Have you ever wondered what Phuket was like before it became a popular tourist destination? If you want to experience the original charm and culture of this island, you should visit Rawai Beach, one of the oldest and most authentic beaches in Phuket. Rawai Beach is not your typical sandy beach where you can swim and sunbathe, but rather a place where you can relax and enjoy the view, observe the local life of fishermen and boatmen, and taste the freshest seafood in town.
Rawai Beach is also a great base to explore the nearby islands, such as Coral Island, Racha Island, and Bon Island, where you can find pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. In this article, we will show you how to get to Rawai Beach, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and where to have fun on this hidden gem in Phuket.
How to get to Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach is located at the southern tip of Phuket, about 17 km from Phuket Town and 48 km from Phuket International Airport. There are several ways to reach Rawai Beach from different parts of the island, such as by car, bus, or taxi.
By car:
If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive to Rawai Beach by following the signs to Chalong Circle, then taking the road to Rawai. The drive from Phuket Town takes about 30 minutes, while the drive from the airport takes about an hour. Driving to Rawai Beach gives you the flexibility and convenience to explore the area at your own pace, but be aware of the traffic and parking regulations. You can park your car at the east end of the beach, near the seafood market, or at the west end, near the Evason Phuket Resort.
By bus:
If you are on a budget, you can take the local bus (songthaew) to Rawai Beach from Phuket Town. The bus departs from Ranong Road, near the fresh market, every hour from 7 am to 6 pm. The fare is 40 baht per person, and the journey takes about an hour. The bus stops at various points along the beach, so you can get off at your preferred location. Taking the bus to Rawai Beach is a cheap and fun way to experience the local transportation, but be prepared for a slow and bumpy ride.
By taxi:
If you want a comfortable and hassle-free way to get to Rawai Beach, you can take a taxi from Phuket Town, the airport, or any other location on the island. The taxi fare varies depending on the distance and the time of the day, but you can expect to pay around 500 baht from Phuket Town, 800 baht from the airport, and 300 baht from Patong. You can also negotiate the price with the driver before you get in. Taking a taxi to Rawai Beach is a fast and convenient way to travel, but be aware of the scams and overcharging that some taxi drivers may try.
Where to stay on Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Whether you are looking for a cozy and friendly place to stay, or a lavish and elegant place to pamper yourself, you can find it on Rawai Beach. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts on Rawai Beach that you can book:
The Nai Harn:
This is a five-star resort that boasts a stunning location overlooking the Nai Harn Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. The resort features spacious and stylish rooms and suites, a large outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, and several dining options. The resort also offers free shuttle service to Rawai Beach and Nai Harn Beach, as well as free kayak and snorkeling equipment rental. The Nai Harn is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the ultimate luxury and comfort on Rawai Beach.
You can book a room at Nai Harn Phuket here.
Serenity Resort & Residences Phuket:
This is a four-star resort that offers a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere on Rawai Beach. The resort features modern and cozy rooms and suites, some with private pools, a beachfront pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant. The resort also offers free shuttle service to Nai Harn Beach and Chalong Pier, as well as free bicycle rental. Serenity Resort & Residences Phuket is the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the peace and serenity on Rawai Beach.
You can book a room at Serenity Resort & Residences Phuket here.
Rawai Palm Beach Resort:
This is a four-star resort that offers a tropical and family-friendly environment on Rawai Beach. The resort features spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, three outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant. The resort also offers free shuttle service to Nai Harn Beach and Yanui Beach, as well as free Wi-Fi and parking. Rawai Palm Beach Resort is the best choice for those who want to enjoy the fun and excitement on Rawai Beach.
You can book a room at Rawai Palm Beach Resort here.
Happy Elephant Resort:
This is a three-star resort that offers a cozy and affordable stay on Rawai Beach. The resort features simple and clean rooms and bungalows, a small outdoor pool, a garden, and a restaurant. The resort also offers free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as free bicycle rental. Happy Elephant Resort is the budget choice for those who want to enjoy the simplicity and hospitality on Rawai Beach.
You can book a room at Happy Elephant Resort here.
What to do on Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach is not a place where you can swim or sunbathe, as the water is shallow and murky, and the sand is coarse and rocky. However, there are plenty of other things to do on Rawai Beach that will make your visit worthwhile, such as:
Taking a boat trip to the nearby islands:
One of the main attractions of Rawai Beach is the longtail boats that line up along the shore, ready to take you to the surrounding islands. You can choose from several destinations, such as Coral Island, Racha Island, Bon Island, Koh Lone, and Koh Hae, where you can find white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and colorful coral reefs. You can also enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and parasailing. You can either join a group tour or hire a private boat, depending on your budget and preference. The boat trip usually costs around 1,000 to 2,000 baht per person, and lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. The best time to go is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny.
Visiting the Sea Gypsy Village:
Another attraction of Rawai Beach is the Sea Gypsy Village, a small community of fishermen and boatmen who live in traditional wooden houses on stilts. The Sea Gypsies, or Chao Le, are the original inhabitants of Phuket, who have preserved their unique culture and lifestyle for centuries. You can visit the village and learn about their history, customs, and beliefs, as well as buy some souvenirs, such as handicrafts, pearls, and shells. The village is located at the east end of the beach, near the seafood market, and is open from 8 am to 6 pm. The entrance is free, but you can make a donation to support the villagers.
