Rawai Beach and Pier

About this place

A beach on Phuket's southern coast that is less for swimming than for the scene, the food and the boat trips: at low tide the sea pulls far back from rocky sand where village women gather shells, with dozens of long, painted wooden boats moored in front. At one end runs the long Rawai pier, the departure point for boats to the southern islands. Longtails and speedboats leave the pier for Coral Island, Maiton, Racha and others for snorkelling and swimming in far clearer water. Along the road behind the beach runs a row of fresh seafood stalls where you pick your fish and the nearby restaurants cook it, a favourite with locals in the evening. Close by is the Chao Leh village of the sea gypsies, among Phuket's oldest inhabitants. There is no fee for the beach or pier; boat prices are agreed with their owners, so settle the price and duration before boarding. Seafood is everywhere, so ask how it is cooked if you avoid non-halal food. The sea is calm and clear from November to April; from May to October waves are high and rip currents dangerous on the west coast, so obey the red flags. Come late in the day to choose dinner from the stalls, then watch sunset from Promthep Cape five minutes away.