Prime Phuket property remains among the cheapest

Prices of prime Phuket property are amongst the cheapest of the world’s most popular international homes market according to a new report.

The International Residential Report published by Chesterton Humberts discovered the price of new homes on the Thai island were EUR3,500 (US$4,460) per sqm. Prices for similar homes in Singapore were recorded at EUR16,200 (US$20,650), and at EUR19,500 (US$24,850) in Hong Kong. Monaco remains the world’s most expensive location for property, with prices for a second hand home coming in at EUR45,000 (US$57,350) per sqm.

The report said: “While the Asia Pacific region is largely maintaining healthy growth rates with China and India leading the way, the road to recovery remains bumpy in Europe and North America – a scenario that is broadly mirrored in the respective residential property markets.”

It also noted the millionaire population is rising fastest in the Far East – with Singapore, Malaysia and China all recording growth of 35 per cent, 33 per cent and 31 per cent respectively.

“Several Asian markets, like China and Singapore for example, are already exhibiting signs of overheating. If another bubble is developing, this would indicate a worryingly short cycle from trough to peak and back again although both the Chinese and Singaporean governments have taken decisive action to head off such an occurrence through a combination of restrictions on purchases, tax penalties and increased public land sales,” the report concluded.

Absolutely Fractional

The Absolute World Group are Asia’s leading lifestyle vacation club, property development and hotels & resorts organisations with offices across China, Europe, Hong Kong, Russia and Thailand.



The Absolute World Group are pioneers within the exciting fractional industry in Asia Pacific and organise the industry's highly anticipated fractional conference, AOCAP 2009. Absolute Fractionals represents a collection of fully managed and fully serviced properties offering headache-free deeded outright secure ownership with a one time payment to own for a lifetime.

Guide to Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is an unspoilt paradise located between Phuket and the west-side of the Malay peninsula, where 67 virtually deserted islands sit in 400km² of spectacular natural beauty. The bay forms part of Phang Nga province, which is bordered by Phuket and Krabi provinces.

Phang Nga’s unspoilt beauty takes visitors back to a time when all of southern Thailand was uninhabited thanks to its protected status as the Ao Phang Nga National Park, which is has enjoyed since 1981. While neighbouring Phuket has suffered the ravages of rampant commercial development, eco-travellers can rest easy in the knowledge that Phang Nga is not about to suffer the same fate.

The bay’s beauty is typified by vibrant, turquoise sea waters in which sit stunningly unusual karst islands formed by thousands of years of fault movements. Some of these peaks stand at lofty heights of up to 300 metres and the majority is enhanced by a thick covering of lush green vegetation. More than 40 of these structures, which are essentially comprised of limestone, are dotted across the bay, creating unique and genuinely awe-inspiring views.

The smaller structures can only be admired from afar, while the larger ones are big enough to allow for exploration. Networks of caves located at the bases are significant features of the geological evolution of these islands, with many able to be entered by kayak. Inside, unusual rock formations can be seen, while a flashlight might help you to catch sight of the birds and bats which call the caves home.

Inhabitants are few and far between in Phang Nga Bay. The small island of Koh Phan Yee has settlements that are over 200 years old, with residents who are simple people, fishing for a living and dwelling in bamboo houses which sit on stilts in the waters immediately offshore from the island’s beach. These primitive sea gypsies who are known locally as Chao Leh, are devout Muslims, and their community is believed to have descended from two families who first migrated here.

While natural beauty should be Phang Nga’s greatest claim, the islands here are perhaps best known for their tenuous Hollywood connections. The 1974 Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun included a number of scenes featuring the island hideout of Scaramanga, which were filmed on Khao Phing Kan, one of the bay’s larger islands. This island is now referred to as ‘James Bond Island’ and forms the focal point of many boat tours of the bay.

Khao Phing Kan offers zero in the way of tangible evidence of its once famous encounter, although the distinctive karst structure sitting in the bay off of the island’s beach serves as a good photograph backdrop for the hoards of tourists wanting a souvenir of their trip there. Additionally, there’s a wooden sign in English and Thai saying ‘James Bond Island’. Scaramanga’s hideout is nowhere to be seen however.

Boat trips from Phuket and Krabi offer tourists the best opportunity to see Phang Nga’s most notable sights, with typical itineraries including stops to check out Tham Lawt (caves) and James Bond Island. The sea gypsy village at Koh Phan Yee is also included on most trips and is generally the stopping point for a lunch break, with the locals providing the food and dining facilities.

