Rawai Travel Guide
City City in Thailand's Phuket province
Rawai opens onto raw southern Phuket: seafood markets, longtail boats to Coral and Racha islands, seaside grills and a less polished shoreline than Patong - a pragmatic launch point for boat trips.
79°F
Why Visit Rawai? #
Seafood and island access make Rawai an appealing base for visitors who want quieter Phuket days and easy boat rides to Coral Island. Longtail boats gather at Rawai Pier while the Rawai Seafood Market serves up fresh grilled prawns and whole fish at communal tables. Nearby Nai Harn offers a more relaxed beach scene, and the town’s fishing-village atmosphere gives a clear sense of local daily life.
Best Things to Do in Rawai
All Attractions ›
Rawai Bucket List
- Rawai Beach - Coastal promenade with seafood restaurants, fishing boats, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
- Rawai Seafood Market - Fresh catches sold daily where you can choose seafood cooked at nearby restaurants.
- Laem Promthep (Promthep Cape) - Popular sunset viewpoint a short drive from Rawai offering sweeping ocean panoramas.
- Rawai Cultural Village - Small cultural centre showcasing southern Thai crafts, cooking demonstrations, and local history.
- Ao Sane Beach - Small rocky cove known for clear water, snorkeling, and calmer crowds nearby.
- Karon Viewpoint (Three Beaches Hill) - Less crowded overlook between Kata and Karon offering panoramic coastal views of Phuket.
- Phi Phi Islands day trip - Boat excursions from Rawai to Maya Bay and snorkeling spots off Ko Phi Phi.
- Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island - Half-day boat tours exploring limestone karsts, caves, and iconic James Bond Island.
Best Time to Visit Rawai #
Visit Rawai in the cool season (November-February) for lower humidity, calm seas and the best beach/diving conditions. The monsoon (June-October) brings heavy rain and rough water, so expect fewer services then.
Best Time to Visit Rawai #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (2314 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (234 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (235 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (266 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (342 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (378 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (322 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Rawai
Rawai is on the southern coast of Phuket Island and is reached primarily via Phuket International Airport (HKT); Krabi (KBV) is the nearest alternate airport. There is no national rail service to Phuket - most arrivals use taxis, airport buses or shared vans.
Phuket International Airport (HKT): From Phuket Airport you can reach Rawai by taxi, shared minivan or prebooked transfer. Typical metered taxis and private transfers take about 45-75 minutes to Rawai depending on traffic; typical private transfer fares are in the range 600-1,000 THB and shared minivans about 200-400 THB per person.
Krabi Airport (KBV): Krabi is a practical alternative if you find cheaper flights. Travel to Rawai requires a transfer (road transfer or minivan) plus the Phuket crossing if coming by land from Krabi - expect total travel time 2-3 hours and shared transfer prices typically 500-1,000 THB per person for joint transfers between Krabi and Phuket (prices vary by operator).
Train: Phuket has no national rail link; the nearest long-distance railhead is in Surat Thani. From Surat Thani you would need a bus or private transfer to Phuket (several hours) - not a practical option for most visitors to Rawai.
Bus / Minivan: Regular airport minivans and intercity buses operate between Phuket Airport, Phuket Town and the southern beaches. Direct shared minivans from Phuket Airport or Phuket Town to Rawai/Chalong take about 45-75 minutes and cost in the 200-400 THB range; local tuk‑tuks and songthaews cover short hops around Rawai and Chalong (cash only).
How to Get Around Rawai #
Rawai is fairly walkable along the beachfront and the main strip, so you can easily explore on foot for short outings. For longer trips, motorbike taxis and scooter rentals are the norm (roughly 250-400 THB/day for scooters). Metered taxis to Phuket Town or the airport are available but can be pricey; tuk‑tuks and local songthaews serve short hops. Boats and longtail departures from the Rawai pier run to nearby islands and beaches-check schedules locally.
Where to Stay in Rawai #
- Vijitt Resort Phuket (budget rooms sometimes available) - Simple beachfront bungalows occasionally budget-friendly.
- Cape Panwa Hotel (budget options in low season) - Comfortable, sometimes offers deals.
- Vijitt Resort Phuket - Secluded beachfront resort with bungalow rooms.
- Cape Panwa Hotel - Full-service hotel with sea views.
- Vijitt Resort Phuket - Upmarket beachfront bungalows and villas.
- Cape Panwa Hotel - Premium seafront property with extensive facilities.
Where to Eat in Rawai #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Rawai's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Rawai #
Nightlife in Rawai is low‑key and family‑oriented, focused on seaside restaurants and relaxed bars rather than clubs. High season brings more activity and occasional live music, but evenings are mainly about dining on fresh seafood and enjoying sunset drinks.
Shopping in Rawai #
Shopping in Rawai is practical rather than boutique: you’ll find beachwear stalls, small souvenir shops and convenience stores along the road. The Rawai Seafood Market/pier area is the town’s go‑to for freshly caught seafood and evening dining rather than traditional souvenir malls.
.jpg?width=600)
