The Buddha Tree Restaurant & Bar Rawai Phuket where authentic Thai and western food, a tranquil garden vibe, friendly owners and a charming tree await
Border run = legal trick to reset your tourist visa. Exit Thailand, re-enter same day = new 60-day stamp.
- Get 60 new days (not 30)
- Same day return to Phuket
- All transport included
- 100% success guaranteed
Leave request → Manager will explain everything
FastTrack Thailand = skip 2-hour immigration queues. Personal escort meets you with name sign, guides to VIP lane. 2 hours → 15 minutes guaranteed.
- 2 hours saved every arrival
- Personal escort with name sign
- VIP immigration lane access
- From $40 - cheaper than expected
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The Buddha Tree Restaurant & Bar in Rawai, Phuket — first look
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 144 reviews. The property markets itself as a hybrid of western and Thai kitchens, and guest commentary makes one tree the visual and social centerpiece of the place.
What guests consistently highlight
- Thai dishes praised for pronounced herbal and spice flavors.
- Owners described as exceptionally welcoming and helpful to stranded travelers.
- Outdoor, garden-style seating that creates a laid-back, tranquil vibe.
- A resident cat noted by multiple visitors as part of the charm.
- Soft lounge music contributing to a calm dining atmosphere.
- On-site parking availability mentioned explicitly by guests.
- Evidence of smoker-friendly seating.
- Several guests complimented Italian and Russian dishes alongside western staples.
How the menu really reads — small but wide-ranging
Guests report a deliberately small menu rather than a sprawling, all-you-can-serve selection. Despite that focused approach, reviewers name-checked Thai food, Italian dishes and at least one Russian-style meal, which creates a curious tension between specialization and cross-cultural offerings.
One clear takeaway from the reviews is culinary confidence: reviewers say the limited selection delivers quality, not quantity. The establishment also lists vegetarian options, so plant-based diners have at least some choices.
Atmosphere, layout and visual details you should expect
The space reads like a neighborhood garden bar: bamboo elements appear in both the bar and roofed tables, outdoor seating dominates, and a large tree functions as the visual anchor. Visitors repeatedly call the location tranquil because it sits just off Rawai’s main beach road, giving it a quieter feel than strip-front venues.
Service realities that matter
Multiple reviews single out the owners for more than polite hospitality; one reviewer describes them helping when stranded, an incident that signals above-average staff involvement and practical kindness rather than transactional service. Other guests mention enjoyable conversations with owners, which suggests a personal, small-business service model rather than an anonymous corporate operation.
Contradiction to note — focused menu vs. many cuisines
Reviews show an odd but important contradiction: the menu is described as small and curated, yet guests sampled and praised several distinct food traditions. The best interpretation is a compact menu executed well, supplemented by chef or owner flexibility to prepare special requests or rotating dishes.
Accessibility and practical info
- Hours: open evenings Monday through Saturday from 5:00 to 23:30, and Sunday 5:00 to 23:00.
- Payment: contactless NFC payments are accepted; the venue is not cash-only.
- Parking: free on-site parking plus free street parking options.
- Accessibility: parking, entrance, restroom and seating are wheelchair-accessible.
- Pets: animals are permitted on the premises.
Actionable insights — smart ways to visit
- If you want a quiet, evening dinner among locals rather than a noisy beachfront crowd, plan an after-5pm visit on a weekday to match the venue rhythm.
- Bring a contactless card or device to speed up payment and avoid any confusion; staff handle NFC transactions.
- Ask the owners about off-menu or rotating items if you want variety beyond the concise printed selection; reviewers experienced flexibility when requesting specific dishes.
- Car travelers can use the free lot; if you prefer to walk, a stroll from nearby Rawai accommodations is confirmed by guests.
- Pet owners and smokers can visit without friction, so consider this spot when traveling with an animal or when you want an outdoor cigarette-friendly table.
- If you value human connection and personalized service, request a table near the bar or garden where owners and staff are visible and likely to engage.
Who this place is best for — final take
This is a low-key, owner-driven evening venue for diners who prize taste over trendiness, prefer outdoor garden settings, and appreciate hands-on hosts. The mix of Thai herb-forward cooking with select Western and European dishes, combined with accessible parking and pet-friendliness, makes it a practical pick for travelers staying in Rawai who want a calm alternative to the beachfront crowd.
Insider note: If you value real local hospitality more than glossy presentation, The Buddha Tree looks like the exact kind of find that reviewers recommend repeatedly.
🕒 Opening Hours
💳 Payment Options
🅿️ Parking Options
♿ Accessibility Features
7.775394, 98.325737
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