Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach - Phuket on the other side of the cape from Nai Harn beach, a casual place with only a few bungalow operations, restaurants and smaller resorts along the main beach. Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village
Rather than a place to sunbathe and swim, Rawai is a launching point for island excursions. Many longtail boats available for hire line its shores, where you can arrange a trip to Coral Island, Koh Lone or Racha Island or a fishing or snorkel trip.
Rawai was once a popular spot for beachfront dining, but all the open-air restaurants have now been cleared away. Some are still open, but they are set back opposite the road that lines the beach - so it's more difficult to enjoy the view. Nikita's restaurant and bar still remains on the beach tucked into one corner. Good place for a cool drink in the afternoon or evening.
Just west of Rawai is Promthep Cape (Laem Promthep) a small peninsula that provides a great sunset viewpoint over the ocean beyond. Great views over the whole area can be seen from The Mangosteen Resort, located in an elevated area above Rawai.
Heading towards Chalong is the Evason Phuket Resort, a luxurious spot with some fine dining options, and further along is the popular Friendship Beach resort, a nice place to wile away an afternoon enjoying a snack and swimming in the resort's pool.
