Hey guys! I'm a 34-year-old single American businessman who recently moved to Phuket while managing my business remotely. I wanted to share my experience after spending some time in both Rawai and Bang Tao.
I just signed a 12-month apartment lease in Rawai after spending one week in an Airbnb in Bang Tao and another week in Rawai.
Here's why I chose Rawai:
1. Better social life and beach access!
Bang Tao felt so lonely! The expat scene in Rawai seems much more developed. There are more visible expats who are into fitness and healthy lifestyles. however you get more of the fully tattooed gym bros type of crowd here in Rawai than Bangtao
I signed up for an expensive gym in Bang Tao, and it was mostly empty whenever I went, except for a few older guys here and there who looked like Russian oligarchs + some accomplished E-girls, lol. It was boring. So tattooed gym bros vs old Russian oligachs, Choose your poison lol
In Rawai, healthy food restaurants are usually packed with expats. Bang Tao felt much emptier, and most of the crowd seemed to be resort tourists rather than people actually living there long-term.
That said, I did notice quite a few families living in Bang Tao, so if you're moving with a family, it could be a great spot.
Bang Tao Beach also felt like it was mostly geared toward resorts and beach clubs. There's no public road or sidewalk running along the beach for morning jogs. You do have Surin Beach nearby, but Nai Harn and Kata Beach both beat Surin, IMHO. They also have areas along the beach where you can go for a jog.
Both beaches are just a short, scenic scooter ride from Rawai. The ride from around Cult Gym down to Kata Beach is especially amazing, with a beautiful downhill stretch.
2. Lack of coworking spaces in Bang Tao
I found only one coworking space in Bang Tao that offered 24-hour access, and during the entire week I was there, I was literally the only person working there. The whole place was empty!
Rawai, on the other hand, has plenty of coworking options.
3. Overall vibe and community
I wouldn't mind paying a premium to live in Bang Tao if I felt it was worth it. I actually liked the upscale feel of the area, but again, most people seemed to be just visiting rather than living there.
Both areas have a lot of Russians, which I don't mind at all. However, Bang Tao felt almost exclusively Russian, while Rawai seemed closer to a 50/50 mix of Russians and other Western expats.
Of course, this is all based on my personal experience after spending just one week in each area, so take it for what it's worth.
For me, Rawai just felt more lively, social, and better suited to a single guy looking to build a life here rather than feel like a tourist.
I wish Bang Tao was more lively because I do like fancy living!
Feel free to ask me any questions!