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Rawai Beach Photo Gallery

7,520 viewsBy Willy Thuan · Living in Phuket since 1994

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Rawai Beach is on Phuket’s southern coast, facing east toward the smaller islands offshore. Unlike the sandy west coast beaches, Rawai is not a swimming beach. The shoreline is mostly mud and rocks at low tide, and the water is shallow for a long way out. Longtail boats line the beach, and local fishermen use them as a departure point.

What makes Rawai popular is everything along the beachfront road. A long row of seafood restaurants faces the water, and a fresh seafood market at the southern end lets you pick your fish and have it cooked on the spot. Rawai is also the starting point for boat trips to nearby islands like Coral Island and the Racha Islands.

The area around Rawai has become one of the most popular residential zones for expats in Phuket, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of local restaurants.

I have been photographing Rawai Beach since the mid-1990s, when it was far quieter, and the seafood market was much smaller. The photos in this gallery show the beach, the market, the boat pier, and the surrounding area across different years. All photos are my own. For the full travel guide, see Rawai Beach.