Things To Do
in Ban Rawai
Ban Rawai (Rawai Village) is a laid-back coastal fishing community at the southern tip of Phuket, known for its seafood stalls, longtail boats and relaxed seaside atmosphere. The area is a gateway to nearby islands, snorkeling spots and boat trips to Coral Island (Koh Hei) and the idyllic bays around Phuket. Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint are close by and offer dramatic sunset views, while Rawai Beach is a working pier rather than a swimming beach.
The village mixes local Thai life with an international expat presence, offering street markets, seafood restaurants and a quieter alternative to Patong's bustle.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a beachside café, enjoying tropical fruits and local dishes while listening to the waves. After breakfast, take a stroll along Rawai Beach to admire the scenic views of the Andaman Sea. Engage with local fishermen and learn about traditional fishing methods that are still in practice today.
Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant Rawai Seafood Market, where you can choose fresh seafood to be cooked on-site at nearby restaurants. After lunch, take a long-tail boat trip to Coral Island for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing on pristine beaches. Indulge in the marine life while experiencing the crystal-clear waters of the region.
As the sun sets, head back to Rawai Beach to witness a breathtaking sunset over the horizon. Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant, sampling local delicacies like fresh grilled fish and spicy Thai salads. Wind down the evening with a stroll along the beach, soaking in the tranquil ambiance and soft sea breeze.
Begin your day by visiting the iconic Big Buddha statue, which offers stunning panoramic views of Phuket. Take your time to walk around the temple grounds and participate in some Buddhist rituals to engage with local traditions. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring dishes like khao tom (rice soup) and pad thai.
Set off on an island-hopping adventure to visit nearby islands like Phi Phi and Bamboo Island, where you can snorkel and explore their vibrant ecosystems. With plenty of opportunities for cliff diving and relaxing on secluded beaches, the day promises excitement and beauty. Enjoy a packed lunch on the boat while soaking in the sun and stunning views.
Return to Ban Rawai for a restful evening, and treat yourself to a Thai massage to unwind from a day of exploration. Once rejuvenated, dine at a local restaurant, sampling local favorites like green curry and mango sticky rice. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the beach, listening to the sounds of the waves and the gentle night breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-6 |
| 🍲Meal at mid-range restaurant (for two) | $20-45 |
| 🚕Short taxi or tuk-tuk ride | $2-8 |
| 🛵Scooter rental (per day) | $8-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed, authentic fishing-village atmosphere with excellent fresh seafood
- Great base for island hopping and sunset viewpoints like Promthep Cape
- Quieter and more local compared with busier Phuket hubs
- Reasonable prices and a mix of local and expat services
- Rawai Beach itself is not ideal for swimming; sea can be rough in monsoon
- Limited nightlife and fewer upscale amenities compared with Patong
- Public transport is sparse — you’ll likely need a scooter or taxi
- Heavy rains in monsoon season can disrupt island trips and outdoor plans
- "S̄wạs̄dī (สวัสดี)" - Hello
- "Khop khun (ขอบคุณ)" - Thank you
- "Chai / Mai chai (ใช่ / ไม่ใช่)" - Yes / No
- "Tao-rai? (ราคาเท่าไหร่?)" - How much?
- "Ao nee, kop khun (เอาอันนี้ ขอบคุณ)" - I'll take this, thank you
- "Hong nam yu thee nai? (ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน?)" - Where is the toilet?
- "Pom/Chan jay (ผม/ฉัน เจ) [say 'jay']" - I'm vegetarian (male/female pronoun)
Places to Visit in Ban Rawai
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic sunset viewpoint with cliffs, a lighthouse and dramatic sea vistas — best at golden hour for silhouette shots.
Colorful longtail boats and bustling Pier life provide classic coastal portraits, especially at sunrise when fishermen return.
Offers elevated panoramas over the southern tip of Phuket and surrounding bays, great for wide-angle landscape photos.
Clear water and a postcard bay ideal for beach scenes, sunrise/sunset and lifestyle photography.
Candid cultural shots of vendors, seafood preparation and daily village life — best explored with a respectful, low-key approach.
Food in Ban Rawai
Ban Rawai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Whole fish roasted in a salt crust over charcoal; commonly served at Rawai’s beachfront restaurants and seafood stalls.
Must-Try!
Sour-spicy soup with mixed seafood, lemongrass and galangal — available at most local eateries and ideal for sharing.
Stronger, spicier curries from southern Thailand; try at family-run restaurants and local curry houses.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A cluster of seafood restaurants and vendors where you can pick fresh catch and have it cooked to order; try grilled prawns, oysters and crab.
Seasonal/weekly markets offering street-food snacks, roti, pad thai and satay — great for casual tasting and local atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Showing respect for the Thai royal family is important; avoid negative comments and be mindful of national symbols.
A slight bow with hands pressed together (wai) is the polite greeting — mirror locals and be respectful in temples and homes.
Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered) and remove shoes before entering shrines or some homes.
Avoid touching people’s heads and don’t point feet at people or religious objects; feet are considered the lowest part of the body.
Safety
Tipping in Ban Rawai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 10% in mid-to-upscale places is common; small tips for tuk-tuk drivers, porters and hotel staff are welcome.
Cash (Thai Baht) is widely used — carry cash for markets, small vendors and island trips. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and shops; ATMs are available but can run low on cash in peak season.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May are hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F); plan outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.
May–October brings heavy, sometimes sudden tropical showers and rough seas; island trips and snorkeling can be affected, but rain often comes in short bursts and prices are lower.
November–February is the most comfortable period with milder temperatures, lower humidity and calm seas — ideal for beach days, island-hopping and outdoor excursions.
Ban Rawai at Night
Hiking in Ban Rawai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short ascent to an elevated spot with windmills and sweeping coastal vistas; great for sunrise or sunset walks and easy photography.
Scenic walk around the cape area with lookout points, ideal for sunset and coastal photos; paths are short but can be busy in high season.
About a 30–45 minute drive from Rawai, this protected forest area offers several trails, waterfall swims and a chance to see gibbons and native wildlife.
Cluster of viewpoints between Kata and Karon with short trails and panoramic views over bays and beaches; accessible by vehicle with short walks to viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Ban Rawai by plane.
Main gateway to Phuket, about 45–60 minutes from Rawai by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and many transfer options (taxis, private transfers, rental cars).
Located on the mainland, roughly 2.5–3 hours from Rawai by road/ferry combinations; an alternative for some domestic/international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly southern Thai families engaged in fishing, hospitality and small businesses; Buddhist majority with local temples central to community life.
Thai-Chinese families with long-standing businesses and cultural presence in the region.
A mix of long-term expats and short-term visitors from Europe, Australia, Russia and other countries — many involved in hospitality, property and service sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional Thai boxing is widely practiced and taught at local gyms; training camps attract visitors seeking fitness and cultural experience.
Casual beach volleyball and football are common on nearby beaches, especially Nai Harn and Kata.
Sea-based sports are very popular due to easy access to reefs and calm bays in the high season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ban Rawai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in seafood-focused venues; many Thai dishes can be made meat-free on request (specify ‘jay’ for vegetarian), and western cafes often offer vegetarian/vegan choices.
Vegan eating is easier at health-focused cafés and major tourist restaurants; always confirm no fish sauce or shrimp paste is used.
Rice-based dishes are common and naturally gluten-free, but check soy sauce and processed items; inform vendors if you have celiac disease as cross-contamination is possible.