Looking For Property In Rawai When Moving To Phuket

Rawai is located in the south of Phuket and is easy to get to. It is technically a municipality that encompasses a huge region at the southernmost end of the island, including portion of what we refer to as Chalong. With it’s great location and amenities, anyone consider a move to Phuket should consider looking at property in Rawai.

It is definitely one of the most popular locations of Phuket for foreigners to live, alongside Nai Harn and Chalong. The south of the island became their home due to the various beaches, nature, and, of course, the stunning view.

Rawai itself doesn’t really get to boast it’s own swimming beach, it is adjacent to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches though (less than a 10-minute drive). Rawai, on the other hand, does have a lovely ambience, with stunning views of Bon Island and Coral Island, as well as good conveniences for locals and visitors.

So Why Is Property In Rawai Worth Considering?

Rawai has been attracting foreign residents for several decades and now has a sizable community living there all year round. As the area’s population has grown, so has the number of bars, cafes and restaurants.

While the area of Rawai has its own unique attractions for tourists, over the recent years it’s seen many improvements which has made it a much more attractive spot for foreigners to relocate too, whether it’s to work, live or retire.

Its lack of a swimming beach hasn’t affect how popular Rawai is. antastic beaches are close to the area, and visitors continue to flock to the region. In reality, especially during peak season, the holiday rental market here is nearly identical to that in Nai Harn.

There’s still a lot of attractions in Rawai, but given its closeness to Kata, Karon, Nai Harn, and Chalong, it’s easy to see why visitors from all over the globe return year after year.

In addition to short-term vacation rentals, the substantial expatriate community in Nai Harn makes it simpler to rent your house for the long term.

Because of the traffic bottlenecks that plagued the Chalong roundabout – the primary road into Rawai – in previous years, some tourists were turned off from visiting this portion of the island.

However, with the completion of the new Chalong underpass, access to Rawai and Nai Harn is now much easier. Hopefully, there will be no further delays leaving or entering the area.

Rawai is, in fact, the most southerly section of Phuket where you’ll most likely locate a property. There are a few lonely villas closer to Prom Thep Cape, but this is about as far south as you can go.

Foreigners may have been drawn to Rawai because of its closeness to the beaches in the first place, but it is the amenities and infrastructure that have evolved to meet the needs of the rising population that make it so popular with locals today.

The main part of the beach road is constantly bustling with activity. Along this route, there are currently several shops, convenience stores, massage parlors, and restaurants. We’re not just talking about a few restaurants scattered about; Rawai, including the Rawai Seafood Market, boasts one of the greatest restaurant selections in the vicinity.

Condos & Villas For Sale In Rawai

It’s simple to see why Rawai is seeing so many new developments. There are a variety of condo and villa complexes popping up all across Rawai, some inland, some closer to the beach, and some situated on the mountain with spectacular sea views.

We anticipate greater development in the region due to its popularity. And there are still lots of open land parcels that would be great for future developments.

Some of the properties for sale in Rawai and Nai Harn may be found here: Property In Rawai For Sale

Beaches Near Rawai

It’s no secret that Rawai Beach is not known for its swimming, it is only a few mins away from some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, including Nai Harn, Laem Ka, Yanui, and Friendship.

One of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches is located in Nai Harn, and it’s only a 5-minute drive from Rawai. Swimming, snorkeling, and even surfing (in the low season) are available.

Yanui Beach is within a short distance from Rawai’s seafront. This is a stunning and lovely beach that is quite popular throughout the summer. It’s an excellent site to hire kayaks and canoe around Koh Man, a little island off the coast.

Yanui is also a fantastic snorkeling spot. There are plenty of tropical fish on both sides of the beach, and some visitors even snorkel as far out as Koh Man.

There are a handful of nice restaurants just next to Yanui, so it’s a fantastic location to go for lunch and simply relax, especially when the sun sets.

As you go north to Chalong, you’ll pass by Laem Ka and Friendship Beaches on the East Coast. They’re both a little off the usual road, but they provide radically different landscape than Rawai’s southern reaches. Instead, they turn their gaze eastward, toward Koh Lon and Chalong Bay.

Like Rawai, they are not great beaches for swimming, but have their own attractions, mainly the spectacular views of these islands out to sea.

Where To Eat In Rawai

Rawai offers an incredible selection of restaurants, and it’s clear to see why this portion of the island is so popular with expats.

