BEACHES IN PHUKET

The bright tropical sun shining up high in the blue sky, the breezes blowing over warm and shallow colorful waters… Yes! You are on the beach. Not any common stripe of sand stretching along the coast. You are on your favorite beach, in Phuket.

Wether you are sunbathing, swimming, playing, partying… Whether you prefer long withe sandy beaches or small hidden bays, shallow or wavy waters… With a myriad of beaches, each of them sounding like an exotic paradise, Bang Tao, Patong, Mai Khao, Nai Harn, Laem Singh…

Phuket hosts THE beach you are looking for!

Most of the beaches are located on the western coast of the island. On the North, beaches are calm and relaxing while on the South they are more busy and oriented toward water activities.

Mai Khao is a peaceful beach situated in a preserved area. This untouched 10km stripe of withe sand is ideal to relax and to enjoy some quiet time away from the crowds. You can walk for miles without passing by anyone and thus really feel like all alone. No buildings around but a natural and ‘wild’ environment, livened by few restaurants. On the South of the beach, you can get close to the airport runway and can watch aircrafts take off or land.

Nok Air airplane is landing. 'Nok' means 'bird' in Thai.  Photo by Joey Santini

Nai Thon being part of the Sirinath National Park, is better preserved than other beaches in Phuket. Thus shops and food stalls are located across the road. The beach stretch over one kilometer of the finest, squeakiest sand ever. The contrast between the clear water, the golden sand and the pine trees is absolutely stunning. Because of the National Park, there are no beach activities, so not many people. When arriving you instantly feel the tranquility of the place. ‘Nai Thon’ is a heaven away from the tourists, ideal for relaxing.

Tranquil Nai Thon beach.  Photo by Joey Santini

Banana Beach is Phuket ultimate secret place. Small, charming, wonderfully calm, and probably the most quiet beach. Shallow clear blue waters, soft sand and palm trees, rocky formation at the end of the beach… create an exotic scenery only few can enjoy. Only noticeable thanks to a small sign on the road. Down the hill is a hidden and unspoilt ‘alcove like’ paradise of a beach.

Cristal waters of Banana beach. Photo by Joey Santini

Layan is the best beach in Phuket. The quietest, the most beautiful, pure crystal water, soft withe sand, beach chairs for rent, quiet restaurants serving good food and fresh beer, no Jet Skis, no touts… A true bliss.

Bang Tao is a sumptuous 8km long beach, one of the finest in Phuket. Dominated by the Laguna complex, you can rent some sun loungers or find water activities all along the beach. Some of the best restaurants in Phuket. Fantastic water for swimming. Nice breezes for windsurfing. You can take a pictures with baby elephants, visit the Thai Temple at the end of the beach or go to the fresh market, always an experience… The Northern part, less developed is more quiet. Peaceful and convenient, ‘Bang Tao’ worth a visit if you are not staying close by.

Peaceful Bang Tao. Photo by Joey Santini

Surin is a 1 km long beach situated on a bay bordered by pine trees. A long stretch of golden sand, crystal clear waters of the Adaman Sea… All the advantages of ‘Patong’ without the disadvantages. The beach is wonderful for snorkeling and surfing. Many restaurants around serve excellent seafood as well as Thai cuisine and international cuisine. Very beautiful and picturesque, modern, it is the favorite beach of Thais, expect it to be very busy on weekends.

Surin beach. Photo by Alexander Zhuravlev

Laem Singh is probably the most iconic beach in Phuket. Hidden in a tiny bay bordered with palm trees and boulders, the beach surrounded by jungle is absolutely stunning, even if the tourists flow makes the atmosphere less intimate. There are couples of bars and restaurants along the beach. As the place is small and quite famous nowadays, it does get crowdy.

Laem Singh beach, photo from view point. Photo by Maria Vetlova

Kamala is the perfect mix between calm and activities, and the best place for families looking to stay away from Patong. This old fishermen town, which went through complete renovations after the tsunami, offers more than 2km of powder sand beaches stretching along magnificent blue water, all this bordered by coconuts under which small shops and restaurants await you. On the beach, a delightful atmosphere, no vendors, and very few water activities, despite it is a touristy location. The Northern part of the beach is however better, cleaner and quieter. More family friendly than the nearby ‘Patong’ beach, ‘Kamala’ is amongst the most pleasant and popular beaches of the island.

