This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is Rawai a good base for a DTV visa holder in Phuket, and what are the tips for renting and finding accommodation?

DTV Visa Rawai Phuket Accommodation Motorbike Rental Digital Nomads Fitness Community Cost of Living Transportation Expat Life

Sep 29, 2025

9 days ago

Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

For those of you in Thailand on a DTV visa — is Rawai a good place to base yourself as this is where I’ve seen a decent Muay Thai gym under the soft power visa, or would you recommend another area of Phuket?

While I’m out there, I’d love to connect with others into fitness/gym life and digital nomads. Would you recommend renting a motorbike or a car, and what are the typical costs? I know motorbikes are easy to rent, but I only have an international driving license (not a motorbike one), so I’m not sure how that works.

Same with accommodation — did you sort it once you arrived or book in advance? Roughly what are the monthly costs for a decent place in Phuket?

Also, how did you go about meeting like-minded people? I’d like to avoid feeling isolated, as I’m moving from the UK and hoping to meet people into fitness, good vibes, and community.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated as I’m getting flights to Phuket booked and sorting putting things into storage back home in the UK currently preparing to move. Thanks in advance!

1,261

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The post inquires about Rawai, Phuket as a base for those on a DTV visa, seeking advice on accommodation, transportation, costs, and community connection. Comments advise against booking accommodation in advance to avoid scams, suggest renting a car instead of a motorbike without the proper license, and highlight the variance in living costs based on location. The consensus is that Rawai is enjoyable with a good expatriate community, but caution is advised regarding vehicle rentals and overall preparedness before relocation.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Anonymous ******************

Rawia is a good area, lots of foreign part time and full time live there, including myself. You need transport really, as the Rawia, chalong, Nia harn, Yanui areas are fairly spread.

Don't ride a motorbike here, if you haven't got a full licence and ride a bike at home. You won't be insured and its very dangerous. Loads on here will say different, they just don't realise how crap there riding actually is, as they just don't know.

Rentals,,, on an annual rent you can probably find a tired one bed condo for

*****

k a month. A real nice condo would be more like 50 to 100k depending on location.

It's a nice area, with plenty to do and hasn't got that overcrowded or over developed feel some places have. Down side is, full of wealthy foreigners, pushing the prices up generally.

8 days ago

Nin *****

How many more times am I going to have to see this before I die?

9 days ago

Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nin ****

Mute my posts if you’ve got an issue, it’s DTV soft power and Thailand related. You sound like a right bundle of fun 😂

9 days ago

Nin *****

@Ryan *********

you’ve got pretty much the same answer in every group, was the first 3 times not good enough 😆

8 days ago

Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nin ****

no I haven’t, I’m learning more from each post and gaining vital connections and there are some great people out there offering me advice etc. it’s a big move when leaving your home country to try and better your life and any help is appreciated!

8 days ago

Nin *****

@Ryan *********

good luck

8 days ago

Reply to

Nin *****

Henrik *****

You can not drive motorcycle on a IDP without the motorcyle stamp.

You can only drive same categories vehicles as in you homecountry.

Not the right license = no insurance in case of accident.

Phuket is a big island, so price of accommendation varies depending on location.

There is a lot to learn for you, since the post shows that you actually know nothing.

Should have done better research before even considering to move.

9 days ago

Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

I travelled to Phuket for a month earlier in the year! Just when moving there with adhd anxiety and autism there is a lot to sort 😂

8 days ago

Greg ********

@Ryan *********

Get a Thailand license for the bike. Go to a school - it is 100% pass and is quite quick. sorts out all the issues regarding IDP restrictions and insurance cover.

8 days ago

Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

thanks Greg, do you know anywhere in Phuket that does this please?

8 days ago

Greg ********

@Ryan *********

Sorry I do nkt but have a Google. There will be schools about. I did mine in Chiang Mai and a handful of DTV people doing the test the same time at the weekend. I saw a few of them picking up the license on the Monday at the DLT.

8 days ago

Ryan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

many thanks Greg - much appreciated

8 days ago

Greg ********

@Ryan *********

A Thai DL can be used as ID in many places here too. I have used it at the bank counter instead of passport. People have used them to fly domestically but that is not always 100%. It does act as 2nd photo ID on top of passport is 2 are required.

8 days ago

Greg ********

@Ryan *********

The schools usually do all the work for you. Get the Residence Cert, Med Cert, ensure you score high enough on the written test, take the practical over and over till you pass. :-)

8 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Anonymous ******************

@Henrik ****

you still get away with driving a motorcycle if you get stopped with an IDP though

8 days ago

Anonymous ******************

Anonymous participant 756 stupid comment, you'd get away with murder if you didn't get caught.

8 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Julien ******

Koh lanta

9 days ago

Wendy ******

Depends how remote you want to be rawai is nice but not a lot todo out the way

9 days ago

Neil *********

@Wendy *****

theres probably more to do in rawai in close proximity than any other location in Thailand, more gyms than anywhere, beaches, lakes, skatepark, co working spaces / accommodations, clubs for kids / families and enough bars to pickle half of phuket not to mention a decent restaurant from every corner of the world. The negative - its furthest from the airport.

8 days ago

Reply to

Neil *********

Tommy ********

I think you should post this in other groups.

This community is for DTV holders, or those who want to get this visa, questions about acquiring the visa etc.

If you’re eligible and have a legit professional that allows you to remote work, then you have a chance of acquiring the DTV.

As for recommendations on your holiday, then there are plenty of travel groups for travellers, digital nomads etc.

9 days ago

Nin *****

@Tommy *******

he has I’ve seen this post about 1,000 times today

9 days ago

Reply to

Nin *****

Heath ********

Hey brother im based in bangkok. Would gladly meet up if you spend a bit of time here,

As for booking accommodation, dont book it is advance you allows for a potential scam and the photos of the property might be old. I would book somewhere for a few weeks and then look for somewhere Long term,

I was into fitness but thai food has got a hold of me, 😆

Im into a lot of life philosophys and how it all works together.

9 days ago

Reply to

Heath ********

Is Rawai a good base for expats on a DTV visa in Thailand, especially for fitness and community connections?

21 comments

9 days ago

Should I rent a long-term apartment before applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?

16 comments

16 days ago

What are the best options for applying for a DTV visa while pursuing Muay Thai in Thailand?

11 comments

a month ago