Rawai is a seafront village located at the southern tip of Phuket and is known as the very first tourist beach on Phuket. Years ago, people from Phuket Town would drive the 17km to Rawai on weekends. Nowadays, it serves as a launching point for day boat excursions to nearby islands. It is less touristy than nearby Kata or Patong and is best known for sea gypsies and an excellent place to experience some real Thai culture. Properties around this area are relatively cheaper as well.