Kamala beach is great for family vacation. Photo by pzAxe

Patong is the beach everyone knows about. Famous for its nightlife, Patong is the party place. An epicenter for tourists in search of fun and crazy times, even vice. Attracting glittering neon lights, a multitude of restaurants, of bars, of clubs… and all the sweets they offer. Very busy and vibrant at night, during the day you will find the usual water activities.

Always busy Patong. Photo by LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES /Shutterstock.com

Paradise Beach is located just outside of Patong, in a nice and small sheltered bay surrounded by rocks. Unlike its famous neighbor, this beach managed to keep its natural beauty and its laid back atmosphere. Here you won’t be bothered by Jet Skis or vendors. Food venues around are quite delicious. You can rent kayaks or snorkel to observe colorful tropical fishes around the coral reef just off the shore. Great location to avoid the crowd, all the tourist stay on the ‘main’ beach. A small pass going over a small boulder leads to another nice beach, this one much more quiet.

Paradise beach

Freedom Beach is a serious contender for the title of ‘Best Beach in Phuket’. Only a boat can take you to this secluded bay, a thick vegetation covering the surrounding hills, all giving this place the impression of a peaceful beach hideaway. Sun loungers, some restaurants and shops at one end of the beach, no Jet Skis to disturb the calmness of the place. This place is another alternative to Patong, for a quiet day lazing on a chair and enjoying a refreshing drink in a natural panorama.

Freedom beach. Isn't it heaven? Photo by Anna Jedynak

Karon is a long stripe of white sand stretching between Patong and Kata. Very developed, offering all kinds of activities, it is usually busy, but big enough not to notice it. Swimming can be particularly dangerous during the rainy season due to strong currents.

Singing sands of Karon. Photo by Joey Santini / Shutterstock.com

Kata is a stunning cove shaped colorful beach composed of 2 parts, Kata Noi and Kata Yai (Noi meaning small and Yai meaning big). ‘Yai’ is busier than ‘Noi’ because of the amount of resorts, but still have this beautiful atmosphere. Rent some sun loungers, go for water activities, and grab a drink at the food stalls… Rainy season bringing more water, the strong currents and big waves, make it a great surfing spot.

Kata Yai early morning. Photo by Joey Santini

Less developed, ‘Noi’ is more relaxing but doesn’t offer a large choice of restaurants or shops. However, it is one of the most beautiful beach and a must see in Phuket. Scenic, naturally beautiful, animated, ‘Kata’ is amongst the finest locations in Phuket.

Relaxing Kata Noi. Photo by Joey Santini

Ao Sane is another small sandy beach cove near Nai Harn. Hidden small cozy beach offering a wonderful scenery and all the amenities such as restaurants, bars, shops, massages… This place, also called ’Jungle Beach’ is perfect for a lazy day with friends or family.

Nai Harn is the most popular beach in the South. Also popular with tourists, the beach manage to keep a beauty of its own. Powder sand, crystal clear waters, few bars, Thais and seafood restaurants, an atmosphere of yesterday. At the end of the beach you will find the saltwater lagoon of the Buddhist temple.

Sunset at Nai Harn. Photo by NanD_PhanuwatTH /Shutterstock.com

Rawai will not be the best beach for swimming or sunbathing. First, the Rawai region is famous for its panoramic view from the Promteph Cape. Then, you will find along the beach some food stalls and restaurants serving perfect grilled seafood that you will enjoy under the shadow of the pine trees. Rawai is also the starting point of the speed boats going to the islands of Koh Hae or Koh Lane.

Fishing boats in Rawai. Photo by Rockongkoy

Laem Ka is one of the few beaches located on the East coast. ‘Laem Ka Yai’ is busy with tourists, buses, boats, and better to visit early in the morning to appreciate the splendid view on the islands. ‘Laem Ka Noi’ is a very discrete and charming beach away from the crowds.

Friendship Beach also located on the east coast, is s 4 km long beach. Not recommended for swimming, it is the ideal spot to watch sunrise or for a romantic walk on the beach.

Tens and tens of beaches borders the coasts of the island, making Phuket a true Beach Paradise. Go around the many beach destinations to explore and experience their differences and discover the best Phuket has to offer. Huge strip of white sand or small coves with golden sand; coconut trees or pine trees; sunbathing or swimming; calm or busy; Thai food or seafood; relaxing or snorkeling; friends or family; sunrise or sunset…

Depending on your mood, pick one, go there, relax and enjoy Phuket.