The famed Sea Gypsy Village, located next to Rawai Pier, offers superb seafood for a fraction of the price of Phuket’s more tourist-oriented seafood restaurants. In reality, you may purchase fresh seafood from market stalls and have it cooked to your specifications by adjacent restaurants.

Rawai is home to two of the island’s greatest steakhouses. If you enjoy steak, you must visit Tseti’s or Mando’s (but we suggest both).

Rawai is also home to one of Phuket’s oldest and most popular Italian restaurants. Maggie and Mario’s (officially known as M&M’s) has moved closer to Nai Harn from its previous location along Rawai’s seafront.

Nikita’s, which is located along the sea front on the eastern end of Rawai, is also a Rawai institution. Many neighbors still consider this a neighborhood hangout, owing to the pleasant ambience, consistent service, friendly personnel, and reasonable rates.

There is a nice restaurant on Promthep Cape, which is better when the crowds disappear and the sun is going down. The views over Nai Harn are stunning, and there is always a beautiful breeze.

Grocery Shopping In Rawai

If you want to cook at home, there are several supermarkets in the vicinity.

Tesco-Lotus, Makro, and Food for Foreigners are all located less than 10 minutes north of Chalong.

Tesco and Makro will supply all of your essentials, but if you’re searching for the foods that most people miss from home (such as a variety of cheeses, sausages, and good quality bacon), the place to go is Food for Foreigners.

However, if you continue north through Chalong Circle, you will arrive at Villa Market, in the Home Pro Village area. Villa Market is a great place to stock up on treats and groceries that you’d more likely find at home. A great place for foreigners to grocery shop.

Schools in Rawai

When considering buying property in Rawai, anyone with a family should consider schooling in the area. The Mother and Child Kindergarten and Preschool, ABC International Nursery and Pre-School, and the Palm House School are among the many kindergarten and nursery institutions in the Rawai region. Chalong International Kindergarten & School, Buds International School, and Cravens International Nursery Pre School are all close by.

There are little to no foreign secondary schools in Rawai, however BCIS and the International School of Phuket are just a short drive away in Chalong (ISP).

There is also the well known International School of Phuket (ISP) which is opposite the Chalong Makro, and the Oak Meadow International School, located in the northern area of Chalong / southern area of Phuket Town. Oak Meadow offers the American Curriculum.

Rawai Entertainment & Nightlife

Whether you’re looking for property in Rawai to live in, or you are just visiting, there are plenty of cafes, bars and clubs to keep you entertained. There are far too many to name, but you are nearly guaranteed to discover one that you enjoy.

Nikita’s on the seashore is open until 11:30pm normally (Covid times may vary), so you don’t need a bar if your goal is to have a few drinks while enjoying a late meal and the sea breeze.

Rawai is a terrific spot to chill out, meet some new people and have a good time, but if you want more boisterous entertainment, you should travel to Patong.

Other Points of Interest in Rawai

If you’re near the pier on the seafront, you’ll notice the long-tail boats anchored on the beach. Some are still in use by the local fishermen who supply the sea food restaurants in the area, but others are available for hire by visitors.

Some long-tail boats may carry you as far as the Rachai Islands, which are visible from the beach but are rather far away.

Some long-tail boats may even take you as far as the Rachai Islands which, although visible from the beach, are actually quite distance away.

For longer journeys, a speed boat is a preferable option. These can be found moored alongside the long-tail boats, nice and easy to spot.

Promthep Cape is a short drive from Rawai and is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. Thais used to travel from all over the country to visit Promthep on Saturday evenings to worship at the temple or watch the sunset.

The views from Promthep are stunning, including views of the island of Koh Kiaow, which is home to a Buddhist monastery with chedis visible from the mainland, adding to the island’s allure.

Many handicraft stores and shop stalls offer shells, sarongs, and other tourist souvenirs at the viewpoint’s car park area.

Focusing back to Rawai, the Rawai Park is a popular destination for families with children. This is an excellent day trip for the kids, particularly if they enjoy water.

Many residents bring their kids here on weekends because there is so much to do for them. This may easily keep you and your family entertained for a whole day.

In the nearby towns of Nai Harn and Chalong, Rawai also boasts the regular tourist attractions. Monkey shows, Snake shows, Elephant rides, ATV rides, zip line, and other activities may all be found within a 10-minute drive.