What to visit in Rawai
Contents
1. Beaches
2. Attractions
3. Excursions
4. Cafes & Restaurants
5. Bars
6. Sports Sections
7. Massage & SPA
8. Rawai Park Water Park
9. Rawai Seafood Market
Rawai is one of Phuket’s most distinctive neighborhoods. People rarely come here for a classic beach holiday, but it is exactly here that many discover the authentic side of Phuket.
This area is known for its fishing boats, long seaside promenade, cozy cafes, and the relaxed atmosphere of the island’s southern coast. A large community of expats and long-term residents call Rawai home, which has transformed it into a thriving international community.
Beaches
It's important to note right away that Rawai Beach is not the best place for swimming or sunbathing. Dozens of traditional long-tail boats line the shore, making the beach unsuitable for swimming, but at the same time creating the picture-perfect scenery that southern Thailand is famous for. Instead, Rawai is a wonderful place for a stroll along the waterfront, watching the sunset, dining at seaside restaurants, and observing the daily life of local fishermen.
On the other hand, Rawai Pier is the main departure point for boats heading to the islands just off Phuket, including Ko He (Coral Island), home to some of the best beaches in the area.
Сoral
Coral Beach is the main beach on Ko He (Coral Island), a small island located just off the coast of Phuket. With its soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and calm sea, it is considered one of the most popular island beaches near Phuket.
A major advantage is that even during the low season, the water here is often calmer than on many beaches along Phuket’s west coast.
The area has cafes, relaxation zones, and plenty of beautiful photo spots. And for those who want to stay longer, there is a campsite with tents right by the sea.
Banana Beach (Ko He)
This Banana Beach is also located on Ko He. It is important not to confuse it with another Banana Beach on the northwest coast of Phuket.
This small beach, about 250 meters long, is considered one of the most beautiful on the island. It features soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a very relaxed island atmosphere.
The highlight of this place is snorkeling. You can see fish just a few meters from the shore, and there are noticeably more coral formations near the beach than at many other beaches around Phuket.
The beach area is well developed: there are sun loungers, showers, toilets, cafes, shops, massage salons, photo spots, and swings overlooking the sea. And if you follow a trail through the jungle, you can reach a small viewpoint.
Yanui
And still, there is also a beach within Rawai itself. Ya Nui is small but very atmospheric: calm water, plenty of palm trees, rocks framing the bay, and a beautiful view of the nearby islands.
People often come here for snorkeling and kayaking, with fish swimming close to the shore. Despite its popularity, the beach still feels intimate and secluded. It is especially beautiful around sunset.
Attractions
Promthep Cape
The most famous viewpoint in Phuket and one of the island’s top sunset spots.
Every evening, hundreds of people come here to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Despite its popularity, the place is definitely worth a visit — the views are truly stunning.
There is a lighthouse on site, along with small souvenir shops and walking paths along the cape.
Phuket Art Village
A place that feels completely different from the Phuket most people know. The Art Village was founded over ten years ago by local painter Niran Chanhom together with a group of like-minded artists. Today, this creative space brings together studios, galleries, and artists’ homes, where art is literally part of everyday life.
Here you can see paintings, sculptures, unusual installations, stone crafts, and many other original works. The atmosphere is very distinctive and engaging, even for those who are not particularly interested in art.
There is a small cafe and bar on the premises, and live music evenings are held on Fridays. If a particular piece speaks to you, you can purchase it and arrange delivery to almost any country in the world.
Excursions
From Rawai, you can go on various excursions — both on the mainland and at sea.
For a complete list of excursions you can take from Bang Tao, see the “Excursions” page.
Cafes & Restaurants
Rawai has long become one of the most gastronomic areas in southern Phuket. It offers everything — from local eateries to stylish cafes serving international cuisine.
A complete list of the best places in the Rawai area can be found here https://phuket-insider.com/en/category/the-best-cafes-and-restaurants-rawai/
Pinzeria
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 13:00 - 22:00
Booking: WhatsApp, Telegram
A family-run Italian restaurant with a spacious dining area, a cozy atmosphere, and beautiful sunset views. The kitchen is led by an Italian chef, so the dishes are as close as possible to traditional Italian recipes.
The restaurant’s pride is its Neapolitan wood-fired pizza: light and airy dough, a crispy crust, and traditional topping combinations.
Pinzeria is especially popular with families with children. The venue features a large play area with a rope park, as well as workshops, entertainment programs, and various kids’ activities. While the children are busy, parents can relax and enjoy their dinner and conversation.
