55points · on 6 of 7 lists: Baanlyy, A Way Abroad, Pacific Prime, Phuket Insider, Reloc8 Phuket and Moving Countries Guide
Rawai sits at the southern tip of Phuket, where longtail boats line the shore and leave for the small islands offshore. The seafood market by the water sells the day's catch and the restaurants beside it will cook it, and the streets around it hold weekly markets, cafes, yoga studios and dive schools. It is home to one of the island's longest settled expat communities, and long stayers and retirees choose it for a calm, everyday life among neighbors.
“A real community rather than a resort”
Baanlyy
“a peaceful residential area ideal for expats and digital nomads”
Pacific Prime
45points · on 7 of 7 lists: Baanlyy, A Way Abroad, Pacific Prime, Phuket Insider, Reloc8 Phuket, Moving Countries Guide and Phuket Expat Guide
Phuket Town is the island's capital and its working town, with an Old Town of restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses, Chinese shrines, street food and night markets. Everyday needs are close at hand, from the main hospitals and the Central Festival mall to coworking spaces, galleries, jazz nights and food truck parks. Rents are the lowest on the island, and it draws remote workers and people who would like to live in a Thai town with the beaches a drive away.
“Urban living with a Thai flair”
Phuket Insider
“It is a culturally rich city with a mix of modern and traditional buildings”
Pacific Prime
35points · on 4 of 7 lists: Baanlyy, Phuket Insider, Reloc8 Phuket and Moving Countries Guide
Nai Harn is a sheltered cove of white sand and clear water between green hills, with a freshwater lake just behind the beach. Mornings here start with a walk around the lake or a yoga class, and the bay is usually calm enough for paddleboarding and snorkeling. An old Buddhist monastery owns much of the land, which has kept building low, and the people who settle here want a slow, quiet life by the sea.
“It's an extremely relaxed lifestyle”
Phuket Insider
“its exceptional beach with pristine waters marks it as distinct”
Pacific Prime
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Fourth, with 31 points from 6 lists.
“This area is the most upscale on the island”
Phuket Insider
Fifth, with 30 points from 5 lists.
“Chalong feels real. And if convenience is high on your list, it delivers.”
Reloc8 Phuket
The lists we counted
- Baanlyy · July 2026
- A Way Abroad · August 2026
- Pacific Prime · April 2026
- Phuket Insider · April 2026
- Reloc8 Phuket · June 2025
- Moving Countries Guide · October 2025
- Phuket Expat Guide
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
Award badges
Each business in the top 3 can show its Phuket Ranked award on its own website, free of charge. Ask and we will send the badge and add it for you.
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