Rawai Beach

First "discovered" by King Rama VII in the 1920s, Rawai is Phuket's longest-established beach resort, though the sea-gypsy village at its north end probably hasn't changed much over the years.

The beach is lined with open-air seafood stalls and restaurants for casual dining under the shade of the casuarina trees. A popular launching point for boat trips to Racha, Coral and other islands.