Phuket - the Pearl of the Andaman
Phuket is the second smallest province but at the same time the largest island in Thailand. Located on the Andaman coast in the south west of the country it has some of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches and offers something for every visitor. From first-class golf courses, high-end spas, historical sites, fun attractions for all ages and of course the famous nightlife, you will have so much choice to fill your days(and nights) when staying in Phuket. The east coast of the island is generally the preferred destination for holiday makers as this is where you’ll find all the great beaches but the west and south coasts offer plenty of things to see and do. Phuket Town is one of the oldest cities in Thailand once being an important port of call for Chinese and European traders. The old buildings indicate the former prosperity with a Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Major attractions in Phuket
Phuket is undeniably the most famous island in Thailand and the most visited. With Phuket airport taking many direct flights from Europe, Asia and Australia it is easy to get there. The island apart from the amazing beaches like Surin, Bang Tao, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata, offers so much for travelers. Great shopping with modern malls and traditional markets, some of Asia’s finest restaurants, fun-filled land and sea activities, animal sanctuaries, national parks and sightseeing, you are spoiled for choice. Something not to miss when in Phuket is the famous Phuket Fantasea Show which is filled with a range of entertainment and activities and the amazing Las Vegas style theater show. Phuket is also the gateway to visit many of the surrounding islands like Phi Phi, Similan and of course Phang Nga Bay.
Rent a luxurious holiday villa in Phuket
Phuket has a strong reputation as one of Asia’s premier destinations for a luxurious holiday experience. In recent years, the luxurious Phuket villas offer guests not only privacy but also gives them the best facilities and services to make their time unforgettable in Phuket. Whilst many of the villas in Phuket are high-end and attract the wealthier travelers there are also many villa options for the average holidaymaker seeking a different experience than a stay in a hotel. Nearly all Phuket villas will have a private pool and can provide guest services like chef and concierge assistance.
Rawai Beach, Phuket
You won't find much information about Rawai Beach in the guidebooks or on the internet. That's because it's one of Phuket's little hideaways for the residents and Thai tourists.
Rawai Beach is popular with locals Thais and expats who come to enjoy view of the offshore islands and taste some great local seafood either in one of the low key beach side restaurants or even a picnic on the esplanade with the BBQ stalls under the shadow of the line of Casuarina trees bordering the beach. You can hardly have it more local than in Rawai. No high rise, no McDonalds, no Starbucks and hardly a 7/11!
The beach is busy wit long tails and speed boat who ferry the tourists for the daily activity tours to Koh Hae and Koh Lone and Koh Racha. Promthep Cape and its viewpoint (which is one of the most famous pictures of Phuket) separate Rawai Beach from Nai Harn Beach.
The ancient life still remains in the form of a 'sea gypsies' village near the cape. Formerly a nomadic fishing minority, this community has now settled for the better on Phuket and in other area in Phang Nga. When wandering on the small roads, you will also notice frequently locals still tending the rubber, the coconut plantations and the freshly caught fish sold from tables at the side of the road.
Rawai Beach villas for rent
Most if not all villas and apartment are a little behind the scene but within a very short distance of the beach and the restaurants and local beach bars which are good meeting point to experience the local life of long term residents. There are only a few other accommodation options close by (such as the Evason Resort, just to the east of Rawai). What you can find there in profusion are small beachside restaurants with foot-high tables on the beach, mostly no more than shacks selling grilled fish, crab, and chicken. You sit on a mat on the floor and eat simple food by the sea. There are a few small bars by the beach such as the -popular Nikitas and the Bar Rouge.
At the far east end of the beach you will find a little fishing community with a daily market selling fresh fish and prawns. There are also some "touristy" stalls selling shells and other such souvenirs of the sea. The market is small but gives an idea of the old way of life.