From Phuket Airport (HKT), you can take a taxi or pre-booked transfer directly to Rawai Pier. The journey typically takes about 1-1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a public bus or a combination of buses, but this will be significantly longer. Ride-sharing apps like Grab are also available and can be more economical than airport taxis.

Rawai is quite spread out. Renting a scooter is popular for freedom, but be cautious of traffic and police. Ride-sharing apps like Grab, Bolt, and IN DRIVE offer car and motorbike taxi services, which are convenient and often cheaper. For shorter distances, a bicycle can be a good option if you don't mind the heat.

Yes, the Smartbus operates in Rawai, connecting it to other parts of Phuket, including Nai Harn Beach. It's a more affordable option than taxis, but schedules should be checked in advance.

Rawai is generally safe for walking, especially along the beach road and towards Saiyuan. However, you'll be sharing the road with motorbikes, so always be aware and careful when crossing streets. It's not a compact city, so for longer distances, transport is recommended.

Rawai is located in the south of Phuket, while Patong is on the west coast. The distance is approximately 20-25 kilometers, and travel time can range from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic. Renting a car or using Grab/Bolt are common ways to travel between the two areas.

No, Rawai Pier itself is a public working beach and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk around, observe the fishing boats, and enjoy the atmosphere.

The cost of hiring a longtail boat varies greatly depending on the destination, duration, and your negotiation skills. Prices can range from a few hundred to a few thousand Thai Baht. It's advisable to agree on the price and itinerary before setting off.

Promthep Cape is a natural viewpoint and does not have an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the scenery free of charge.

The Rawai Seafood Market operates throughout the day, with vendors selling fresh seafood from morning until evening. Restaurants nearby are typically open for lunch and dinner.

Ya Nui Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can access it freely to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other activities.

Promthep Cape is the undisputed champion for sunset photography in Rawai, offering panoramic views. Ya Nui Beach also provides beautiful sunset vistas, especially from its vantage points.

Absolutely! Rawai Pier is a working fishing harbor, offering fantastic opportunities to capture authentic scenes of local fishermen, their boats, and daily activities. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly photogenic.

The Phuket Art Village offers colorful and creative backdrops for unique photos. Additionally, the underwater scenes around Comon Island, accessible from Ya Nui Beach, can make for interesting underwater photography if you have the right gear. +1

For general sightseeing and sunsets, a versatile zoom lens is great. If you plan on snorkeling or kayaking, a waterproof camera or a good phone with a waterproof case is recommended. For capturing the bustling pier, a wide-angle lens can be useful.

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but it's still good for capturing the vibrant colors of the art village or the activity at the pier.

The most iconic spot is the Rawai Seafood Market, where you buy fresh seafood from vendors and have it cooked at adjacent restaurants. There are also numerous beachfront restaurants and local eateries along the Rawai Beach road offering a variety of Thai and seafood dishes.

Definitely try the freshly grilled or steamed fish, prawns, and crab from the seafood market. Local Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum soup are also widely available and delicious.

Yes, beyond the seafood market, you can find more affordable local eateries and street food stalls, especially if you venture slightly off the main beach road. Look for places frequented by locals for the best value.

While seafood and Thai food dominate, Rawai does have a growing number of restaurants offering international cuisine, including Italian, Western, and other Asian flavors, catering to a diverse tourist base.

First, select your desired seafood from the market stalls, then take it to one of the attached restaurants. They will charge a cooking fee per dish or per kilogram of seafood. Discuss cooking methods (grilled, steamed, fried) with the restaurant staff.