A trip to the unspoilt wilderness of Phang Nga Bay with its breathtakingly spectacular views will reassure you that many of Thailand’s finest natural sights continue to remain unaffected by the tourist dollar.

Absolute Developments enters Thailand Property Awards 2010

Asia Property Report is urging everyone to nominate their favourite projects, developments and companies in the Thailand Property Awards 2010. Don’t worry Absolute Developments have already got their entry in.


The Thailand Property Awards celebrate the best of the best and showcase Thailand’s residential real estate industry.
Now in their fifth year, the awards assist in promoting the high level of quality of Thailand’s real estate, construction, architectural and interior design as well as industry professional services, and through a professionally run awards system helps put Thailand real estate on the world stage.
Starting with nominations by the public and the industry, followed by entry submissions and judging by a panel of professionals, including site visits for the top short-listed developments in each category, makes the Thailand Property Awards a tough and grueling process with only the winner in each category being awarded.
The awards are highly coveted by real estate agents, property developers, interior designers and architects in Thailand’s residential real estate industry.

Absolute Developments have been entered in the Best Boutique Developer category.

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Phuket turns green

As May turns to June, people in Europe, North America and more northerly parts of Asia are thinking of the summer, with sunny skies, warm balmy days and BBQ’s in the garden. It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy… Here in Phuket, the weather doesn’t have the same 4 seasons as “back home”. We don’t get cold weather, I have no use for warm clothes save for the occasional early morning ride on the bike, you can wear polo shirts and shorts every day. We don’t have a spring with the bluebells flowering in the woods, we don’t have an autumn with golden leaves. But – we do have weather!

Now, there are many reasons why people choose to take a vacation in Thailand. Could be for scuba diving, could be for the culture, could be for the great food, for the nightlife, for the beaches, for the chance to sample Asia in small easy to manage pieces or because it’s cheap… but the weather is also an important factor.

High season is when (on average) you get the best weather – meaning more sun and less rain. This is approximately November to April. It can rain anytime, but the prevailing winds at this time are from the North East, bringing little in the way of storms and rain. Also it means that the west facing beaches in Phuket are sheltered and calm. So, this is when most of the tourists come.

Low season is what we are in now. From May to October we enter the South West monsoon season, meaning prevailing winds are from the South West, coming across the Indian Ocean bringing (on average) more rain than the high season. The winds also mean that the beaches are sometimes too rough for swimming. Many guidebooks and travel agents will tell you the weather is always bad at this time of year and many people believe it. Of course, thats nonsense.

Low season rocks. Low season is a great time to visit Phuket and the rest of Thailand. That is, so long as you don’t mind occasional rain and don’t want to sit on a beach for 2 weeks. You’ll get sun most of the time, most days are hot and you start to wish it WOULD rain just to cool things off! The rain that does fall mostly comes right at the start and end of the season. For example we had a wet start to May this year, but most of the rest of the month was great weather.

Another plus – the colour Green – many locals call this time of year the Green season, as the rain that does fall is lapped up by the tropical plants that cover Phuket. Another plus – less crowds. Yep, this is not package tourist season, so you have more space to move, more room on the beach, less crowds at the main sights, less divers in the water, more breathing space in the restaurants.

Peaceful Phuket

Wichai Praisa-ngob, the Governor of Phuket, asked people, both Thai and foreigners, who are worrying about the situation in Bangkok, to change their destination to Phuket. He said that the island was very beautiful , calm and was not affected by the violence or protests in other part of Thailand. Moreover, the accommodation and services costs decrease during this time of the year.

Meanwhile Tawee Tongcham, the Mayor of Karon Municipality, said that during the ‘green season’ this year the municipality would hold many activities to promote tourism in Phuket. He told us that on May 22nd, there would be a new event called ‘Phuket Live Volume 1 Jazz on the Beach’ near Nong Harn Lake. He said the event would be crowded with tourists from Scandinavia and local visitors.

During May 31st – June 5th, the 5th Senior World Cup would kick off in Phuket, including some matches at Karon Stadium: there were senior football teams from eight countries joining the tournament.

In November, the women’s World Beach Volleyball Tour 2010 would again take place on Karon beach.

The mayor added that Karon Municipality planned to hold activities continuously to promote Phuket tourism and asked people and related organizations to express assurance to tourists that Phuket was free from any violent protests.