Getting a massage:
One of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate on Rawai Beach is to get a massage from one of the many massage parlors that dot the beach. You can choose from different types of massage, such as Thai, oil, foot, or herbal, and enjoy the soothing touch of the skilled therapists. The massage usually costs around 300 to 500 baht per hour, and is available from 10 am to 10 pm. You can also get a massage on the beach, where you can listen to the sound of the waves and feel the breeze on your skin. Getting a massage on Rawai Beach is a must-do for anyone who wants to experience the Thai wellness and hospitality.
Enjoying the views from Promthep Cape:
One of the most scenic spots on Rawai Beach is Promthep Cape, a rocky headland that offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the sunset. Promthep Cape is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire the panoramic landscape and take photos. You can also visit the lighthouse, the shrine, and the museum on the cape, where you can learn more about the history and culture of Phuket. Promthep Cape is located at the west end of the beach, and is open from 6 am to 6 pm. The entrance is free, but you can make a donation to maintain the facilities.
Where to eat on Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach is a paradise for seafood lovers, as it offers a variety of dining options that serve fresh and delicious seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, fried squid, steamed crab, and spicy shrimp. You can also find other cuisines, such as Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Italian, on Rawai Beach. Here are some of the best places to eat on Rawai Beach that you should not miss:
The seafood market:
The seafood market is the highlight of Rawai Beach, where you can buy fresh seafood from the local fishermen and have it cooked on the spot by the nearby restaurants. You can choose from a variety of seafood, such as lobster, oyster, scallop, mussel, and octopus, and have it prepared in different ways, such as barbecue, stir-fry, curry, or soup. You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere and the friendly service of the vendors and the chefs. The seafood market is located at the east end of the beach, and is open from 10 am to 10 pm. The price depends on the type and the weight of the seafood, but you can expect to pay around 1,000 to 2,000 baht for a meal for two.
Nikita’s:
Nikita’s is one of the most popular and longest-running restaurants on Rawai Beach, where you can enjoy a fine dining experience with a stunning view of the sea. Nikita’s serves a variety of dishes, such as Thai, seafood, pizza, pasta, and salad, as well as a selection of drinks, such as wine, beer, cocktail, and coffee. Nikita’s also features live music and entertainment, as well as a cozy and romantic ambiance. Nikita’s is located at the west end of the beach, near Promthep Cape, and is open from 9 am to 11 pm. The average price for a meal is around 500 baht per person.
Salaloy:
Salaloy is another well-known and long-established restaurant on Rawai Beach, where you can savor the authentic Thai cuisine and the local specialties. Salaloy serves a variety of dishes, such as tom yum, pad thai, green curry, and som tam, as well as a selection of seafood, such as fish, crab, and shrimp. Salaloy also offers a buffet option, where you can eat as much as you want for a fixed price. Salaloy is located at the east end of the beach, near the seafood market, and is open from 10 am to 10 pm. The average price for a meal is around 300 baht per person.
Rawai View Cafe:
Rawai View Cafe is a charming and cozy cafe on Rawai Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the sea and the islands. Rawai View Cafe serves a variety of dishes, such as breakfast, sandwich, burger, and cake, as well as a selection of drinks, such as smoothie, juice, tea, and coffee. Rawai View Cafe also has a rooftop terrace, where you can lounge on the cushions and watch the sunset. Rawai View Cafe is located at the west end of the beach, near the Evason Phuket Resort, and is open from 8 am to 10 pm. The average price for a meal is around 200 baht per person.
Where to have fun on Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach is not known for its nightlife, but it does have some bars and pubs where you can have a drink and listen to live music. If you are looking for a place to have fun on Rawai Beach, you can check out some of these popular spots:
Freedom Bar:
Freedom Bar is a lively and friendly bar on Rawai Beach, where you can enjoy a variety of drinks, such as beer, wine, cocktail, and whiskey, as well as a selection of snacks, such as pizza, nachos, and fries. Freedom Bar also features live music and entertainment, such as rock, blues, jazz, and reggae, as well as a pool table and a dart board. Freedom Bar is located at the west end of the beach, near the Evason Phuket Resort, and is open from 5 pm to 2 am. The average price for a drink is around 100 baht per person.
Laguna:
Laguna is a chic and elegant bar on Rawai Beach, where you can enjoy a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere with a stunning view of the sea and the sunset. Laguna serves a variety of drinks, such as champagne, wine, cocktail, and coffee, as well as a selection of desserts, such as cake, ice cream, and fruit. Laguna also features live music and entertainment, such as piano, guitar, and saxophone, as well as a cozy and romantic ambiance. Laguna is located at the east end of the beach, near the seafood market, and is open from 4 pm to midnight. The average price for a drink is around 200 baht per person.
Icon:
Icon is a trendy and modern bar on Rawai Beach, where you can enjoy a fun and energetic vibe with a cool and colorful decor. Icon serves a variety of drinks, such as beer, wine, cocktail, and vodka, as well as a selection of food, such as burger, salad, and pasta. Icon also features live music and entertainment, such as DJ, karaoke, and dance, as well as a large and lively crowd. Icon is located at the center of the beach, near the Rawai Palm Beach Resort, and is open from 6 pm to 2 am. The average price for a drink is around 150 baht per person.
Rawai Beach is a hidden gem in Phuket that offers a glimpse into the authentic Thai lifestyle and culture. You can discover how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and where to have fun on this beautiful beach. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway, or a fun and adventurous escapade, you can find it on Rawai Beach.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Rawai Beach and experience its beauty and charm. Happy Travels!
