Rawai & Chalong Bay

The South of Phuket used to be less popular for tourists to visit in the past, due to the lack of quality accommodation. This has obviously totally changed nowadays. In fact, today it is a fantastic location because all major “must-sees” are in close proximity. It’s undoubtedly the area with the most beautiful nature, views and a large National Park at the South tip of the Island, the famous Promthep Cape.

Chalong is a popular residential area South of Phuket town. Chalong Bay has long been well known from its long pier, from where hundreds of boats start every morning to the nearby Islands. A new marina for private yachts has added attractiveness, so the bay will be even busier in the future. Protected from the Monsoon winds and with almost no waves, Chalong Bay is very safe for boats to anchor. The pier is just a few minutes away from Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort, which makes the resort attractive for divers and ideal for snorkeling day trips to the nearby Islands.

Right next to the pier, one of Phuket’s most famous seafood restaurants “Kan Eang @ Pier”, presents all kind of fresh seafood and great, spicy Thai food. Chalong Circle connects the area directly to Kata Beach and to the main road along the West Coast, all the way up to Patong Beach. The new tunnel, completed in 2019 ensures quick access to Phuket Town and no more traffic jams.

Attractions located in Chalong are:

• The Phuket Big Buddha
• Chalong Temple
• Chalong Pier, all Island excursions and diving
• Kata & Kata Noi Beaches
• Kata & Karon Viewpoint
• Chalong Bay Distillery
• Phuket Botanical Garden
• Phuket Orchid Farm
• Phuket Bird Paradise
• Muay Thai Boxing Camps, including Tiger Muay Thai
• Chalong Night Market

Rawai Beach is a popular place for the locals to hang out and relax on weekends, with many laid back waterfront restaurants. Try Nikita’s Restaurant, the most popular spot right on the beach, offering Thai and Italian dishes. Nowadays, you will also find plenty of open-air bars and even some nightclubs. The fresh fish market is another well-known attraction in Rawai, right next to the relatively new pier on the east side of Rawai Beach.

Rawai is also offering easy transportation by speed- or longtail boat to the Islands nearby. Coral Island for example is easy to reach and a recommendation, especially during monsoon season. Swimming is safe all year, small beach front restaurants are available for lunch and drinks. Bon Island and Racha can also be reached from Rawai.

Attractions located in Rawai are:

• Nai Harn Beach
• Yanui Beach
• Ao Sane Beach
• Promthep Cape, Sunset Viewpoint
• Rawai Sea Gypsy Village & Seafood Market
• Rawai Pier
• Beachfront restaurants along Rawai
• Speed- and Longtail Boats to the Islands