Absolute Dining : Phuket Restaurant Guide

Phuket has so many places to eat, from street stalls to high-end resort dining rooms, making it hard to choose where to go for a meal. If it’s Thai cuisine you’re craving and you’re looking for a special place to dine in Phuket, pick from one of these five favorite restaurants.



Baan Rim Pa is the obvious choice for fine Thai dining on Phuket. The traditional Thai menu, attentive service and large wine list attract foreigners and locals looking for a special meal. The elegant, open-air dining room is nestled in the hills overlooking Patong and Kalim bays so if you arrive in time for sunset be prepared for a stunning view.



Baan Rim Pa has long been established as one of the most famous restaurants in Thailand and a favorite of visitors from all over the world. With a menu featuring Thai dishes formerly found only in the Grand Palace of Thailand, Baan Rim Pa is the standard for Thai cuisine fine dining on Phuket Island and throughout Thailand. This Phuket Thai restaurant also features a piano bar showcasing live jazz, blues and Broadway standards nightly. The Cellar has won Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for consecutive years since 2002. Baan Rim Pa also features one of the best selections of spirits and cocktails in the region, nightly ice- and fruit-carvings, a cigar bar and a Thai handicrafts boutique. Founder Tom McNamara's "home on the cliff" has it all. Baan Rim Pa is simply the finest in the Kingdom.
The curries and typical Thai dishes are delicious but the fresh-caught seafood is what’s really shines at this Phuket institution. Pick your fish or shellfish and let your server know how you’d like it prepared and then sit back and enjoy the view of Chalong Bay and the surrounding islands. Kan Eang @ Pier looks fancy (it was completely renovated in 2007) but is really just a great, basic seafood restaurant.



Special with its setting, Kan Eang@pier is located just next to the Chalong pier offering a picturesque dining venue and a fantastic culinary experience. Serving Andaman seafood, local specialties and Japanese cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Operating since 1973, the restauran is very famous among locals and tourist alike for its seafood.

You can enjoy daily caught seafood in any cooking style. Whether BBQ, steamed, fried or sashimi. Try Nam Prik Goong Siap, Bua Tod, Hor Mok, or crab meat creamy curry served with white noodles and so much more.
Phuket’s most appealing restaurant for the sophisticated international traveler is located far away from the busy noise of international tourism. LIM’s, tucked into a setting of tall trees and lush vegetation on the hillside above Kalim Bay, features Modern Thai Cuisine, the latest sounds from Europe’s top DJ’s, all in a setting of tropical splendor and fine art..


The 60-cover hillside restaurant encompasses everything a class act should: ultra-fresh food, expertly prepared select ingredients, great background tunes and a sense of occasion in unusual and tasteful surroundings.

Lim's is located in Kalim, just to the north of Patong, but this beach feels like it's on another planet – the difference in atmosphere being that great. If coming from Patong, drive one kilometer along the Beach Road and, just after where the road separates around a tree in the centre, turn right up Soi 7 where the Orchid Hotel makes the corner. You'll find Lim's up the hill on the right-hand side of the soi.
Mom Tri’s elegant beachfront restaurant on Kata Noi is consistently ranked one of the island’s best restaurants. The airy dining room attracts a mix of foreign visitors and local tourists, and the Thai and Mediterranean menu satisfies everyone’s tastes. During high season, reservations are essential.


Enjoy fine dining in an award-winning restaurant set just above the rocks overlooking Kata Noi Beach. Panoramic sea views combined with the sound of the waves below create a peaceful, sensually indulgent and romantic setting.

European favourites and Thai dishes are served either on the open-air terrace, covered patio or Thai sala. An exuberant menu offers delicious creations from talented executive Chef Sura. Popular dishes include hot crab soufflé, light and savoury appetisers, tuna carpaccio, Phuket lobster and Angus beef tenderloin.

Mom Tri's Kitchen is the winner of the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for 3 years in a row and has over 350 labels including an extensive organic wine list and 16 wines available by the glass.
As of 18th December 2009 SILK will be at Andara Resort Villas - Phase 3. Offering traditional thai cuisine in a contemporary setting, with stunning views of the Andaman sea The menu combines the finest traditional Thai ingredients prepared with a focus on authenticity of taste and texture. The delicious creations are carefully concocted using local flavours and time-honoured techniques and the freshest ingredients.



