'''Rawai''' (????????? ''Hat Rawai'') is a beach in Phuket. The northern part of Rawai is known as '''Hat Mittraphap''' (??????????), while the southern section has a village and port called '''Laem Ka''' (??????).

Understand

Rawai is located at the southern tip of Phuket. It is much less touristy than nearby Kata and Patong beaches and an excellent place to experience some real Thai culture. This palm-fringed beach is best known for sea gypsies, a formerly nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Malanesian descent.

Get in

Along with Chalong, Rawai is one of Phuket's two main ports and has connections to many of Phuket's islands.

Get around

Rawai is quite spread out and a scooter is highly recommended. The longer your hire period, the cheaper it becomes and is possible to hire one for around 120baht/day. Otherwise expect to pay 150-200baht/day depending on the type of scooter.

See

  • '''Phuket Sea Shell Museum''' (?????????????????????????). The emphasis is on shells from Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after by collectors, however shells from every part of the world are featured. There are numerous rarities and freaks including the world's largest golden pearl (140 karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. The museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. Admission is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Tel: 0 7661 3666, 0 7661 3777, 0 7661 3678
  • '''Laem Ka (?????????)''' Just south of the Phuket Island Resort Hotel and north of Rawai Beach is a small rocky bay, popular with Thais at the weekend.
  • '''Ko Kaeo (????????)''' Ko Kaeo is an offshore isle about 3 kilometres out from Rawai beach and can be reached in 30 minutes by boat. It offers picturesque beaches and underwater scenery. There is also a replica of the Holy Footprint on the island.
  • Do

    Rawai beach itself is only used to moor fishing boats, long tail boats and speed boats, for snorkeling and sightseeing trips to neighboring islands and swimming there is not recommended. Mid 2007 a new pier has opened. There is a Sea Gypsy Village by the pier with shops and longtail boats for rent. Lots of seafood restaurants on the beach, this is where Phuket Town comes on the weekend for a beach party. There are a few popular cocktail bars on the beach for a limited but fun night life.

    Learn

  • '''Rawai Muay Thai''' [http://www.rawaimuaythai.com/]. A busy, well respected training camp where there are always many foreign students there to learn Muay Thai (Thai boxing).
  • Work

    Buy

    Eat

  • Turquoise at Outrigger Serenity Terraces. ttp://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/phuket/outrigger-serenity-terraces-resort/restaurants. Turquoise, Outrigger Serenity Terraces signature restaurant, serves a gourmet breakfast and contemporary lunch and dinner menu featuring fresh local seafood, comfort food, and traditional southern Thai cuisine. This new restaurant has been given rave reviews by visitors for amazing food and an even more amazing setting and ambiance. http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/phuket/outrigger-serenity-terraces-resort/restaurants

    Budget

    Mid-range

    Splurge

    Drink

    Although Rawai is a quieter place, there are still a good number of bars to enjoy a drink at. Clubs such as Icon stay open past 2AM every night and are popular with the local bar girls when they finish work.

  • The Green Man(???? ???????) 82/15 Mu 4, Patak Rd, Rawai (Tel: 0 7628 1445-50) www.the-green-man.net
  • Ko Kaeo also has a few nightspots.

  • Blue Marina Discotheque (??? ??????? ?????????) Ko Kaeo, Tel: 08 1539 3386 (Vibrant discotheque)
  • Chili Pub Restaurant (?????? ??? ???????????) Ko Kaeo
  • Sleep

    On Rawai Beach:

  • Baan Sai Yuan (?????????) 120/4 Mu 4, Soi Sai Yuan, Tambon Rawai (Tel: 0 7628 9005 www.baansaiyuan.com), 24 rooms:1,500-2,000 baht
  • Darin Bungalow (????? ???????) 17/23 Mu 2 Viset Rd, (Tel: 0 76381593 Fax: 0 76381593),16 rooms: 600 ? 1,000 baht
  • Dome Andaman (??? ????????) 8/1 Mu 6, Wiset Road (Tel: 0 7638 1300), 6 rooms: 300 baht
  • Phon Mae Bungalow (????? ???????) 58/1 Wiset Road (Tel: 0 7638 1300), 12 rooms: 200-350 baht
  • '''Rawai Beach Guesthouse''', [http://rawaibeachguesthouse.com/]. Run by an English-Thai couple. Large and clean rooms from 700 baht/night.
  • The Evason Phuket Resort & Six Senses Spa (?? ??????? ?????? ??????? ????? ????? ????? ???) 100 Wiset Road, Tambon Rawai (Tel: 0 7638 1010-7 Fax: 0 7638 1018 Bangkok Tel: 0 2254 4775-6), 270 rooms: 6,500-35,000 baht
  • Outrigger Serenity Terraces . ttp://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/phuket/outrigger-serenity-terraces-resort. Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort is a 5 star indulgent tropical escape on a lovely beach at Chalong Bay along the southeast coast of Phuket island.

    78 elegant suites are sanctuaries of style and tranquility. Sweeping ocean vistas from rooftop sundecks, restful garden retreats, and beachfront lofts with private swimming pools appeal to all the senses.

    Ocean-facing suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass that fully expose stunning views. A contemporary aesthetic influenced with Asian accents defines the refined decor. Warm woods and natural tones reflect the resort's peaceful surroundings. Flat-panel televisions and wireless Internet in every accommodation enhance personal enjoyment.

    Guest services for the discriminating vacationer include butler service, a total spa and wellness experience at the on-site Well-Being Centre, a gourmet restaurant, in-room dining, and personalized limousine tours. _eSerenity Toys_f allow the adventurous to play on the sea with a speed boat, Hobie Cat catamarans, and kayaks that launch directly from the resort.

    http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/phuket/outrigger-serenity-terraces-resort

    </sleep>

    On Mittraphap Beach:

  • Ban Rawai (??????????) 21/7-11 Wiset Road (Tel: 0 7638 1571), 14 rooms: 500-800 baht
  • Friendship Beach Resort (????????? ??? ???????) 27/1 Wiset Road (Tel: 0 7628 8996 Fax: 0 7628 9139), 24 rooms: 1,200-2,000 baht
  • Contact

    Stay safe

    Cope

    Get out

  • Ko Bon island is 10 minutes away by boat and has a good beach, restaurant, and a unit of the Evason Hotel.
  • Nai Han beach is only a few minutes away by scooter or taxi or local bus and is one of the nicest beaches on the island.