Stories

Bangkok, October 2026.Chatrium Hotels & Resorts welcomes the festive season with a collection of Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations across its portfolio. From riverside dining to mountain enchantment, each occasion unfolds with composed elegance and warmth, inviting guests to gather, settle, and feel quietly cared for. CHATRIUM PHUKET RAWAI Introducing Chatrium Phuket Rawai , the newest resort in the Chatrium Hotels & Resorts portfolio and our first destination in Phuket. Positioned by the Gulf, the property celebrates Rawai’s culinary heritage with fresh local seafood and a diverse array of international and Thai cuisines. This festive season, we invite you to gather, settle and feel the warmth of Phuket’s newest escape. AuJaan restaurant – Meet...

Key takeaways: The most productive retreats are rarely the busiest. A calm setting often gives teams more than a packed schedule ever will. The right venue balances a focused meeting space with quieter areas where conversation can carry on naturally between sessions. Simple, place-based experiences tend to be more memorable than elaborate itineraries. Three nights usually strike the right balance between arrival, focus, and reflection, without leaving the team more tired than when they came. Location matters. A quieter side of the island keeps the group grounded and focused on each other. Table of contents: What a change of scenery actually changes Designing a venue for focus and pause Experiential moments over crowded itineraries Finding the right tempo: why three nights works W...

Key takeaways: Southern Phuket's seafood tradition starts with the morning catch and ends on the table a few hours later, with little in between. The local seafood market runs on a simple process: pick what you want from the ice, pay by weight, and have it cooked across the road. Southern Thai cooking keeps preparations short, leaning on nam jim, charcoal, turmeric, and the natural sweetness of the catch. Family-run seafood restaurants further along the waterfront offer a quieter alternative to the market, with the same local sourcing. The area's dining character is shaped by proximity to the boats, not by the number of options on the menu. Table of contents: How the market on the beach road works What makes southern Phuket seafood unique Quieter sit-down options along the shore ...

Key takeaways November to February is the driest and busiest window, with the calmest sea for boat trips and snorkelling. The drier months suit beach days and boat trips; the green season suits quieter, flexible travel. Sea conditions matter more than rainfall for anyone planning island excursions. Water stays warm year-round, so the best month to visit Phuket for you depends on travel preference. Table of contents When is the best time of year to visit Phuket? What is Phuket weather like throughout the year? What to do in Phuket in each season Planning a coastal stay in Rawai Frequently asked questions about visiting Phuket January in Phuket brings calm and clear seas, the sand underneath the translucent water visible to anybody peering from the edge of a boat. By September, th...

Key takeaways: Some of the quietest water and least crowded shores near Phuket sit just off the southern coast, reachable by longtail boat. The southern piers offer shorter crossings and calmer water, leaving more of the day for the islands themselves. November to April brings the calmest crossings, while the green season is quieter but weather-dependent. A base close to the departure point makes an island day feel like part of the trip, not a detour from it. Table of contents: Why the south coast is where most boats leave from The islands within easy reach A day on the water: how to shape the trip What to know before you go How an island day fits into a longer stay A base close to the water Frequently asked questions about Phuket island hopping Most visitors to Phuket see the i...

Key takeaways Traditional Thai massage, or Nuad Thai, works through pressure, stretching and assisted movement, fully clothed and with no oils. It began as village self-care for bodies tired from fieldwork, and the technique follows sen, the lines understood to cross the body. A session usually runs an hour, opens with a short consultation, and works up the body from the feet. Pressure is adjusted as you go, so raise injuries, recent surgery or pregnancy at the start, and leave time afterwards. Table of contents What is a traditional Thai massage? What happens during a traditional Thai massage? How is Thai massage different from an oil massage? Best Thai massage in Phuket: what should you look for? What should I know before booking a Thai massage in Phuket? Make Thai massage p...

Discover the quieter side of Phuket, where local flavours, coastal traditions and everyday moments reveal the true character of Rawai. There is another side to Phuket, one that moves at its own pace. Fishing boats line the shore, fresh seafood arrives with the morning catch, and everyday life unfolds against a backdrop of tropical greenery and sea views. Welcome to Rawai, a coastal neighbourhood at the southern tip of Phuket where local traditions and laid-back island living come naturally. Whether you are heading out to explore nearby islands or simply enjoying the atmosphere by the sea, there is always something worth discovering. Here is how to experience Rawai like a local, with a few useful tips along the way. 1. Discover the flavours of Rawai One of the best ways to get to know Ra...

Looking for things to do during your stay in Rawai, Phuket? At Chatrium Phuket Rawai, your days can be as active or as relaxed as you want them to be. From morning wellness sessions and pool activities to Thai boxing and creative experiences for children, there are plenty of ways for couples, families and younger guests to enjoy their time at the resort. Start the day with movement, cool off in the pool, discover a new activity or simply slow down. Whatever your pace, you can shape each day around what feels right for you. Start the morning with wellness in Phuket Mornings in Rawai are made for taking things at your own pace. Head to Lamoon Lawn for yoga and stretching in the relaxed surroundings of southern Phuket. From Hatha and Vinyasa yoga to gentle stretching, the programme offers ...

For families travelling to Phuket, keeping little ones entertained is all part of a great holiday. At Karui Kids’ Club at Chatrium Phuket Rawai, younger guests have a space of their own to play, create and discover, with a varied programme of activities throughout their stay. Creative minds can get busy with painting, mask making, bracelet making, paper crafts, dream catchers and more. For children who love a little adventure, treasure hunts, face painting and interactive activities bring even more fun to the day, while kids’ yoga offers a gentler way to move and unwind. There are also selected hands-on workshops for something a little different. Young guests can try pizza making, batik, cap painting, tote bag stamping and Picasso-inspired drawing, turning holiday time into an opportuni...

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 spacious accommodation with generous rooms, local dining, and wellness, all within reach of Phuket's quieter attractions. Table of contents: A beach shaped by sunset and salt a...

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 stay What to look for in a wellness stay Rawai's natural rhythm Chatrium Phuket Rawai Planning your stay A pace worth returning to Frequently asked questions about wellness retreats in Rawai, Phuket Rawai 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 ...

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 island Keeping everyone fed, busy, and happy Where your family sleeps shapes how the holiday feels Space to spread out, time to slow...

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 itinerary The best things to do in Rawai, Phuket A day unfolds in Rawai Hidden gems near Rawai What staying in Rawai offers Rest and restore at Chatrium Phuket Rawai Rawai, at your own pace Frequently asked questions about things to do in Rawai, Phuket Whether 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...

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 2026 As 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 an...

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 Occasion Presented 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...

Key takeaways Phuket 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 Phuket Island hopping and boat trips from Phuket Cultural things to do in Phuket Scenic viewpoints and sunset spots in Phuket Family-friendly activities in Phuket Adventure activities in Phuket Wellness activit...

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 identit...