Right on your doorstep
Phuket is a gold mine when it comes to things to do — plenty of beaches, activities and restaurants on your doorstep, and hundreds more within a short car journey. Also a great staging point for island-hopping further afield to some of Thailand's most famous islands.
The local vibe
The region is defined not just by its beaches but also by its lush coastal hills that rise steeply and tumble into the Andaman Sea, forming Laem Phromthep — Phuket's beautiful southernmost point, with wonderful sunset views across the ocean.
The hills are home to pocket neighbourhoods and cul-de-sacs knitted together by just a few roads — although more are being carved into the hills each year. Even with the growth, you can still feel nature, especially when you hit the beach.
With the rise in popularity, the area has been subjected to a fair amount of development over the past few years, and now traditional village life has become intertwined with a host of modern conveniences. Upmarket restaurants and beach clubs muddled together with tiki bars and roadside vendors. Bakeries and coffee shops mixed with open-air markets and beachside BBQs.
While not the best place for hardcore partygoers, there's still a bright and vibrant nightlife — family-friendly watering holes, pool bars, girlie bars and the now famous Laguna Plaza: around 15 bars and a nightclub under one roof, offering great music, a lively atmosphere and outstanding drinks that will keep you dancing until the early hours.
Pick a few favourites
All of the below are within easy reach of the villas — most are 5–20 minutes by taxi, scooter or, for the closer beaches, on foot. Want help planning a day around any of them? Just ask Phil & Chris.
Rawai is at Phuket's southern tip — long-tail boats on the sand, family-run seafood restaurants, and Nai Harn (voted the island's best) a ten-minute drive away. Rawai Beach itself is around 1 km from the villas; Nai Harn is 2 km.
A chilled, family-friendly day out on the water. Sail across Phuket's beautiful waters with one of the local charter operators we trust — half-day, full-day, or sunset trips. Probably one of the coolest things you'll do during your stay.
The fastest and most comfortable boat tour in Phuket, bar none. Powered speedboats reach the outer islands in a fraction of the time, with all the comfort and shade you'd want — Phi Phi, Coral Island, Maya Bay are all in range.
Phuket's best sights are under the ocean, not above it. Sea Fun Divers run beginner discoveries through full PADI certifications — and know exactly where the soft corals, leopard sharks and the occasional whale shark turn up.
Phuket ecotourism at its finest. A small, locally-run operation that leads thoughtful tours into the island's less-visited corners — and a great way to give a little back to the place you're holidaying in.
One of Thailand's main attractions and one of the cheapest you'll find anywhere. Cheap but good Thai massage shops are everywhere in Rawai — neighbourhood places where an hour of expert hands costs less than a coffee back home.
Why not try Thailand's national sport during your holiday? Phuket has gyms catering to every level from "I just want to try a class" to professional fighters camping for a championship — and they're happy to take walk-ins.
Phuket has become the health and wellness mecca of south-east Asia. It's not just Muay Thai or MMA — there are CrossFit boxes, yoga shalas, weight gyms, fitness retreats and pilates studios all within easy reach of Rawai.
Thailand's unique and biggest beach clean-up operation. Free workout, followed by a beach clean-up — turns up at a different beach each Saturday morning. Brilliant way to meet the local community and give back to the island.
Local knowledge, free
Phil & Chris have lived in Rawai for nearly two decades — so when you ask "where should we go for sunset on a Tuesday with a four-year-old in tow," they'll have a real answer. Drop us a line; we love this part.
