By Nom - 31 August 2023
Top 10 Beaches In Phuket
Phuket, a tropical paradise, boasts some of the most exquisite beaches you'll ever set foot on. Whether you're a sun-seeker, an adventurous water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene escape, this island has something to offer everyone. Phuket's beaches are not just destinations; they are experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories of paradise.
Choosing the perfect beach to visit in Phuket can be a delightful but important decision, as each beach offers a unique experience tailored to different preferences. To make the right choice, consider the following factors:
Your Interests: Think about what you're looking for in a beach experience. If you seeking a vibrant nightlife scene, opt for Patong Beach. Do you want a quiet, romantic getaway? Look into Kata or Karon Beach. Adventure enthusiasts might prefer Rawai Beach, while families may find Kamala Beach, Surin Beach or Nai Harn more suitable.
Crowd Preference: Some beaches can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer a more peaceful setting, choose a beach that aligns with your crowd tolerance. Quieter beaches like Nai Harn offer a more serene environment.
Activities: Depending on your interests, check what activities are available at each beach. Water sports, diving, snorkelling, and beachfront restaurants vary from one location to another. Do your research to ensure your chosen beach offers the activities you're keen on.
Accommodation: Consider where you're staying on the island. If you're looking for convenience, choose a beach close to your accommodation to reduce travel time. Phuket has plenty of hotels, resorts, and villas to choose from, so you're sure to find one that suits your preferences.
Scenery: The natural beauty of each beach can vary significantly. Some have stunning views, picturesque cliffs, and pristine waters, while others offer a more straightforward, classic beach experience. Determine what kind of scenery you prefer for your beach day.
Local Culture: Some beaches, like Patong, are known for their bustling nightlife and entertainment, while others, like Kamala, may provide a more authentic glimpse into local culture. Think about the type of atmosphere you'd like to immerse yourself in.
Best Beaches In Phuket:
Nai Harn Beach was once a quiet and secluded spot at the southern end of Phuket. It has been very definitively 'discovered' and continues to grow in popularity.
Even so, thanks to the relatively small size of the bay (700M) and the presence of a large freshwater lake almost immediately behind the beach, the spot hasn’t been excessively developed, so it retains its quiet charm. With its soft sand, lifeguards on station and very gently sloping soft seabed and excellent water quality, it's a family-friendly beach, with a good choice of hotels, shops and restaurants nearby. On windier days, it is also a good spot for kite-surfing
Rarely overcrowded, even in high season, Nai Harn Beach attracts both Thais and expats for its peaceful and unspoiled character. Besides the white sandy beach itself, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Nai Harn Beach, most of which are excellent for families and travellers looking for a laidback holiday in Phuket. The overflow water from Nai Harn lake creates a small river from November - March which is a great natural splash-zone for children.
Top Tip: There are no motorised watersports permitted at Nai Harn Beach.
Nai Harn Lake is a popular walking, running and cycling circuit (2KM) for those looking to keep active and the small island in the lake regularly holds early morning yoga sessions. At the side of the lake there is a free open-air gym and a small children's play area provided by the local municipality.
Nai Harn Beach
Kata Beach is considered one of the most popular beaches in Phuket. It certainly has it all – beautiful soft sand, nodding palm trees, clean waters with a soft seabed, good surfing in the low season and snorkelling in the high season, and a fantastic laid-back atmosphere.
Due to its combination of beauty, facilities and activities hundreds of people come each day to soak up the sun and swim in the sea. Often busy but never crowded, due to it 1.5km length, this beach is pleasing in many ways. Colourful long-tail boats are moored at the northern end and close by are small restuarants and street food vendors. The southern end has a choice of beachfront hotels and restaurants and an exciting flow rider park at Surf House Kata Beach.
From November to April the warm sea is often as flat as a pancake, crystal clear and turquoise in colour. May to October can make for rougher swimming conditions, but it's at this time of year that the surfers flock to enjoy the waves.
At the North end of the beach you will find an excellent coral reef just offshore perfect for snorkelling and shore diving.
At Kata Beach you will find a full range of motorised watersports: Parasailing, jet-skis, banana boat, flying sofa as well as kayaking and stand up paddleboards.
Kata Beach
Patong Beach is a bustling haven for travellers seeking excitement and entertainment.
This renowned beach is known for its lively atmosphere, with an array of bars, restaurants, and shops lining the adjacent streets. Sun-seekers can lounge on the soft, golden sands or take a dip in the warm, turquoise waters, while adrenaline junkies can indulge in thrilling water sports, from jet-skiing to parasailing. As the sun sets, Patong Beach transforms into a dynamic nightlife hub, offering a kaleidoscope of options for those looking to party the night away. With its eclectic blend of culture and entertainment, Patong Beach promises an unforgettable experience in one of Thailand's most energetic destinations.
There are two modern shopping malls in Patong: Jungcelon and Central offering a range of dining options as well as designer shops, cinema and kids arcades. Head to the night markets in Patong where you can snap up some bargains, Otop Market being the biggest.
Patong Beach
At 6 km in length, Bang Tao is one of the longest beaches in Phuket. Along that length, you'll find some of the island’s top hotels, restaurants and beach clubs, making it a popular place for all kinds of visitors and locals.
For the most part Bang Tao Beach is pretty deserted – beachfront hotels and beach clubs mostly occupy its southern end creating a lively atmosphere in the evening, while the northern end is generally very quiet and peaceful. Only a few small beach bars are dotted along its length and Bang Tao remains one of the most family-friendly beaches in Phuket.
While the scenery is perhaps not as picturesque and the sand not as soft as some of Phuket's other notable beaches, Bang Tao is still one of the best beaches in Phuket thanks to the sheer variety of nearby attractions and the sheer size. This simply means it’s never that hard to find a quiet spot to enjoy some peace and quiet
The sea is flat, calm and clear from November to April. The waves can get a little rough between May and October, so take note of red flags on the coastline.
