The southern tip of Phuket: quiet communities, a fresh seafood market, the best sunsets at Promthep Cape, and one of the island’s cleanest beaches — Nai Harn. Many Russian-speaking families have lived here for years.
How the two areas differ
Rawai is a large residential area with a waterfront seafood market, where you can buy a catch and have a nearby café cook it for you; boat piers for trips to Coral and Racha islands; supermarkets, gyms, and Thai boxing schools. Rawai Beach itself is shallow and filled with boats, so people drive to nearby Nai Harn and Yanui beaches to swim — it takes 5–10 minutes.
Nai Harn is a beach in a bay with a lake, around which people run in the mornings. There are fewer shops here and more villas surrounded by greenery. Promthep Cape, the south’s main viewpoint, is nearby.
How much does rent cost?
| Area | Bedrooms | Listings | Typical price, ฿/month | Range, ฿/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rawai | 1 | 42 | 25,000 | 13,000–55,000 |
| Rawai | 2 | 63 | 45,000 | 18,000–110,000 |
| Rawai | 3 | 51 | 70,000 | 23,000–250,000 |
| Rawai | 4 | 16 | 100,000 | 55,000–200,000 |
| Rawai | 5 | 5 | 75,000 | 75,000–127,000 |
| Nai Harn | 2 | 3 | 20,000 | 17,000–82,000 |
“Typical price” means the median: half of the listings are cheaper and half are more expensive. Prices are monthly for a one-year lease; a 3–6-month lease is usually 10–20% more expensive.
Rawai is one of the largest areas in our catalogue, with 195 listings. The most common option is a two-bedroom house in a residential community, usually for ฿45,000 per month.
Who is it suitable for?
Families coming for the winter or for a year: it is peaceful, there are many children, and kindergartens and activities are nearby. BCIS international school in Chalong is 15–20 minutes away. It also suits people who want to live by the sea without Patong’s noise. It is less convenient for frequent flyers: the airport is about 45 km away, roughly an hour by road.
Season
From November to April, the sea is calm and Nai Harn is good for swimming. From May to October, the west-coast beaches have waves and currents, so swimming at Nai Harn requires more caution. At the same time, the south of the island has its kitesurfing season — the opposite season, from November to March, around Rawai and Chalong.
What to check when choosing a house
Check whether there is a shop and pharmacy within walking distance — in Rawai, many places are 2–3 km away. Check for a generator or stable electricity in the community, especially during the rainy season. Check the driving time to Nai Harn, not the straight-line distance. Also confirm what is included in the price: the pool, garden, internet, and the electricity tariff.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Rawai and Nai Harn?
Rawai is a residential area with a market and piers, while its beach is shallow and occupied by boats. Nai Harn has a beach in a bay with a lake and villas surrounded by greenery.
Can you swim at Rawai Beach?
Rawai Beach itself is shallow and filled with boats, so people drive to nearby Nai Harn and Yanui beaches to swim — it takes 5–10 minutes.
How much does a two-bedroom house in Rawai usually cost?
Usually ฿45,000 per month.
How far is Rawai from the airport?
About 45 km, roughly an hour by road.
When is the kitesurfing season in the south of Phuket?
In winter, from November to March, around Rawai and Chalong.
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