PHUKET
Rawai
About Rawai
Rawai is a local-feeling south-coast area popular with long-stay expats and retirees. The beach itself is rocky and not for swimming, but it has a seafood market, a pier and quick access to Nai Harn and Chalong. It is quiet with little nightlife.
Getting around: Plan on a scooter, car or taxis; it is one of the furthest areas from the airport (about 48 km, 60-90 minutes).
Typical rent in Rawai
- 1-bed condo
- 14,000-25,000 per month (Rawai/Nai Harn, baanlyy); 12,000-22,000 (studio/1-bed, Phuket Expat Guide)
- House
- 3-bed pool villa: 45,000-110,000 per month (Rawai/Nai Harn, baanlyy); 35,000-90,000 (Phuket Expat Guide)
Indicative 2026 guide ranges (baanlyy, updated Jul 2026; Phuket Expat Guide, updated Mar 2026), 6-12 month leases, furnished, usually with pool/gym. Monthly rents rise roughly 40-100% in high season (Nov-Apr). Electricity/water usually extra.
What to do in Rawai
- Rawai Seafood MarketmarketNext to Rawai Pier; choose seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.
- Rawai PierotherLongtail boats to Coral Island leave from here.
- Promthep CapenatureWell-known sunset viewpoint with an elephant shrine and lighthouse.
- Nai Harn BeachbeachSwimmable beach about 4 km away.
Where to eat in Rawai
- Salaloy SeafoodMichelin Bib Gourmand in the 2023 guide.
- Nikita's Beach RestaurantLong-time local favourite.
- Rawai Seafood MarketBuy and cook-your-own seafood.
What is nearby
- Phuket International Airport (HKT)48 kmairport
- Chalong Hospitalhospital
- Kajonkiet International School (Chalong)school
- Rawai Seafood Marketmarket
Good to know
- Rawai beach is rocky and not for swimming; use Nai Harn instead.
- A 12-month lease often gets a 10-15% discount in Rawai and Chalong.
- Quiet area; limited entertainment.
Condos in Rawai
Frequently asked questions about Rawai
Where is Rawai?
Rawai is an area of Phuket, Thailand.
Which condos are in Rawai?
We have guides for 2 condos in Rawai: At The Tree Condominium and Nai Harn Beach Condominium.
What is the typical rent in Rawai?
The median monthly rent across our current listings in Rawai is about ฿25,000 (about ฿662 per sqm). Median of 12 current listings.
How much does it cost to rent or buy in Rawai?
We currently show 23 listings in Rawai: 13 for rent and 5 for sale. Rents start from about ฿13,000 per month (typical ฿25,000).
Can you swim at Rawai beach?
Not really; the beach is rocky. Nai Harn Beach nearby is the swimming option.
Why do expats choose Rawai?
Guides name Rawai/Nai Harn as the most common long-term expat area: quiet, local, family-friendly.
How long is the airport trip?
Roughly 50-60+ minutes by car, about 48-55 km.
What should I check before renting in Rawai?
Ask for the exact unit's photos, the monthly rent plus water, electricity and common fees, the deposit and the contract length. Visit in person and meet the owner or agent at the place.
More areas in Phuket
Area names and boundaries are approximate. Confirm the exact location with the owner before you decide. Sources: phuket-blog.com, www.phuket101.net, baanlyy.com, phuketexpatguide.com, www.phuket101.net.