Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach is a coastal beach in Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, at the southern tip of Phuket Island, Thailand. Unlike typical swimming beaches, it functions primarily as a working fishing harbour and longtail boat pier. Lined with seafood restaurants and stalls along its waterfront road, it is notable for views of nearby islands such as Koh Bon and Koh Hey, its Sea Gypsy fishing community, and as a departure point for island boat trips rather than beach swimming.

Visitors can expect a narrow sandy and muddy shoreline lined with moored longtail boats and fishing vessels rather than a swimming beach. The waterfront road is lined with open-air seafood restaurants, cafes and souvenir stalls with views across the bay to Koh Bon, Koh Hey (Coral Island) and Koh Lone. The area is active with boat operators offering island trips, local fishermen, and the nearby Sea Gypsy village. The beach is best for strolling, dining, photography and arranging boat excursions.

Rawai has long been a fishing settlement and is home to one of Phuket's Sea Gypsy (Chao Leh) communities, traditionally sea-based fishers who have inhabited the southern coast for generations. The beach has developed as a fishing harbour and boat departure point rather than a resort beach.

The beach is culturally associated with the Chao Leh (Sea Gypsy) fishing community of Rawai, known for traditional fishing practices, stilt houses and seafood livelihood. The waterfront reflects local fishing culture with daily fish markets and boat building activity.