Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach lies on Viset Road in Rawai subdistrict of Mueang Phuket District, on the southern tip of Phuket, and is better known as a working waterfront than a swimming beach. The shoreline is a narrow strip of coarse, greyish sand with muddy shallows and rocky patches, and the water is often murky and busy with boat traffic, so it is not recommended for swimming. Instead the beach serves as a departure point for longtail boats and speedboats to Coral Island, Racha Island and other nearby islands, and as a place to eat fresh seafood. The area has a distinctive character through its Chao Leh (sea gypsy) community, whose members run souvenir stalls and boat operations, and the fish market where visitors can buy seafood by weight and have it cooked at neighbouring restaurants. The atmosphere is busy, informal and local, with longtail boats lined along the shore, and it contrasts with the resort beaches elsewhere on the island. Amenities are basic, with a boat pier, rows of seafood restaurants, boat rental stands, small souvenir stalls and toilets, but no lifeguards or sunbed rental in the usual sense. Access is by road about 17 kilometres south of Phuket Town, a drive of roughly 35 minutes. Songthaews from Ranong Road in Phuket Town cost about THB 40, and taxis or Grab are available. Boat prices to the islands are negotiable and vary by season and group size, so visitors should agree on the fare and return time in advance. Rawai is close to Nai Harn Beach and Promthep Cape, making it a convenient stop on a southern Phuket day trip, particularly at lunchtime or sunset.