Just 17 km from Phuket Town, under the shade of casuarina trees, lies Rawai Beach. It is often mentioned in travel guides, so tourists sometimes perceive it as one of the popular local beaches.
But no! This area is not suitable for swimming. It is often mentioned because, many years ago, this was the first popular beach among locals, where they gathered with their families for picnics and spent time together.
Rawai Beach in Phuket is not very attractive for tourists looking to swim in the sea. The rocky shoreline, very shallow entry, and frequent tides that recede up to 150 meters from the shore make it unsuitable for swimming. Additionally, there are many fishing boats near the shore, making swimming between them rather unpleasant. That’s why you rarely see anyone going into the water here, except to "dip their feet."
Along the shoreline, there are comfortable benches where you can sit in the shade of the trees. Walking along the beach can be quite enjoyable since the tree branches provide excellent protection from the scorching Thai sun. But this is only if you don’t plan on sunbathing or swimming. For a proper beach experience, it’s better to visit more tourist-friendly beaches such as Kata, Karon, or Nai Harn.
One of the reasons why tourists avoid Rawai Beach is the frequent low tides. The water recedes 100-150 meters, exposing numerous rocks. To reach deeper water, you would have to walk a long distance under the sun.
During low tide, you will rarely see people here, as even the local fishermen don’t swim in these waters. And why bother struggling to find a deep spot at Rawai when the island offers so many beautiful beaches for swimming?
The shoreline is more like a concrete promenade. If you try sunbathing on a towel under an umbrella here, you might look a little out of place. However, if you happen to be in the area, you can take a break under the shade of the trees and watch the busy fishermen. Don’t expect much comfort, as there are no sun loungers. The locals know good beaches, so they never even considered equipping this one for tourist relaxation.
On the plus side, the sea here is very calm. It doesn’t get rough even during stormy periods. The devastating tsunami of 2004 barely affected this shore, with minimal damage to housing and infrastructure.
The Rawai coastline stretches for almost two kilometers and can be roughly divided into three parts:
- Western
- Central
- Eastern
The western part is home to cozy restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine in a peaceful atmosphere. There is no noisy highway or city rush, making it a favorite place for tourists looking for relaxation and a slow-paced lifestyle.
The central part also invites visitors to restaurants or an evening stroll along the shore. At night, this area is beautifully lit, with restaurants glowing under warm lights, creating a charming ambiance.
The eastern part is where the sea gypsies live, and you can see their boats anchored along the shore. Their main occupation is fishing and selling seafood. This area is also home to a seafood market that attracts seafood lovers. It’s a paradise for foodies! Plus, the prices here are significantly lower compared to central Phuket’s restaurants.
The favorite pastime for tourists in this area is visiting bars and restaurants, which are open 24/7. However, Rawai is not just about food and nightlife—it also offers stunning natural beauty.
Promthep Cape is a must-visit spot, the southernmost cliff on the island with breathtaking panoramic views. The scenery is so impressive that many tourists return here again and again. Some travelers make a point of visiting Promthep Cape on every trip to Phuket.
The seafood market is another highlight of the area, as it allows visitors to enjoy fresh seafood and exotic fruits without worrying about meal choices.
Other notable attractions in the area include:
- Wat Sawang Arom Buddhist Temple
- Seashell Museum
- Sea Gypsy Village
Be sure to visit the fishing pier, especially during sunset—it’s a stunning sight. If you’re an active traveler, you can also check out the local tennis club. Looking for a more peaceful activity? Join a morning yoga session on the beach, which is regularly organized by a local yoga club.
Thailand is popular among package tourists who choose the island’s most famous beaches. However, the noise and hustle of active vacationers are not to everyone’s liking, as they can prevent visitors from fully experiencing the unique atmosphere and energy of the island. Independent travelers often prefer to stay away from crowded tourist areas. Rawai Beach can be considered one of the ideal options for such visitors.
Near the shoreline, there is a residential area where you can rent accommodation at a reasonable price for your vacation. There are many guesthouses, budget hotels, and comfortable apartments suitable for solo travelers or groups of friends.
The biggest advantage of this neighborhood is its peace and quiet. Most of the entertainment is concentrated near the coastline, while the residential infrastructure is set a little further inland. As a result, even the loudest parties will not disturb a tired traveler’s sleep after a day full of experiences.
Despite being away from the central beaches and tourist crowds, the residents of this area have everything they need. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, souvenir stalls, and pharmacies.
Decided to spend your vacation here? Then follow the main highway 402 south from Phuket Town. Soon, you will see a fishing pier and many picturesque boats gently rocking near the shore. This is Rawai Beach, the spot that experienced travelers prefer over the island’s main party areas.
