The far south of Phuket has a different mood from the resort beaches. Nai Harn is a deep, handsome bay ringed by green hills, with a lake and a monastery behind the sand instead of a hotel strip — many residents will tell you it is the best beach on the island.
Around the corner, Ya Nui is a small cove beside Promthep Cape with an islet you can kayak to. On the east-facing side, Rawai is not a swimming beach at all but a working shore: longtails at anchor, a seafood market and a line of restaurants under the trees.
Top things to do: Nai Harn, Ya Nui & Rawai
Nai Harn Beach
Wide, soft sand and clear water in the dry season, with trees for shade at the back and a handful of simple restaurants. A path circles the lake behind, popular with runners in the early morning.
Ya Nui
A pocket-sized beach split by a rocky outcrop. In calm weather there is decent snorkelling straight off the sand, and kayaks can be rented to paddle to Koh Man opposite. It sits between the Windmill Viewpoint and Promthep Cape.
Rawai seafood
At the eastern end of the Rawai seafront, by the sea-gypsy (Chao Leh) village, you choose fish and shellfish from the market stalls and have a restaurant across the lane cook it for a small fee.
Boats to the islands
Longtails and speedboats on Rawai beach can be chartered to Koh Bon and Coral Island, both a short ride offshore. See Racha, Coral & Khai Islands.
How to get to Nai Harn, Ya Nui & Rawai
- From the airport: the far end of the island — allow 70–90 minutes by road.
- By bus: the Phuket Smart Bus ends at Rawai; blue songthaews link Rawai and Nai Harn with Phuket Town by day.
- Getting around: the area is spread out, and most visitors here rent a car or use ride-hailing apps.
Insider tips
- Nai Harn has powerful waves and currents in the monsoon months. Check the flags; the bay can look inviting and still be dangerous.
- Combine Nai Harn or Ya Nui with sunset at Promthep Cape, five minutes away.
- At the seafood market, confirm prices per kilo and the cooking charge before you order.
Best tours & tickets for Nai Harn, Ya Nui & Rawai
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Nai Harn, Ya Nui & Rawai:
Speedboat island day from €36 Phuket: Racha and Coral Island by Speedboat with Lunch
Two islands directly south of Phuket in a shorter, cheaper day than Phi Phi. Racha Yai has the clear water and white sand; Coral Island adds a lazy beach stop with optional water sports.
- Clear-water snorkelling at Racha Yai
- Beach and optional water sports on Coral Island
- Lunch included
Short speedboat trip from €20 Phuket: 3 Khai Islands Relax & Snorkelling Half- or Full-Day Tour
Three tiny islands off Phuket’s east coast, reached in about fifteen minutes. It is the cheapest and shortest island trip on the list, good for small children or a free morning — though the islets get busy at midday.
- About 15 minutes by speedboat
- Snorkelling among reef fish in the shallows
- Half-day option
Dive trip from €74 Phuket: Scuba Diving at Maithon or Racha Islands for All Levels
Phuket’s nearest good diving. Racha Yai’s sheltered bays are where many people on the island make their first dive, and certified divers can add Racha Noi. A half-day option goes to Maithon Island instead.
- One to three dives
- Suitable for beginners and certified divers
- Racha Yai, Racha Noi or Maithon Island
Guided sightseeing tour from €32 Phuket: Guided Tour of Phuket City with Hotel Transfers
The easy way to tick off the island’s land sights without negotiating taxis: viewpoints, the Big Buddha and the pastel streets of Phuket Old Town in one guided loop. Rated 4.8 by more than three thousand travellers.
- Big Buddha and scenic viewpoints
- A walk through the Old Town
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
