9 Best Things To Do In Rawai, Thailand

9 Best Things To Do In Rawai, Thailand
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 4 min read

If you want to experience an authentic taste of Thai fishing life, head to Rawai. Watch the fishermen repair their boats and children eagerly help reel in the day’s catch. All of these activities are done with a breathtaking background: aquamarine water, bright blue sky, mountain silhouettes in the distance, and palm trees. And to make your stay more memorable, explore Rawai from these amazing beachfront villas with private beach access

Here are some of the ten things to do, to make the most of your time in Rawai, Thailand.

1. Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape, Phuket
Source: Photo by user celebrityabc used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Visit the most iconic location in Rawai. As you explore the southernmost point of Phuket, with the most spectacular view of the Andaman Sea, you will truly understand the origin of the cape’s namesake: Bhrama or God’s Cape. Cliffs and stately palm trees form the perfect frame for the picture perfect sea. At sunset and sunrise, the cape becomes simply breathtaking. It is no wonder that people flock to the cape, to witness the bouquet of colors that streak across the sky, as the sun makes it dramatic entrance and equally extravagant exit.

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2. Leisurely cruises and boat tours

Posted by Blue World Safaris on Saturday, 17 March 2012

Sunsets in Rawai are awe inspiring events. Enjoy them on a leisurely sunset cruise. One recommended cruise is Blue World Safari’s Sunset cruise, a leisurely cruise that is very accommodating to families, young children, and large groups. You can also experience the Phuket coastline on a nighttime cruise. If you would like to explore the seas on your own, you can rent a boat for a do-it-yourself boat tour.

Blue World Safaris

Contact: +66 85 475 0447

Website: Blue World Safaris

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3. Rum Jungle

Posted by Rum Jungle Rawai Phuket on Saturday, 5 April 2014

Get a taste of Italian cuisine, without leaving Rawai. Rum Jungle is a family owned restaurant, headed by an Australian chef. It is a cozy, open, straw-roofed building, surrounded by dense, vibrant green plants, that are indeed reminiscent of the jungle. Stop by to eat fresh seafood or a sizzling steak, while you discuss the day’s events with friends and family.

Rum Jungle Cafe

Address: 69/8 Sai Yuan Rd., Rawai Muang, Thailand

Opening Hours: 3pm - 11pm. Closed on Sundays

Contact: +66 76388153

Website: Rum Jungle Cafe

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4. Island hopping (from 61 USD)

Phi Phi Islands
Source: Pixabay

Rawai’s location makes it prime for exploring the multitude of islands in the area, with relative ease. If there was a particular island that fascinated you while on one of the cruises, or you just want to explore the islands and spend time in the water, you can go on an island hopping tour. There is no shortage of tours, so one is bound to fit your needs.

Some tours, such as the Phi Phi Island Hopping Tour, are available year round, so you can catch one whenever you are visiting the area. For early birds, there are tours that start early in the morning and last all day, providing ample time for you to explore the islands and possibly go snorkeling or swimming. If you have other plans for the day, you can opt for a half day tour.

Phi Phi Island Hopping Tours

Price: from 61 USD

Duration: Between 6 to 10 hours

Website:

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5. Wat Chalong

Phuket Thailand Wat-Chalong-02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CEphoto, Uwe Aranas used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Built in the early 19th century by Buddhist monks, Wat Chalong is one of the most sacred temples in Phuket. The temple grounds consist of several buildings, the main one being the three story tower, which is said to contain parts of bone belonging to Buddha. Explore the grounds, climb up the tower for a spectacular view of the temple grounds, take in the artwork and statues of Buddha and the monks.

Remember to remove your shoes before entering, dress in a modest and respectful manner, and keep your volume to a minimum - even if you are amazed by the view, try to be respectful of the people worshiping. For a quieter, more serene experience at the temple, try to get here early in the morning (before 10am) or in the late afternoon (after 3pm), to avoid large tourist crowds and have a more authentic temple experience.

Wat Chalong

Address: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Hours: 7am-5pm

Contact: +66 76381226

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6. Crepes Village


Are you craving something sweet, savory, or just French? Head to Crepes Village, for a unique fusion of French and Thai cuisine. Have a savory crepe with curry or a sweet crepe with fruits native to Thailand. This unique, family friendly restaurant has a warm and cozy ambiance, with subdued candle lighting in the evenings and outdoor gazebo seating. The restaurant is open 12 hours a day, giving you ample time to satisfy your crepe cravings.

Crepes Village

Address: Sai Yuan Road, Nai Harn, Rawai, Phuket 83000 Thailand

Price Range: from $$- $$$

Opening Hours: 8am - 11:30pm

Contact: +66 856557329

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7. Rawai Beach

wow weather!

Posted by Rawai, Phuket on Saturday, 22 October 2011

Rawai beach is not your typical beach. It functions as a place for both work and leisure. For the local fishermen, it is their workplace and source of livelihood. It is also a wonderful place to for a spectacular view of the sea, several of the nearby islands, and iconic sunsets. Walk along the beach and bask in the warmth of the sun.

Should the weather become too hot, sit under one of the many trees, or at one of the many restaurants and shops on the beach. This way, you can continue to admire the views from the comfort of the shade and possibly with a cold beverage. Experience a slice of Thai life in a relaxing environment, virtually free of large, noisy crowds of tourists.

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8. Seafood Market

I would have been difficult to keep the fish fresh in that heat
Source: Photo by user shankar s. used under CC BY 2.0

After spending time at the beach and seeing the fishermen at work, check out their catches at the local seafood market. The market has an extremely wide selection of fresh seafood, that is typically very affordable. Don’t be afraid to haggle, if you feel that you are getting inflated tourist prices. After selecting your food, have it cooked at one of the nearby restaurants and enjoy a delectable, fresh seafood meal, without hurting your pocketbook.

Seafood Market

Address: Rawai Beach, Rawai, Phuket, Thailand

Price: from $-$$

Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm

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9. Seashell Museum

Posted by Phuket seashell & museum พิพิธภัณฑ์เปลือกหอย ภูเก็ต on Friday, 29 January 2016

Check out the Phuket Seashell Museum, to see thousands of artfully arranged and displayed, colorful seashells. This museum is home to some of the rarest and most priceless shells. There is everything from the world’s largest pearl to clam fossils that are nearly 400 million years old. Peruse the gift shop for unique shell jewelry and other items made from shells, so you can always remember your time in Rawai.

Phuket Seashell Museum

Address: Viset Road Rawai Beach, Rawai, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Price: 6 USD for adults; 3 USD for children

Opening Hours: 8am - 6:30pm

Contact: +66 76613808

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Can you keep a secret?

Phuket - Rawai Beach 17
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ADwarf used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Rawai is not one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand, and this is part of its charm. You can become immersed in the local life and Thai culture without the noisy hoards of tourists - enjoy the beach, sea, and beautiful sunsets and sunrises, in peace. Are you ready to discover one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets?

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hannah took her first international trip at one month old and has been traveling ever since. She loves being immersed in different cultures, trying new foods, meeting new people, and sharing her...Read more

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