawai's spread-out attractions. Be cautious and ensure you have an IDP.
📱 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Grab, Bolt, and IN DRIVE offer affordable bike taxis and car rides if you prefer not to drive.
💰 Negotiate Boat Prices
For island hopping from Rawai Pier, agree on the price and itinerary beforehand.
🍽️ Fresh Seafood Feast
Visit the Rawai Seafood Market, pick your catch, and have it cooked at a local restaurant.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Essential for exploring Rawai's spread-out attractions. Be cautious and ensure you have an IDP.
📱 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Grab, Bolt, and IN DRIVE offer affordable bike taxis and car rides if you prefer not to drive.
💰 Negotiate Boat Prices
For island hopping from Rawai Pier, agree on the price and itinerary beforehand.
🍽️ Fresh Seafood Feast
Visit the Rawai Seafood Market, pick your catch, and have it cooked at a local restaurant.
☕ Cafe Hopping
Discover charming cafes like Raga Coffee and Coming Home Cafe for great ambiance and food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rawai is appreciated for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful nearby beaches like Nai Harn and Ya Nui. The seafood market is a culinary highlight, and it offers a more authentic Thai experience compared to busier tourist hubs. However, some find it overpriced, lacking in walkability, and the main beach isn't ideal for swimming.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or pre-booked transfer from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Rawai. The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing apps like Grab once you're out of the airport.
Rawai is quite spread out, so walking between all attractions isn't always practical, especially in the heat. While some areas are walkable, renting a scooter or using ride-sharing apps is highly recommended for efficient exploration.
Renting a scooter is the most popular and convenient option for exploring Rawai and its surroundings. If you're not comfortable with scooters, Grab (bike taxi or car) and Bolt are readily available and affordable.
While there isn't extensive public transport within Rawai itself, the Smartbus service connects Rawai Beach to other parts of Phuket, including Promthep Cape. For local travel, ride-sharing apps are more common.
Yes, Rawai has several coworking spaces and cafes that offer Wi-Fi, catering to digital nomads. Breakers cafe and Grind Time are popular options for those looking to work remotely.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can often book island hopping tours directly from boat operators at Rawai Pier on the day of your trip. However, booking through apps like GetYourGuide might offer more structured options and potentially better prices.
Most beaches in Rawai, like Nai Harn and Ya Nui, are free to access. Some attractions like Promthep Cape are also free, though specific activities or viewpoints might have small charges.
The Rawai Seafood Market is generally open throughout the day, with vendors selling fresh seafood from morning until evening. Restaurants nearby will also be open to cook your purchases.
Promthep Cape itself is a public viewpoint and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit at any time to enjoy the scenery, especially during sunset.
While Rawai is more about beaches and local life, nearby attractions like Hanuman World offer zip-lining and adventure activities. These can often be booked on the day or through online platforms.
🎫 🏝️ Beaches & Activities
Nai Harn Beach is a top choice for its beautiful sand and clear waters. Ya Nui Beach offers a more secluded and picturesque experience. Rawai Beach itself is more of a hub for boat tours.
Rawai Beach is primarily used by fishing and tourist boats, so the water quality isn't ideal for swimming. It's better to head to nearby Nai Harn or Ya Nui for swimming.
Longtail boats from Rawai Pier can take you to nearby islands like Koh Bon, Coral Island, and Racha Island. It's advisable to negotiate prices and confirm the itinerary.
Promthep Cape is best known for its stunning sunset views. It's a popular spot for photographers and couples looking for a romantic evening.
Yes, Rawai has several charming cafes. Raga Coffee, Coming Home Cafe, and The Sundeck are popular spots known for their ambiance and delicious offerings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Rawai Seafood Market by the pier is the place to go. You select your fresh seafood, and local restaurants will cook it for you. It's a unique and delicious experience.
Yes, Rawai has growing options for vegetarians and vegans. Some cafes offer dedicated dishes, and you can often request vegetarian preparations at local restaurants.
Beyond the seafood market, explore cafes like Raga Coffee and Coming Home Cafe for diverse menus. For a stylish day club experience, FIRA offers Mediterranean-inspired dining.
While not as prevalent as in some other Thai cities, you can find some street food stalls, especially around the beach areas. However, the seafood market is the main culinary draw.
Street food and local eateries offer very affordable meals, often around $2-4. Restaurants and cafes can range from moderate to higher prices, especially for Western-style dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Nai Harn Beach and Ya Nui Beach offer stunning coastal scenery. Promthep Cape is iconic for sunset shots. Cafes like Raga Coffee with its fish pond also provide great photo opportunities.
Rawai Beach itself is more about the boats and pier activity, which can be interesting subjects. For classic beach photography, Nai Harn and Ya Nui are better choices.
The Rawai Seafood Market offers vibrant scenes of fresh catches and local life. Some cafes, like Raga Coffee, have unique features like fish ponds that make for interesting photos.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset are ideal for capturing the beautiful light on the beaches and at Promthep Cape. Midday can be harsh for photography.
While not as common as in major tourist hubs, you might find local photographers offering services, especially for beach photoshoots. It's best to inquire at local tour desks or through online platforms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🧘 Digital Nomads & Remote Workers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Rawai: Transportation Insights
For those who prefer not to drive, ride-sharing apps like Grab, Bolt, and IN DRIVE are readily available and offer both motorbike taxis and car services. These are generally more affordable than traditional taxis and provide a reliable way to get to different beaches, restaurants, and attractions. The Smartbus is another option for traveling between Rawai and other key locations in Phuket, though its routes and schedules should be checked in advance.
Rawai's Beaches: Beyond the Main Strip
For those seeking adventure, island hopping from Rawai Pier is a must-do. Longtail boats can be hired to explore nearby islands such as Koh Bon, Coral Island, and the Racha Islands. It's essential to negotiate the price and confirm your itinerary with the boat captain beforehand to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. The experience of choosing fresh seafood at the Rawai Seafood Market and having it cooked at a nearby restaurant is also a highlight, offering a delicious taste of local marine life.
Dining Delights in Rawai
Beyond the seafood market, Rawai boasts a growing number of charming cafes and restaurants. Spots like Raga Coffee are praised for their ambiance, featuring unique elements like a fish pond, and delicious food. Coming Home Cafe and The Sundeck also offer delightful settings and menus. For those seeking a stylish day out, FIRA, a Mediterranean-inspired day club, provides a chic atmosphere with hillside views and a curated soundtrack.
While Rawai is known for its seafood, there are also increasing options for vegetarian and vegan diners. Many cafes and restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary needs, and you can often find dedicated vegetarian dishes. The cost of dining can vary, with street food and local eateries offering very budget-friendly meals, while more upscale restaurants and cafes will naturally be priced higher.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit