What to visit in Rawai
Contents
1. Beaches
2. Promthep Cape
3. Phuket Art Village
4. Excursions
5. Cafes & Restaurants
6. Bars
7. Massage Salons & SPA
8. Sports Sections
9. Rawai Park Water Park
10. Rawai Seafood Market
11. Accommodation & Vehicle Rentals in Rawai
Rawai is one of Phuket’s most distinctive neighborhoods. People rarely come here for a traditional beach holiday, but it is exactly here that many discover a more 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, creating a vibrant international community.
Beaches
It's worth noting 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 southern Thailand is known for. Instead, Rawai is a wonderful place for a stroll along the waterfront, watching sunsets, 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 nearby islands, including Ko He (Coral Island), home to some of the best beaches in the area.
Nai Harn Beach
The Rawai area is home to Nai Harn Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Phuket. Nestled in a picturesque bay, it offers calm, crystal-clear waters for most of the year. Thanks to its shallow waters and soft sand, the beach is especially popular with families with children.
During the high season, Nai Harn is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing by the sea. During the rainy season, the beach attracts surfers with its waves.
Along the beachfront, visitors will find cafes, massage salons, sunbed rentals, and a variety of sports and leisure facilities.
Watch our video to discover more about this beautiful beach.
Сoral and Banana Beaches (Ko He Island)
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Coral Island (Ko He) is one of the closest islands to Phuket, just 15–30 minutes by boat from Rawai. With its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere, it is the perfect destination for a day trip.
A variety of excursions to Coral Island are available, offering different types of boats, itineraries, and experiences to suit every preference.
Coral Beach
Coral Beach is the main beach on Ko He (Coral Island). One of its biggest advantages is that even during the low season, the waters around Coral Beach often remain calmer than on many beaches along Phuket’s west coast.
The beach offers cafes, places to relax, and plenty of picturesque photo spots.
Banana Beach
This small, 250-meter-long beach is one of the most beautiful on the island. It features soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
The highlight of this spot is snorkeling — colorful fish can be seen just a few meters from the shore!
The beach is well equipped with sun loungers, showers, restrooms, cafes, shops, massage shops, Instagram-worthy photo spots, and swings overlooking the sea. For those looking for a viewpoint, a short jungle trail leads to a lookout overlooking the coastline.
Yanui Beach
Another beach in the Rawai area. Ya Nui is small but very atmospheric: calm waters, swaying palm trees, rocky headlands framing the bay, and beautiful views of the nearby islands.
People often come here for snorkeling and kayaking, where colorful fish can be seen close to the shore. Despite its popularity, the beach still feels intimate and secluded. It is especially beautiful around sunset.
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 the crowds, it's well worth a visit — the views are truly stunning.
You can visit Promthep Cape Viewpoint as part of a Phuket city tour.
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 visitors know. The Art Village was founded over ten years ago by local artist Niran Chanhom and fellow artists. Today, this creative space brings together studios, galleries, and artists’ homes, where art is part of everyday life.
Here you can see paintings, sculptures, unusual installations, handcrafted stone artwork, and many other original works. The atmosphere is unique and welcoming, even for visitors who aren't 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.
If you would like to book a private tour contact us via WhatsApp or Telegram.
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 restaurant in the Rawai area can be found here https://phuket-insider.com/en/category/the-best-cafes-and-restaurants-rawai/
BOOST | Cafe & Restaurant Phuket
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
Website | Menu | Book a table
A popular cafe in Rawai that many visitors to the island quickly add to their list of favorite spots. It serves all-day breakfasts, Thai and international dishes, fresh pastries, smoothies, and high-quality coffee.
The cafe focuses on quality ingredients, a welcoming atmosphere, and balanced, nutritious meals.
People come here before or after a workout, after the beach, or simply to spend a few hours in a relaxed setting enjoying a cup of coffee and delicious food.
The cafe features a spacious dining area with plenty of seating, but finding a free table is not always easy, as it's popular with both tourists and locals.
The atmosphere deserves special mention. The modern interior, abundant natural light, and relaxed ambiance create a welcoming space. Whether you're meeting friends, working on your laptop, or enjoying a leisurely breakfast, it's an ideal spot for any time of day.
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 relaxed atmosphere. The space has seating for around 30 guests.
The cafe’s highlight is a large play area with educational games, allowing parents to relax while their children are entertained.
The menu includes dishes loved by both children and adults: syrniki, pancakes, pizza, pasta, desserts, as well as a selection of Thai and European dishes. It’s a great place for a family breakfast or lunch, or a relaxed family meal.
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 around the world. t includes European classics, Caucasian specialties, Russian dishes, Thai cuisine, and popular breakfast options.
There is a play area for children, 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 hues and the atmosphere becomes truly magical.
Raga Coffee
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
Instagram
A cozy coffee shop hidden in a lush courtyard with a pond and a small waterfall. The atmosphere here is so calm that it is easy to forget you're in one of Phuket’s most popular areas.
Guests can sit outdoors among tropical greenery or inside the cafe, including a cozy second-floor terrace.
The menu features coffee, breakfast dishes, desserts, and beautifully presented food. People come here not only for the food but also for the atmosphere — it’s a very photogenic place.
Bars
Rawai doesn’t have Patong’s noisy club scene, but it does offer cozy bars and scenic spots with a view, so there’s something for everyone in 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, beautifully crafted and creatively presented. 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 laid-back vibe without being overly loud. A large parking area also makes Groov a great spot for a late dinner or the start of a 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 covered area provides shelter in inclement weather.
The menu combines Thai and Mexican cuisine. It features fresh 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 watching the sunset, a leisurely dinner, and relaxed conversation.
ROCK RIDERS CAFE
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Working hours: Mon - Sat: 17:00 - 01:00
A bar with a strong rock ’n’ roll vibe. The interior is inspired by biker culture: motorcycles, unusual decor, and 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 dishes such as burgers, steaks, and grilled meats. The drink selection is also impressive, with a wide range of cocktails and classic drinks, making ROCK RIDERS CAFE a great place to meet friends.
Massage Salons & SPA
After workouts, active recreation, or long walks on the island, it’s important to take time to relax and recover. In Rawai, you’ll find plenty of options — from small 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 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.
The atmosphere deserves special mention: the elegant interior is decorated with artworks by Northern Thai artisans, and every detail is designed for 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 shop with a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The space is clean, calm, and relaxing.
You can also enjoy high-quality deep tissue massage treatments.
Services include Thai massage, oil massage, aromatherapy, foot massage, and combination treatments, with a selection of oils such as coconut, lemongrass, and aloe vera. For deeper relaxation, restorative 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 spa area with a swimming pool, a dry sauna, a hammam, and a cold plunge pool.
They also offer excellent massage treatments, 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.
Sports Sections
Rawai has long been one of the most popular areas in Phuket among expats and long-stay visitors, so it offers a well-developed sports infrastructure: 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.
Great emphasis is placed on 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 lounging areas. It’s a great place for regular workouts and 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
Website
A training center specializing in martial arts and full-body 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.
Recovery is a key focus: 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 Muay Thai coach Jack Lowe. Both beginners and experienced fighters train here, and the coaching team includes trainers from Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Classes are grouped by skill level, so it’s comfortable for both beginners and those who have been practicing Muay Thai for many years.
Advanced athletes can join special training sessions, which are available only after a skill assessment.
In addition to regular classes, the club organizes training camps with accommodation, training sessions, recovery procedures, and an introduction to the world of professional Muay Thai.
Rawai Park Water Park
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 19:00
Website
One of the best places in southern Phuket for a family vacation.
The area features a swimming pool with slides, an outdoor playground, an indoor kids’ club, landscaped walking areas, and a cozy cafe with a children’s menu.
The venue regularly hosts entertainment programs, themed events, competitions, and foam parties, so there’s always something for children to enjoy.
The basic ticket includes access to the kids’ club, the pool with slides, and the outdoor playground. Extended packages with access to the trampoline area are also available.
Rawai Seafood Market
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
Rawai Market is one of Phuket’s most popular food markets and a great place to try truly fresh seafood. The nearby Sea Gypsy Village is home to a local community that has traditionally relied on fishing, which means many seafood products reach the market directly from fishermen, without a long chain of intermediaries.
One of the market’s key features is the “buy and cook” concept. After purchasing seafood, you can take it to one of the cafés across the street, where it will be cooked to your liking.
In addition to seafood, fruits, desserts, souvenirs, and beach items are also available. The market is especially lively in the evening, when it attracts both tourists and locals.
Afterwards, you can take a stroll along the promenade — it’s just a few steps away.
Accommodation & Vehicle Rentals in Rawai
Accommodation and vehicle rentals are essential for a comfortable vacation. If you'd like to rent accommodation or transportation in Rawai from trusted providers, simply fill out the form below.
Rawai offers a completely different side of Phuket. There are no busy 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 popular with those who come to the island not for a few days, but for weeks or months. Here it’s easy to feel not like a tourist, but part of island life itself.
You can find more verified places across this and other parts of the island on our website:
