A friend of mine (Vietnamese with Chinese boyfriend) is planning a short break in Phuket in July.  She knows I used to live there so asked me for advice on places to stay etc.

Trouble is, I haven’t lived there for 10 years. She wants to do some diving and eat good Thai food.

I recommended Rawai as a place to stay.

Is that still a good option?

What’s the best way to get from the airport to Rawai beach?

I’ll be grateful for any advice so that I can pass it on.

Agreed... Rawai is one of the best area’s to be...  

Especially Nai-Harn beach in the late afternoon / early evening. 

 

Getting there - obvious answer is Taxi from the Airport... (about 1000 baht / about 1 hour).

Getting around - rent a bike (about 300 baht per day)

 

 

 

Rawai will also have the best Thai food. Most of the other is made for a western palate. 

18 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Agreed... Rawai is one of the best area’s to be...  

Especially Nai-Harn beach in the late afternoon / early evening. 

 

Getting there - obvious answer is Taxi from the Airport... (about 1000 baht / about 1 hour).

Getting around - rent a bike (about 300 baht per day)

 

 

 

+1 Agree 100%. Prices quoted are also spot on.

Many thanks for these replies. It’s good to know that Rawai is still the place to go.

I’ll pass the information on.

 

If they are just coming for a fairly short trip and focused on diving, then Rawai is good bet.

 

if they are coming for longer, and want to be conveniently central to do many more things, then Karon or Kamala are probably better options. 

 

Great thai food all of Phuket, so no need to worry about that.

 

On 5/13/2023 at 7:02 AM, marin said:

Rawai will also have the best Thai food. Most of the other is made for a western palate. 

Any particular suggestion for good thai food in Rawai ?
To find a good thai restaurant I usually go up to Chalong or Parlai (Kan Eang 2, Kan Eang Pier, Mor Mu Dong, Parlai,......), or maybe to Sabai Corner.
Any alternative suggestion would be mostly appreciated 

On 5/13/2023 at 3:02 PM, marin said:

Rawai will also have the best Thai food. Most of the other is made for a western palate. 

Patong has great food. Cheap too.

1 hour ago, bignok said:

Patong has great food. Cheap too.

Not really, though yes, it can be found.   Problem it's geared to tourist rather than Thai tastes.   You don't see many Thais in Patong restaurants (unless they're with their boyfriend).    For getting to diving or snorkelling activites, Rawai is much better than Patong, either from the beach itself for snorkelling trips by longtail, or to Chalong Pier for deeper water actual diving.   Nothing wrong with Patong if that's what you want, but it's not an activity or foodie destination for sure.