Rawai, Beach area at the southern tip of Phuket, Thailand
Rawai is a beach area at the southern tip of Phuket, Thailand, where a long shoreline is lined with longtail boats and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. A road runs along the coast with guesthouses, small shops, and services on both sides.
Rawai is considered one of the first beaches in Phuket to attract visitors, though it started as a fishing settlement long before tourism arrived. The presence of the Moken community and the working harbor shaped how the shoreline developed over time.
The Moken sea people have lived in a small village on the shore of Rawai for generations, and their stilt houses are still standing along the waterfront. A small fish market nearby draws locals every morning and gives a clear sense of how the community still lives by the sea.
The eastern end of the beach has shaded spots under trees that are better for resting than for swimming, as the water in this area is shallow and not always calm. Promthep Cape is close by and easy to reach, making it a natural stop to add to a visit here.
Rawai is one of the main departure points for boat trips to Coral Island and Bon Island, two small islands that many visitors to Phuket never think to visit. The pier sits right on the beach, so getting on a boat takes only a few minutes from the shoreline.
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