Former sleepy fishing village Rawai - and neighbouring Nai Harn beach – in recent years has gained great popularity with expatriate residents an d holidaymaker s for the laidback ambience , striking coastal scenery ,great sailing and chill-out social scene that draws regular visitors from around the globe .

Rawai Beach
 

The island views from Rawai Beach and nearby Cape Promthep are incomparable – with colourful longtail boats and sweeping vistas capturing the imagination against vivid turquoise waters. The beachfront at Rawai is lined with traditional craft and speed boats that ply the Andaman Sea on fishing trips or tours to outer islands and stunning, secluded white-sand beaches.

Seafood is a staple diet in these parts with a myriad of waterfront restaurants - and the local’s favourite Nikita Bar always draws a crowd for sundowners in the waterfront garden salas. Dining choices from Rawai to Nai Harn are growing by the month with cuisines ranging from noodle bars to casual Mexican, and French bakeries to upmarket continental at swish eateries like L’Orfeo and Mimmi’s. The beachfront Evason Resort at Rawai – host to the annual sailing event Phuket Race Week - and Le Meridien Yacht Club Resort at Nai Harn also have good seaview restaurants open to the public

New estates are blossoming around the area with choices ranging from hillside, sea view homes to lush valley living close to the surf beach. Architectural designs range from low key hacienda-style bungalows to Rawai’s superb ecofriendly, island vista Mangosteen Suites Estate & Pool Villas and the high-end Puravarna Estate – soon to be a jewel in Nai Harn’s crown with an innovative array of six-star luxury homes featuring fantasy design concepts and lifestyle choices.

From Yamu, once on the main road, make a left. This direction takes you down south towards the Boat Lagoon where rests the Watermark on wooden decks. It is a restaurant where super yachts are part of its décor. Delicious food, gorgeous women and big fast boats – it is a fantastic place to be on Friday evenings. Other residential projects in the vicinity include the brand new Royal Phuket Marina, which is a 10 minute drive away, phase 1 of which is launched and successfully complete. At the water’s edge, restaurants, bars and cafes, located conveniently overlooking the new international yacht marina, coupled with offices and residences, are attracting the attention of international investors with promises of glamour and style.

The rustic yet trendy beach villages are attracting a creative lifestyle community with newcomers enjoying life amid Thai coastal culture in the peace and beauty of the region.