At the island's southern tip, Rawai and Nai Harn feel closer to a fishing village than a resort strip.
Rawai
Known for its seafood market and pier, where longtail and speedboats depart for the nearby islands of Koh Racha and Koh Coral. The beach itself isn't Phuket's best for swimming, but the seafood and boat access make it worth a visit. Rawai is also home to the long-established Urak Lawoi sea-gypsy community — see our sea gypsies guide for context.
Nai Harn
A genuinely beautiful bay a few minutes from Rawai, with clear water and a relaxed, less commercial feel than the west-coast tourist strips — good swimming for most of the year, with a lake and park just behind the beach.
Promthep Cape
The island's southernmost point, just past Nai Harn, and one of the most popular sunset viewpoints on Phuket, with a lighthouse and small shrine at the point.
Who this area suits
Travellers wanting a genuinely quieter, more local-feeling base than the west coast, with easy access to boat trips and good seafood, at the cost of being further from Patong's nightlife and shopping.
Where to stay
A mix of boutique hotels and a handful of higher-end beachfront properties directly on Nai Harn — see our best areas to stay guide for how this compares to other parts of the island.