Bang Tao Beach attracts those looking to leave everything behind and do nothing more than relax and enjoy the sound of the sea.
Bang Tao Beach
Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui Beach is one of Phuket’s smallest beaches and yet is amazingly popular despite its small size. It lies between Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint, two of Phuket's most popular viewpoints.
With a total length of less than 200 metres in an L-shaped curve, it is a charming little cove offering good snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing. The sand is soft and comfortable, with plenty of space for kids to play in the sand. We would recommend water shoes or jelly shoes for this beach as there are some rocky patches in the sea.
Ya Nui Beach offers striking scenery, set just beneath Windmill Viewpoint with an iconic rocky outcrop which is easy to climb on for striking holiday snaps and creates great conditions for snorkellers. In spite of its small size, there's a good selection of nearby restaurants, vendors and accommodation options.
The tiny uninhabited island of Koh Man is just offshore. When the weather is calm, it's possible to hire a kayak or SUP and paddle out to snorkel the abundant corals around the island.
Kamala Beach, located on the west coast of Phuket, offers a more tranquil and family-friendly alternative to the bustling scenes of Patong.
With its soft, powdery sands and gentle, azure waves, it's a perfect spot for relaxation and swimming. The beachfront is dotted with charming restaurants and beach bars, where you can savor delicious Thai cuisine and fresh seafood while enjoying the breathtaking sunset views. Kamala maintains a peaceful and laid-back vibe, making it an ideal destination for couples and travellers seeking a serene escape. Its proximity to cultural attractions like the Phuket FantaSea Show and the charming Kamala Village further enhances its allure as a serene yet culturally rich beach destination in Phuket.
Kamala Beach
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Surin Beach is an excellent spot for sunbathing with the Andaman Sea stretching out before you. It has a raw natural beauty, with tree-lined soft white sand and clear tropical seas.
Its calm and clear waters are excellent for snorkelling and kayaking, as well as boogie-boarding and surfing.
The 1km long Surin Beach is located on Phuket's west coast. It's very popular year round choice due to a good selection of Phuket’s most exclusive hotels, shops and restaurants.
From here you can make the short hike from the South end of Surin Beach to Laem Singh Beach or hop on a long tail boat.
Surin Beach
Laem Sing Beach remains one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rugged charm and secluded location, it offers a slice of paradise away from the tourist crowds.
Laem Sing Beach is only accessible by boat or by a short 15 minute hike from the south end of Surin Beach which only adds to the sense of adventure. The reward is a pristine crescent of golden sand caressed by crystal-clear waters and framed by lush greenery. The smooth rock formations here make great photographs. Snorkellers will be delighted by the vibrant coral reefs just offshore, teeming with marine life.
From the south corner of Surin Beach the track to Laem Sing beach is clearly signposted. The small track takes you along the edge of the coast with glimpses of the sea as you go. You will pass through the only restuarant perched on the cliff before emerging onto the sand. The restuarant staff maintain the track so it is worthwhile supporting them. There is one small vendor on the beach offering sunbeds for hire and chilled drinks, coconuts and ice cream.
On the road between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach there is a viewpoint looking over Leam Sing Beach, perfect for photographs.
Whether you're seeking tranquility, breathtaking views or an escape into nature, Laem Sing Beach promises an unforgettable experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Laem Sing Beach
Karon Beach is one of the longest beaches on Phuket, spanning 5 km of fine white sand overlooking the Andaman Sea. The northern end of the beach is usually deserted, making it an excellent spot for those who want the beach to themselves. The southern end, close to Kata, tends to be busier but it isn't that hard to find a nice spot for yourself.
Karon Beach has the interesting honour of having the squeakiest sand in Phuket. Fine and soft, it makes a funny sound when you walk on it. It's beautifully lined with trees for a lot of the southern end, with volleyball nets and beachfront restaurants in the northern half. The sea here is very approachable, though it is noted for its strong riptides in the low season. There are virtually no rocks along the length of the beach, so you can take a cooling dip with no risk of hurting your feet.
Karon Beach has a play area for small children close to the roundabout and several beach volleyball courts. Located on the west coast, Karon beach is a perfect spot to watch the sun set directly into the sea.
Khlong Bang La Park is located on Karon Beach and has a free open air gym provided by the municipality. This park is home to the golden statue often thought to embody the fabled sleeping dragon that, according to local Chinese folklore, formed the island. It may also represent the Buddhist naga, a mythical half-human, half-cobra being.
Karon Park, just north of the roundabout, is a small park with an artificial lake with a running track around it, perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll or a run. If you want to do some weight training, you can stop by the free to use gym machines in Karon Park.
Karon Park lake is a popular place to celebrate festivals, like the Loy Krathong Festival each November.
The Temple at Karon (Wat Suwan Khiri Khet) holds a lively night market from 16.00 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Head over to this market to sample delicious street food and local delicacies. You will also find souvenirs, handicrafts and clothing.
Karon Beach
Kata Noi Beach is one of Phuket’s smaller beaches and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. A much quieter place than its big sister to the north, it has a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere while still offering the same great surfing and snorkelling opportunities.
Kata Noi means little Kata Beach and at just under 700 metres long it is an amazingly beautiful spot. The sand here is among the finest, the sea among the nicest and the surrounding restaurants among the best in Phuket. There are only a couple of hotels along its length, but they too are rated among the best available.
The soft sand, crystal clear water,and the lush green jungle backdrops are the main draws here. Kata Noi is on a dead-end road, so the only traffic you might encounter is if you're looking for a place to park your car.
Kata Noi Beach
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