Rawai holds the distinction of being the very first tourist beach on Phuket. Years ago, people from Phuket Town would drive the 17km to Rawai on weekends to while away the afternoon underneath the beach's causarina trees rather than risk the (then) dangerous drive over the hill to Phuket's west coast.

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Nowadays Rawai is a 'working beach' and a launching point for day boat excursions out to Phuket's surrounding islands. 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. The beach is also used as a mooring point for the many fishermen who live in the area.

Rawai is home to the five-star resorts, Evason and Mangosteen and quite a few of Phuket's foreign expat population live in the area, lending a bohemian and laid-back flavour to the way of life there. Favourite nighttime haunts are Friendship Beach, towards Chalong, and Rawai's beachfront bars.

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Up the hill going westward out of the village lies Cape Phromthep, one of Phuket's most famous viewpoints.

Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

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The site of the traditional Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsy village, Rawai features bungalow accommodations, many good restaurants, handicraft shops, and both fishing and excursion boats for hire. The waters make for pleasant swimming, and excellent snorkeling is possible around the off-shore reefs. Rawai is 7 km west of the Chalong traffic circle.