Stories

Key takeaways:Rawai is a working waterfront on Phuket's southern tip, shaped by longtail boats, sunset views, and the rhythm of the local fishing community.The southern coast sits within easy reach of sheltered coves, elevated viewpoints, and quieter stretches of sand, making it a comfortable base for day-to-day exploring.November to April brings the driest weather and calmest seas, though the rainy season offers a quieter pace and softer coastal light.The area suits visitors who prefer gentler surroundings, unhurried mornings, and space to settle in over busy tourist streets.The southern shore offers beachfront accommodation with generous space, coastal dining, and wellness, all within reach of Phuket's quieter attractions.Table of contents:A beach shaped by sunset and salt airWhen the...

Key takeaways:A wellness stay is shaped by more than the spa menu.Setting, accommodation, dining and pace all work together to create genuine rest.A slower coastline gives guests room to actually notice the difference.The right choice usually comes down to small, considered details.Table of contents:Why Rawai suits a slower kind of stayWhat to look for in a wellness stayRawai's natural rhythmChatrium Phuket RawaiPlanning your stayA pace worth returning toFrequently asked questions about wellness retreats in Rawai, PhuketRawai has become one of Phuket's most sought-after settings for a slower kind of stay. A wellness retreat in Rawai is shaped by more than a spa menu. It is the accommodation, the surrounding nature, what is served at the table, and the pace the days are allowed to keep.W...

Key takeaways:The west coast and the southern shore of Phuket offer two very different family holiday experiences, and the right choice depends on how your household likes to spend its time.One side of the island fills the days with activity and walkable convenience. The other lets the days unfold at a gentler, self-directed pace.Accommodation style matters as much as location, from central hotels with kids' clubs to spacious beachfront properties with room to spread out.Neither option is better than the other. The question is which rhythm suits your family on this particular trip.Table of contents:What a morning looks like on each side of the islandKeeping everyone fed, busy, and happyWhere your family sleeps shapes how the holiday feelsSpace to spread out, time to slow downFrequently ...

Key takeaways:Rawai pairs a working fishing village with quiet viewpoints, nearby islands, and an unhurried evening rhythm.A single day can move from breakfast by the sea to sunset over the water.The area also works well as a slower, several-day base for exploring the south of the island.Table of contents:Why Rawai deserves a place on your Phuket itineraryThe best things to do in Rawai, PhuketA day unfolds in RawaiHidden gems near RawaiWhat staying in Rawai offersRest and restore at Chatrium Phuket RawaiRawai, at your own paceFrequently asked questions about things to do in Rawai, PhuketWhether you're visiting for a day or using Rawai as a base for exploring southern Phuket, this guide moves through the area from morning to evening, covering the best things to do in Rawai, Phuket. Disco...

Every season has its story. This August, discover vibrant celebrations, seasonal flavours and inspiring escapes.From meaningful Mid-Autumn gifting and colourful city festivals to vineyard harvests and tropical island adventures, August is filled with unforgettable experiences across Chatrium destinations. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for inspiration for your next journey, discover what's happening this month.Celebrate Mid-Autumn with the Chatrium Mooncake Collection 2026As Mid-Autumn approaches, the season of reunion and heartfelt giving returns with the Chatrium Mid-Autumn Mooncake Collection 2026. Thoughtfully created by Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon, this limited-edition collection celebrates tradition through exceptional craftsmanship and meaningf...

Chatrium Riverside Bangkok is proud to present the Chatrium Mid-Autumn Mooncake Collection 2026, a curated selection of handcrafted Cantonese mooncakes by Silver Waves by Boon, the premium Chinese restaurant on the 36th floor of Chatrium Riverside Bangkok, led by Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon.Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 with one of Bangkok's most refined mooncake collections, crafted for those who appreciate tradition, elegance, and exceptional flavour.A Thoughtfully Crafted Mooncake Gift Box for Every OccasionPresented in an elegant 8-piece mooncake gift box, the Chatrium Mid-Autumn Mooncake Collection 2026 brings together timeless flavours, refined craftsmanship, and contemporary presentation. Inspired by the spirit of reunion, appreciation, and meaningful gifting, thi...

Key takeawaysPhuket offers a mix of beaches, cultural attractions, island excursions, wellness experiences, and outdoor adventures.Rawai provides a quieter alternative to Phuket’s busier tourist areas while remaining close to major attractions.Families, couples, and solo travellers can easily build a diverse itinerary across the island.Southern Phuket offers convenient access to nearby islands, viewpoints, and local seafood restaurants.Chatrium Phuket Rawai provides an ideal base for exploring the island at your own pace.Table of contents:Must-try beach activities in PhuketIsland hopping and boat trips from PhuketCultural things to do in PhuketScenic viewpoints and sunset spots in PhuketFamily-friendly activities in PhuketAdventure activities in PhuketWellness activities in PhuketWhere ...

Rawai Beach sits on the southern tip of Phuket and is considered one of the island’s oldest coastal communities.One of the most surprising facts about Rawai is that it is not designed for swimming. The shoreline is shallow and filled with anchored longtail boats throughout the day.Rawai is closely connected to the Urak Lawoi and Moken communities, among Phuket’s oldest cultural groups.Rawai Pier serves as one of Phuket’s main departure points for nearby islands including Coral Island and the Racha Islands.Promthep Cape, Phuket’s most famous sunset viewpoint, is located just minutes away from Rawai Beach.

At the southernmost tip of Phuket lies Promthep Cape, one of Thailand’s most celebrated sunset viewpoints.As sunset approaches, the sky shifts through layers of gold, pink, lavender, and crimson, creating one of the island’s most photographed landscapes.One of the most recognizable sights at Promthep Cape is the silhouette of traditional longtail boats floating across the horizon at dusk.The viewpoint is also home to the Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse, built in 1996 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 50th year on the throne.For many visitors, sunset at Promthep Cape becomes more than a scenic moment. It is a quiet ritual that captures the spirit of southern Phuket.

Long before Phuket became a global beach destination, Rawai was already alive with the rhythm of the Andaman Sea. Wooden longtail boats lined the shore, fishermen returned at sunrise with fresh catch, and families lived according to tides rather than tourism calendars.At the southern edge of the beach lies one of Phuket’s oldest fishing communities, home to the Urak Lawoi and Moken sea people, often referred to as Sea Gypsies.Unlike the postcard-perfect swimming beaches elsewhere on the island, Rawai Beach has always been a working shoreline filled with anchored fishing boats, seafood vendors, and local fishermen preparing nets for the next journey offshore.Despite modern development and tourism growth, Rawai still retains a rare authenticity where the sea remains a source of identity, ...