This sleek, chic rooftop restaurant just around the corner from Surin Beach serves traditional Thai food and very international cocktails to a cosmopolitan crowd. Sit out on one of the comfy balcony loungers or inside in the air-conditioned dining room.

Absolute Heaven : Phuket Spa Guide

Aside from the amazing cultural heritage, to-die-for shopping, distinctive mouthwatering cuisine and tropical climate, Thailand is blessed with a unique attribute that has cemented its reputation as a preferred destination: its people. Warm and welcoming, the “Land of Smiles” is unparalleled, greeting with a beautiful “wai” and making sure each guest feels right at home.



It is no wonder that such factors and especially this sense of hospitality – found only in Thailand – translates flawlessly into the spa and wellness experience. Apart from the kind hospitality, Thailand is endowed with herbs and serene sanctuaries that provide the guests with many indulging retreats such as herbal streams, hot herbal compress or traditional Thai massage. The world renowned Thai massage illustrates the distinctive culture and exotic heritage, where each style reflects different characteristics and massage techniques such as the Royal Thai massage, the Commoner Thai Massage and the Lanna Thai massage. Just as Thailand is a melange of cultural influences, here you can find Ayurvedic treatments from India, Chinese acupressure and homegrown “Thai Boran” ancient Thai massage techniques. Every desire is brought to soothing fruition, from rejuvenation to relaxation to detoxification, in the most elegant and natural settings.



When you want to unplug from the world and replenish your health, sometimes you nhave to find a special place that offers plenty of “Me Time” with soothing treatments along with programmes of meditation, yoga and mental equilibrium. These destination spas in Phuket represent the very best of the best. On the island jewel of the Andaman, Phuket hosts the flagship Banyan Tree Spa of Banyan Tree. This is a must-visit for spa enthusiasts visiting Phuket : a holstic approach to traditional Eastern healing therapies administered in a luxurious sanctuary of the senses, including open-air spa pavilions. For the ultimate indulgence, the Banyan Harmony massage is conducted by two therapists who work in uncanny unison : by the time head and feet are massaged simultaneously, the sense of utter bliss may be overwhelming. Another highlight is the Thai Traditions menu, which offers treatments with local zest to both men and women.



In the midst of just 62 exclusive private pool villas and pool villa suites the Six Sense Destination Spa Phuket offers a complete immersion in contemporary and holistic treatments, presented in a very private, pristine tropical sanctuary. Programmes at this premiere island destination begin following an in-depth diagnostic evaluation. Therapies have been inspired by a blend of Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Thai disciplines. All aromatic oils, scrubs and wraps are performed with signature Six Senses spa products. The fitness programmes – often decribed as groundbreaking – include kinesis training, postural enhancement, and oxygen fitness therapy. Meanwhile, guests dine on the freshest spa cuisine at the interactive earth kitchen or raw food restaurant overlooking the stunning Phang Nga bay.



Another blissful retreat , Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness is a contemporary Thai realm set amidst six acres of a luxuriously landscaped tropical forest, and has also been called the “Abode of Bliss”. The 5-star spa provides a blend of tradtional Thai customs and wisdom derived from ancient Siam. Massage treatments are based on Thai-Ayurvedic principles using only natural herbs and extracts. The spa also offers half- and full-day Cultural Wellbeing programmes, which include lessons in Thai massage, cooking, and fruit and vegetable carving. Sukko which translates to “abundant happiness” certainly lives up to its name.



Phuket also offers some impressive resort/spa combos. the Aleenta PhuketHotel is mind-blowingly beautiful and its spa has the facilities to match. Float into heaven with treatmenst from the extensive spa menu, like the Earth and Sea in the sky package that includes a salt scrub, a wrap of sea minerals and rare Thai herbs, a floral bath and Hawaiian massage. Or go for the After Sun Healer package to restore your skin after a long day sunbathing. Alternatively pamper your abused-by-the-keybord fingers with a spa manicure package.




Body and Mind Day Spa in Phuket offers discerning visitors a spa experinece without the ludicrous price tag. Decorated in a contemporary style, the spa has treatments that specialise in Oriental healing therapies such as the Thai foot massage, along with treatmenst using the Jurlique range of therapeutic products which are fairly hard to find in this part of the world. For visiting couples, the spa has a range of candlelight promotions to choose from.


