Rawai is at the southern tip of Phuket. It is much less touristy than nearby Kata and Patong Beaches. This palm-fringed sea front is best known for sea gypsies, a formerly nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent. You will often see references to Rawai Beach. Forget it. There is no beach in Rawai, at least not of the type you can swim in, except at the north end, where few tourists will venture. Why bother, when you can go to Nai Harn Beach? The tides in Rawai are pronounced. Boats moor, then are beached when the tide recedes. It is picturesque, but it's not a beach. Rawai Beach itself is only used to moor fishing boats, longtails, and speedboats, used for snorkelling and sightseeing trips to Phuket's neighbouring islands. The new pier is not used for boats, but makes a nice walking/fishing pier. There is a sea gypsy village just north of the pier with shops and longtail boats for rent, and lots of seafood restaurants on the waterfront. This is where Phuket Town comes on the weekend for a beach party. There are a few popular cocktail bars on the beach for a limited but fun night life.
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