By the way, you can also celebrate birthdays here, including children’s parties. To make a reservation, contact them using the details below:
Cookies Cafe
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Working hours: Tue - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00; Sat - Sun: 07:30 - 17:00
Booking: WhatsApp, Telegram
A cozy family cafe with a modern interior, large windows, and a comfortable atmosphere. The space is designed to accommodate around 30 guests.
The highlight of the place is a large play area with educational games, allowing parents to relax while their children are occupied.
The menu includes dishes loved by both children and adults: syrniki, pancakes, pizza, pasta, desserts, as well as a full selection of Thai and European cuisine. It is a great place for a family breakfast, lunch, or a relaxed time with kids.
You can make a reservation using the contact details below:
L'ORANGE
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 22:00
Instagram | Menu
A stylish panoramic restaurant with beautiful views and a cozy atmosphere. The bright interior, soft lighting, and large windows create the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a family evening out.
The menu features dishes from various world cuisines. It combines European classics, Caucasian specialties, Russian dishes, Thai cuisine, and popular breakfast options.
For families with children, there is a play area, so adults can enjoy their dinner and conversation in peace. It is especially nice to come here around sunset, when the sea turns warm golden shades and the atmosphere becomes truly magical.
Raga Coffee
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
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A cozy coffee shop hidden in a green courtyard with a pond and a small waterfall. The atmosphere here is so calm that it is easy to forget you are in one of the most popular areas of Phuket.
Seating is available both outdoors among tropical greenery and inside the cafe, including a cozy second-floor terrace.
The menu features coffee, breakfasts, desserts, and creative presentation. However, people come here not only for the food but also for the atmosphere — the place feels made for beautiful photos.
Bars
Rawai does not have a noisy club scene like Patong, but it does offer cozy venues along the waterfront and scenic bars, so everyone can find their ideal way to spend the evening.
A complete list of the bars in the Rawai area can be found here https://phuket-insider.com/en/category/the-best-bars-in-rawai/
Groov
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 18:00 - 01:00
Website | Menu | Book a table
A stylish gastropub for those who appreciate beautiful interiors, good music, and atmospheric evenings.
The main highlight of the venue is its signature cocktails with creative presentation. The menu is based on European cuisine, and the dishes are prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
In the evenings, a DJ plays at the bar, creating a light and unobtrusive atmosphere without excessive noise. A large, convenient parking area also makes Groov a great spot for a late dinner or the start of a lively night out in Rawai.
CHICA Rooftop Lounge
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 17:00 - 00:30
Website | Menu | Book a table
A rooftop venue with panoramic views, a cozy atmosphere, and live music. The space is designed to be comfortable in any season: the open terrace offers a pleasant sea breeze, while a roof provides shelter in bad weather.
The menu combines Thai and Mexican cuisine. It features vibrant ceviche, fajitas, nachos, and other dishes with rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
The bar menu deserves special attention, offering a wide selection of signature cocktails. In the evenings, live music enhances the atmosphere — an ideal setting for sunset views, a leisurely dinner, and relaxed conversations.
ROCK RIDERS CAFE
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Working hours: Mon - Sat: 17:00 - 01:00
A bar with a strong rock and roll character. The interior is inspired by biker culture: motorcycles, unusual decor elements, and many striking details create a rugged atmosphere.
Several times a week, live bands perform rock hits, turning an ordinary dinner into a real concert experience.
The menu features hearty, “masculine” dishes: burgers, steaks, and meat dishes. The bar selection is also impressive, with a wide range of cocktails and classic drinks, making ROCK RIDERS CAFE a great place to meet friends.
Sports Sections
Rawai has long become one of the most popular areas in Phuket among expats and long-stay visitors, so the sports infrastructure here is well developed: there are modern fitness clubs, martial arts gyms, yoga studios, and functional training centers.
The Cult Fitness Society Rawai
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Working hours: Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 20:00; Sat 06:30 - 15:00; Sun 06:30 - 13:00
Website
A modern fitness club for those who enjoy varied and dynamic workouts. Here, you can not only train in the gym but also join group classes in functional training, yoga, aerobics, and other disciplines.
Special attention is given to coaching: sessions are held in small groups, and the workload is adapted to the participants’ fitness level.
The club’s facilities include a spacious training hall with modern equipment, comfortable changing rooms, and relaxation areas. It is a great place both for regular workouts and for staying in shape while on vacation or during a long stay in Phuket.
