Have you ever walked along a classic provincial embankment by a river where no one swims, and the shoreline is scarcely wider than the embankment? If yes, then you can imagine what Rawai Beach in Phuket looks like. An abundance of fishing boats, rocks, and the smell of fish are just a few points that characterize Rawai—but let’s go step by step.
General Information
Beach information
Length (m): 2000 
Cover Type: Sand 
Water Temp (°C): 28 
Cleanliness (1-10): 6 
Crowdedness (1-10): 4 
Infrastructure: Restaurants, shops 
Best Season: Nov–Apr 
Waves Level: Calm 
Lifeguards Available? no 
Children Friendly? yes
Reviews
Photos
Rawai Beach is officially the first beach on Phuket Island. However, it is hardly a tourist beach – just an ordinary seashore where fishing boats dock and sea excursions depart.
On Phuket Island, Rawai Beach plays an important role since this is where all the fish caught at sea are brought, and it is also home to the most famous fish market.
On the map, you can clearly see where the beach is located in relation to the island’s main tourist destinations.
Like many other beaches on the island, Rawai is conditionally divided into three parts:
- Eastern
- Central
- Western
The coastline is 2 kilometers long, Rawai is about 50 km from the airport and 16 km from Phuket Town.
The central section is the most popular – if one can call it popular – due to its more developed infrastructure and the abundance of places for strolling. The infrastructure is more developed here, and visitors prefer strolling around this central area.
In the east of Rawai Beach, local coastal communities live, along with the typical challenges that come with it. While there are inexpensive souvenir shops and a fish market, the area can sometimes have an unpleasant odor due to piled-up fish scraps in the heat. The point is that local residents leave fish scraps in piles, which in the heat create an unpleasant odor (maybe things have changed by now).
A shop in the gypsy village
In the west, on the other hand, it’s quiet with a pleasant breeze and inexpensive eateries. The highway doesn’t pass through this area, which is undoubtedly a big plus.
The primary visitors to Rawai Beach are locals, who are less interested in water activities and more in enjoying solitude and nature. They come here with their families for picnics—this is their style of beach relaxation.
There aren’t many foreign tourists here, including European, but some do come. Many foreigners residing in Phuket choose to live in the Rawai area, though for swimming they prefer nearby islands or beaches such as Nai Harn or Yanui.
We recommend checking out our article — Phuket beaches.
Water Entry and Shore
As you’ve already guessed, swimming at Rawai Beach is not advisable due to the sharp rocks and the constant proximity of fishing boats, which may mar your vacation experience.
The water is cloudy, the bottom is rocky, and at best you can just sunbathe and dip your feet in the water. Tourists who swim here are a rare sight.
The shoreline is narrow, with sand interspersed with rocks and shell fragments. At high tide, the water nearly reaches the lush vegetation, while at low tide, the sea recedes significantly, exposing the rocky substrate beneath.
It is also worth noting the wave conditions. Remarkably, in June, July, and December, the beach experiences little to no wave action due to its favorable location. As a result, the beach was spared damage and casualties during the devastating 2004 tsunami, underscoring its safety.
Rawai Beach in Phuket gets mixed reviews. Some criticize it for being untidy, while others, on the contrary, praise it for its tranquility and peace.
Beach Infrastructure
Certain amenities are simply absent. For instance, you won’t find sunbeds on a beach where swimming is discouraged and sunbathing is less enjoyable – a business model that wouldn’t be profitable. Likewise, showers are unnecessary since restrooms are available in nearby cafés.
Infrastructure
Despite not being a typical tourist beach, the infrastructure in Rawai is quite good. There are numerous seafood restaurants and local eateries – not as bustling as in Patong, but sufficient to serve the steady stream of visitors to the Rawai area.
On the first line in the center of the beach are Thai cafés, and a bit further, on the other side of the road, are more expensive restaurants and cafés.
Prices are much lower here than in the central part of Phuket, but not lower than in mainland Thailand. Food prices:
- Fried eggs — 40 baht
- Fried chicken — 15 baht
- Salad — from 80 baht
- Full breakfast — 200 baht
- Tea — 15 baht
- Coffee — 40 baht
Besides food, prices are affordable for everything, including clothing and souvenirs. It’s understandable—there’s no proper beach, so they attract people with low prices.
The area features a lot of typical Thai infrastructure:
- Currency exchange offices
- Massage salons
- Souvenir shops
- Mini markets
- Supermarkets
- Street food stalls
Sights and Entertainment
Rawai Beach doesn’t have the classic Phuket attractions (banana boat rides or parasailing), but there are several places popular among tourists, including:
- Promthep Cape
- Wat Sawang Arom Temple
- Shell Museum
- Sea Gypsy Village
- Fish Market
Promthep Cape is the main attraction of Rawai, as it offers stunning views. There is a viewing platform for taking great photos and, of course, videos. The cape is located in the southern part of town, literally within walking distance — just 2.5 km away.
The Shell Museum is located between the Chalong Circle and the pier, about a kilometer from the pier, on the roadside. Here they display and sell items made from sea shells. Probably the best way to describe this place is a souvenir shop.
The Fish Market is the most famous attraction in Rawai, as you can always buy fresh fish here—fish that was literally swimming in the sea just a few minutes ago.
We suggest reading our article — Phuket markets.
There’s an interesting feature at the market: you’ll find spots where anyone can cook freshly purchased seafood on their own. Even a child can figure it out, and if not, there are cafés where experienced chefs will do it for you.
How to Get There
If you’re using public transportation, you can reach Rawai Beach from Phuket Town. Buses departing from Ranong Road along the Rawai–Nai Harn route serve all the beaches. The key is to catch a bus along Ranong Road in Phuket Town. Alternatively, you can transfer at the Chalong Circle, where buses also stop.
If you’re driving your own vehicle around the island, follow Highway 402 south from Phuket Town until you reach Rawai Beach.
Accommodation
Rawai Beach in Phuket receives mixed reviews, which is why vacation packages here are often much cheaper than those for Karon or Kata. Many package tourists are attracted to this area. It is also important to note that one of Phuket’s best beaches, Nai Harn, is located nearby and is easily accessible.
Hotels in Rawai cover a wide price range, from cheap 2–3-star hotels to expensive resorts. Below is a list of the most popular hotels among tourists:
If a hotel is not your thing, Rawai has a huge selection of guesthouses and apartments for rent. Prices range from 7,000 baht to 15,000 baht, depending on your requirements.
Thus, Rawai Beach is a viable option for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind spending an extra 30–40 minutes to reach the sea in exchange for significant savings on daily expenses. Don’t forget to share your impressions of your holiday in the comments—they are important for those who are still deciding where to go on vacation.
