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Rawai Beach

Phuket's southern waterfront of longtail boats and seafood restaurants, a place to eat and catch a boat rather than to swim.

4.3(1,057)
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Featured in: The 13 Best Beaches in Phuket, Ranked

Details

Address
Ra Wai Beach

Why go, and how to do it well

Rawai is the working waterfront at Phuket's southern tip, and the guides that include it all say the same thing: it's not a swimming beach. The shore is lined with longtail boats rather than sunbeds.

Come for what's on the shore instead. The seafood restaurants along the front are where many people end a day at Promthep Cape, and longtails from Rawai run out to the small islands just offshore, such as Koh Bon.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Stay within reach of Rawai Beach

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Best rated within a 13-minute walk

Where to Stay in Phuket

Tours that include Rawai Beach

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Rawai Beach.

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Rawai Beach: tickets, guides & combos

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Rawai Beach, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Ra Wai Beach

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More beaches nearby

All within 3.8 km of Rawai Beach.

Yanui Beach

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Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach

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Ao Sane Beach

Ao Sane Beach

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Nui Beach

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Tips for Visiting Beaches

Go Early for Empty Sand

Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.

Explore Beyond the Main Strip

Every popular beach area has quieter alternatives nearby. Rent a scooter and ride 10 minutes from Patong to find Freedom Beach, or head to Phuket's northeast coast for nearly empty shores.

Rawai Beach: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rawai Beach worth visiting?

Rawai Beach holds a 4.3★ rating from 1,057 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Phuket.

When is the best time to visit Rawai Beach?

The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough seas).

Where is Rawai Beach located?

Rawai Beach is at Ra Wai Beach, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).

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