Life in the modern metropolis can be extremely hectic to the point of nerve-fraying. When time is of the essence, convenience is the key. Luckily there are retreats of calm, waiting for a welcome moment of Zen.

Absolute Perfection : Phuket Beach Guide

Few islands can boast of such an abundance of sandy beaches and clear  waters as Phuket. The winding coastal roads along the west coast of  this 540-square-km island offer stunning views and easy access to some  of the world’s finest beaches.



Phuket is a world famous tourist destination and the reason for that  is quite simple-it’s fantastic beaches. Warm, crystal blue waters, soft  white sand and a perfect tropical climate combine to make Phuket beaches  among the best in the world. The inviting waters of the tranquil  Andaman Sea are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving and other  water sports. The island has plenty of beaches to choose from, not  surprisingly the best ones are well developed and usually busy, though  not packed. However it’s just as easy to rent a bike and go looking for a  small secluded beach tucked away somewhere on the island. Most of the  swimmable beaches are found on the west facing side of Phuket island.

Beaches on Phuket are well set up to cater to visitors with sun  lounges and umbrellas for rent and vendors strolling the beach selling  fruit, snacks and ice cream. Most Phuket beaches have a number of  restaurants and stalls offering food and drinks either on the beach  itself or within a hundred metres. Beachfront massage stands are also  common with shaded platforms where talented masseuses are happy to work  out those niggling aches and pains while you are hypnotized by the  picture perfect scenery.

An endless stretch of fine sand; the only real getaway on the  west coast of Phuket.

Located just north of the airport is Mai Khao beach, an  incredibly long and deserted stretch of sand. There is no tourist  development here except for the JW Marriott Resort & Spa. Mai  Khao is the longest beach on the island and also the most deserted.  If you really want to get away from it all this is the beach for you. Mai  Khao is part of the Sirinath National Park, which also includes Nai  Yang and Nai Thon, the next beaches along to the south. The area was  declared a national park in 1981 to protect the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles  that lay their eggs here from November to February.

Laid back to the extreme, most people who stay here find absolute  relaxation.

Nai Yang is just a five-minute drive south of the airport and  is very popular with Thai locals. Here you’ll find what beach life is  all about. Fringed with casuarina trees providing picnic areas for  locals, it’s a shady spot for souvenir and food vendors. Laid back to  the extreme, most people who stay here find absolute relaxation.

Nai Thon is a beautiful stretch of sand that for reasons  unknown has still been overlooked by large resort developers. Thus it’s  an ideal spot to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet swim. It’s a  village of two seasons, during the high season the hotels fill up, the  sea is flat, calm and crystal clear, beach restaurants appear where you  can dine with your bare feet in the sand, very much a stereotypical  tropical paradise. In low season the boot’s on the other foot, it’s  almost a ghost town with an occasionally raging sea.

Spending  time on Nai Yang beach, you wouldn’t believe that the ‘busy tourist  island of Phuket’ exists at all.

Reasonably quiet all year round, the busiest time is in December and  January. This beach is probably one of the best beaches in Phuket for a  lazy and quiet day, with all the food, drinks, shade and breeze you can  dream of. Every April, one of the Songkran (Water Festival) activities  is to release baby turtles into the sea.

Naturally beautiful Surin is known as ‘Millionaires Row’ due  the the top-end celebrity haunts Amanpuri, Twinpalms and The Chedi  amongst the luxury resorts there, as well as the many US$ 1 million+  houses that sit proudly on top of the hills overlooking the Andaman Sea.

This is a perfect place to come to leave everything behind and do  nothing more taxing than read a book.

Surin’s casuarina-lined beachfront is a gathering place for  locals and visitors alike to snack on barbecued seafood, enjoy a cool  drink and escape the heat of the day. Such a picturesque beach, it’s not  surprising it’s many people’s favourite beach in Phuket. Unlike the  other busy beaches of Phuket, there’s a refreshing absence of jet-skis  and speed boats here since Surin lacks a launch area. 

Laem Singh Beach is one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches and  hides on the west coast between Kamala and Surin beaches. ‘Laem’ is  Thai for ‘cape’ and this 150 meters beach is indeed situated under a  steep promontory, nestled in a hidden bay surrounded by palm trees and  dotted with giant boulders, it has a feeling of secret beach.Because of  its limited size, Laem Singh gets crowded during the high season  but is pleasantly busy during low season sunny days.



