One of the reasons Rawai was the first tourist beach on Phuket is because it is very easy to get to from Phuket Town. It is as simple as following the main road south until you can’t go any further. It is also the place the first tourists were dropped off, and thus became a thriving development.

The beach does not lend itself well to swimming or other water sports because of the amount of boats moored here. The water is also very shallow at low tide, exposing the mud and rocks which lie underneath.

Today, there are two five-star resorts here and a large proportion of Phuket’s expat population call it home. There are many beachfront bars and restaurants as well as many more along the beach road and small back lanes.

Many people visit the beach to see the famous Sea Gypsies. Phuket’s main Sea Gypsy Village is located here and there is a daily market which allows tourists an excellent opportunity to gain a small insight into daily life. Despite not having any sun loungers available, it is a great beach top sit and people watch. There is always lots going on and because tourism is not the beach’s main income, daily life carries on as it has done for hundreds of years. It is the ultimate in real Thai beach life.

While Rawai is an attraction in itself, leaving the beach and following the hill westward away from the gypsy village will lead you to Cape Phromthep, one of Phuket's most famous and impressive viewpoints. To make the most of the views, try and catch the sun setting across the peninsula.