Rawai in Phuket, Thailand: a place to live in the south of the island
Rawai is situated in the southernmost part of the island, a popular destination for expatriates from various countries. Travellers are drawn to Rawai’s multicultural community and way of life, which offers more than just a holiday in Phuket. Additionally, the stunning Nai Harn beach nearby is widely regarded as one of the island’s main attractions.
Close by are the lesser-known beaches of Ya Nui and Ao Sen, as well as the picturesque Cape Phrom Thep. The cape is one of Phuket’s visual symbols and is featured on every province’s number plate.
Rawai is an area that is ideal for long-term visitors. It has been completely rebuilt and has the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable life, including beauty salons, shops with familiar European products, kindergartens, educational institutions, a beach with beautiful boats at low tide, and restaurants serving the freshest seafood.
Rawai doesn’t have as many large hotels as you might expect, but the area does offer a wide range of resort villages with excellent villas and modern condominiums that are popular with tourists and expats alike.
This is a popular area for family living and recreation, particularly for those seeking a more active lifestyle than the typical hotel-beach route. It offers a level of comfort comparable to that of Laguna, but with a more relaxed and democratic atmosphere.
From $126,000
Completion in: 2027.II Total of 210 apartments
From $146,000
Completion in: 2026.II Total of 172 apartments
From $110,000
Yield 7.0% Built in 2024
From $115,000
Built in 2020 Total of 48 apartments
$335,000
Total area 180 m² Land area: 300 m²
From $112,000
Built in 2020 Total of 48 apartments
From $134,000
Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 171 apartments
$176,000
Total area 43 m² 1 bedroom
Near Nai Harn Beach, there are several renowned resort complexes, including The Nai Harn, Wyndham Grand, and Sansuri. There are also highly sought-after villa communities, such as Baan Bua and Naya.
Nai Harn is my favourite beach in Phuket. At sunset, boats and locals gather at this intimate spot to express gratitude for the day and enjoy the stunning scenery. The sea is calm here, making it perfect for year-round swimming.
The Rawai boardwalk, referred to as the beach by locals, is renowned for its resort-style condominiums. Additionally, there are various villa complexes, ranging from large to small, such as the Rawai VIP Villas, which feature a children’s club and even a school.
The waterfront is lined with cosy Thai seafood restaurants, popular with both Thais and foreigners, as well as a variety of service businesses. Nai Harn acts as a beach for the residents of the area, and the separation of the beach and residential areas has a positive effect on the atmosphere of Rawai. It eliminates the issue of swimsuits being worn in restaurants.
Who is Rawai for?
Each year Rawai reinforces its reputation as one of the best, if not the best, wintering locations in Phuket and local businesses work hard to ensure the infrastructure is up to scratch. However, the neighbourhood is also popular with tourists who prefer to keep the beach separate from their homes.
Foreigners are not permitted to register land plots along with villas as personal property in Thailand. Instead, land rights can only be obtained through a company with Thai participation or through leasehold (right of ownership for a limited period). However, freehold ownership (unlimited right of ownership) of the villa itself is allowed. Apartments in condominiums can be issued either in freehold or leasehold. Many buyers are aware of these conditions and often purchase Thai real estate with leasehold rights to reduce tax payments and property declaration requirements.
Similar to Kathu, many expat families have resided in Rawai for several decades. Local music bars are a great way to become acquainted with this community.
Tranio has a representative office in Phuket. Our managers and lawyers will organise a turnkey transaction without increasing the purchase cost.
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Places of interest in Rawai
Rawai has several places of interest, including Nai Harn Beach, a promenade with fish restaurants and music bars, Rawai Park children’s centre, Zhu nightclub (formerly Lagoon), a gypsy village, a seafood market at the pier, a mountain with wind turbines, and an observation deck at Cape Phrom Thep.
Property prices in Rawai
The Rawai property market offers a variety of options, including homes that are close to or further away from the beach, as well as a choice between apartments and villas. The starting price for a studio or one-bedroom apartment is now 120,000 US dollars. Developers may offer discounts during the launch of new projects.
From $126,000
Completion in: 2027.II Total of 210 apartments
From $146,000
Completion in: 2026.II Total of 172 apartments
From $110,000
Yield 7.0% Built in 2024
From $115,000
Built in 2020 Total of 48 apartments
From $112,000
Built in 2020 Total of 48 apartments
From $134,000
Completion in: 2026.IV Total of 171 apartments
$176,000
Total area 43 m² 1 bedroom
$154,000
Total area 47 m² 1 bedroom
The starting price for villas is generally 1,000,000 US dollars. Accommodation is available for short- and long-term rentals in Rawai, which has been a popular area for expats for decades.
$335,000
Total area 180 m² Land area: 300 m²
$323,000
3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms
From $389,000
Yield 11.0% Completion in: 2026.IV
From $828,000
Yield 7.0% Completion in: 2025.IV
$1,043,000
Total area 380 m² Land area: 664 m²
From $1,012,000
Completion in: 2026 7 units in total
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