Laem Singh offers several sets of sun loungers with parasols  generally rented out by the nearby restaurants and you can have drinks  or even food served by them. The south end offers a rudimentary ‘shower’  (a hose with running fresh water tied to a stick) and the restaurants  have basic toilets.

Don’t miss the chance to try a Thai beach massage in the shade of the  palm trees once you had enough swimming or sunburn. Price is around 300  baht for an hour.

Just north of the lights and noise of Patong lies Kamala Beach,  a quieter stretch of sand with more relaxed feel. This well-enclosed  bay and fishing village surrounded by forested hills is one of the most  beautiful places in Phuket.

With its quieter pace, over the last few years, Kamala has  become a favoured spot for retirees and other longer-term visitors  staying in small hotels, villas and apartment rentals nestled around the  village. On the headland to the south, are a number of luxury villa  developments, with great views of Kamala Bay and beyond along its  winding road.



Tranquil and calm, the pretty white sands of Kamala beckon  most people by day, but if you’re seeking more than sunbathing on a  perfect beach, there are other options such as snorkeling at the north  end of the beach.

Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its  wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal  place to party and play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife  which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, chic lounge bars, beer  bars and of course discos. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla  (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town.



Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East might not find it  here, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic  atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The  key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of  water and learn the meaning of ‘mai pen rai’ - which translates roughly  to ‘It doesn’t matter’ or ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.

Patong’s 2 km strip of golden sand is one of the most popular  beaches in Phuket, it’s a place to watch the world go by. By day, Patong Beach is a hive of activity with parasail and jet-ski  operators, boat drivers, beach vendors and masseuses all vying for the  attention of the many visitors relaxing on the beach chairs.

Karon Beach is very long, 5km (3 miles), with fine white sand  that squeaks when you walk on it throughout its entire length. At the  north end, in front of the lake, the beach is usually deserted, making  it a great spot to go if you want the beach to yourself.



Karon is concentrated around three main areas: The Karon Plaza  area on the south end features a number of budget guesthouses,  restaurants and bars. The side sois are worth exploring, particularly  the one that leads to a small art community, where some budding Thai  painters have built a complex of huts, pubs and art galleries in which  they live and work.

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon  Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear  waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round  favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants,  lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all  close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata’s  waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers.



Kata’s 1.5km (1 mile) strip of golden sand is one of the most  popular beaches in Phuket due to the combination of it’s beauty,  facilities and activities. Hundreds of people come each day to soak up  the sun and take advantage of all on offer. Often busy but never crowded  this beach is perfect in many ways. Late in the year as the waters turn  calm, Kata bay becomes populated with 100+ beautiful yachts  which arrive from all over the region, some even circumnavigating, to  compete in December’s King’s Cup Regatta, Asia’s premier sailing event.

A quiet little spot at the southern end of Phuket, Nai Harn is  one of the island’s most beautiful locations and most popular places  with in-the-know locals. This quiet and tranquil place has only a few  hotels including the The Royal Phuket Yacht Club and is a favourite  anchorage for boats during the high season.

Flat lake-like crystal-clear water invites you for a dip .

Nai Harn beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket  with its excellent water quality. It’s encompassed on both sides by  jungle-covered mountains and there’s a large freshwater lagoon inland.  Never overloaded, even in high season, Nai Harn’s usually busier  at weekends as it is popular with both Thais and expats. Many tourists  who come to Phuket never make it to this wonderful stretch of sand. At  the southern end the lagoon flows into the sea, creating a stream that  children love to play in.

Rawai holds the distinction of being the very first tourist  beach on Phuket. Years ago, people from Phuket Town would drive the 17km  to Rawai on weekends to while away the afternoon underneath the  beach’s casuarina trees rather than risk the (then) dangerous drive over  the hill to Phuket’s west coast.



Nowadays Rawai is a ‘working beach’ and a launching point for  day boat excursions out to Phuket’s surrounding islands. Many longtail  boats available for hire line its shores, where you can arrange a trip  to Coral Island, Koh Lone or Racha Island,or a fishing or snorkel trip.  The beach is also used as a mooring point for the many fishermen who  live in the area.

Rawai is home to the five-star resorts, Evason and Mangosteen  and quite a few of Phuket’s foreign expat population live in the area,  lending a bohemian and laid-back flavour to the way of life there.  Favourite nighttime haunts are Friendship Beach, towards Chalong, and Rawai’s beachfront bars.