Southside MMA Thailand
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Working hours: Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 19:30; Sat 08:00 - 12:00
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A training center specializing in martial arts and comprehensive physical conditioning. It offers instruction in Muay Thai, MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wrestling for both beginners and experienced athletes.
The facility features spacious training halls with professional rings and mats, as well as a fully equipped gym for strength and cardio workouts.
Particular attention is given to recovery: after training, members can use a sauna, steam room, ice bath, swimming pool, and relaxation area.
Powerhouse Phuket
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Working hours: Mon - Sat: 08:00 - 19:00
Website
A well-known Muay Thai club founded by British coach Jack Lowe. Both beginners and experienced fighters train here, and the coaching team includes specialists from Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Classes are held in groups organized by skill level, so it is comfortable both for those who are just starting to learn Thai boxing and for those who have been practicing it for many years.
For advanced athletes, special high-level training sessions are available, which can only be attended after an assessment of one’s skill level.
In addition to regular classes, the club organizes sports retreats with accommodation, training sessions, recovery procedures, and an introduction to the world of professional Muay Thai.
Massage & SPA
After workouts, active recreation, or long walks around the island, it is important to take time for recovery. In Rawai, all the necessary conditions are available for this — from simple local studios offering Thai massage to full-scale spa complexes.
A complete list of massage parlors and spa centers in Rawai is collected here https://phuket-insider.com/en/category/massage-parlors-rawai/
Nua Thai Massage
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 21:00
Website | Services | Booking
A stylish spa salon where traditional Thai massage is combined with modern recovery and relaxation techniques.
In addition to classic massage programs, they also offer sound therapy, which helps relieve tension and restore emotional balance.
The treatments use professional massage oils developed in collaboration with Wat Pho, one of the main centers of Thai massage tradition, as well as herbal compresses and hot volcanic stones.
Particular attention should be given to the atmosphere: the elegant interior is decorated with works by artisans from Northern Thailand, and every detail of the space is designed to promote complete relaxation and renewal.
Sirirat Massage Rawai
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Working hours: Mon - Tue: 10:00 - 22:00; Thu - Fri: 10:00 - 22:00; Sat - Sun: 10:00 - 21:00
A cozy massage salon with a pleasant atmosphere. It is clean, calm, and comfortable. You can also receive a truly high-quality, deep muscle treatment here.
The menu includes Thai and oil massage, aromatherapy, foot massage, combination treatments, and various types of oils, including coconut, lemongrass, and aloe vera. For deeper relaxation, special recovery treatments are also available.
Ton Mai Spa & Massage
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 23:00
Website | Menu
One of the most popular spa complexes in Rawai, where you can not only get a massage but also dedicate an entire day to rest and recovery. It features a large thermal area with a swimming pool, a dry sauna, a hammam, and a cold plunge pool.
The massage programs here are also noteworthy, ranging from traditional Thai massage to aromatherapy and full-body relaxation treatments. After a session, you can continue relaxing by the pool or visit the on-site cafe.
Rawai Park Water Park
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 19:00
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One of the best places in southern Phuket for a family vacation with children. The area features a swimming pool with slides, an outdoor playground, an indoor kids’ club, green walking areas, and a cozy cafe with a children’s menu.
Entertainment programs, themed events, competitions, and foam parties are regularly held here, so children will definitely not get bored.
The basic ticket includes access to the kids’ club, the pool with slides, and the outdoor playground. Extended packages with access to the trampoline zone are also available.
Rawai Seafood Market
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
Rawai Market is one of the most famous gastronomic spots in Phuket and perhaps the best option for those who want to try truly fresh seafood. Nearby is the Sea Gypsy village, home to a local community that has traditionally been engaged in fishing. Thanks to this, many seafood products reach the market directly from fishermen, without a long chain of intermediaries.
A distinctive feature of the market is the “buy and cook” concept. After purchasing seafood, you can take it to one of the cafes located opposite, where it will be cooked to your liking.
In addition to seafood, fruits, desserts, souvenirs, and beach items are also sold here. The market is especially lively in the evening, when not only tourists but also locals come.
Afterwards, you can take a stroll along the promenade — it is just a few steps away.
Rawai is a completely different side of Phuket. There are no noisy tourist streets or endless rows of sun loungers on the beach. Instead, there are cozy cafes, fishing boats along the shore, excellent restaurants, sports clubs, and a relaxed pace of life.
This area is especially appreciated by those who come to the island not for a few days, but for weeks or months. It is easy here to feel not like a tourist, but part of island life. You can find other verified places in this and other parts of the island in the sections of our website:
