The 10 Best Beaches in Phuket:
Your Ultimate Guide
Your Essential Guide to the 10 best beaches on Phuket you need to visit
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Phuket, arguably the crown jewel of Thailand’s Andaman coast, is a destination defined by its beaches. From hidden coves to party beaches and everything in between, this is where people come to enjoy soft sand, swim in turquoise waters, sip on fresh coconuts and drink sundowners with a thumping DJ. Here’s our guide to the best beaches in Phuket, to help you make the most of your time on this tropical land.
1. Patong Beach
Okay, so Patong Beach isn’t exactly a desert island escape. As Phuket’s most famous beach, it’s a magnet for those who crave a little atmosphere. It’s where the happy hours start at 3pm, fire dancers light up the sands at night, DJ’s pump out house music and karaoke bars line the back streets. By day, this 3km stretch of golden sand is filled with sun seekers lounging under umbrellas, watching as the adventure seekers try their hand at parasailing or jet-skiing. Despite the frenetic energy, the azure waters are forever inviting, and the sand is soft and powdery. For those who don’t want to walk anywhere for a cocktail refill, Patong is the place to be. By night, Patong transforms into a playground of neon lights and thumping music. Bangla Road is the epicentre of the nightlife here, although suited to a certain adult crowd rather than families. Get here for an early morning swim to see the beach as it’s quietest, with pockets of calm where you can finally hear the water lap gently on the shore.
2. Kata Beach
South of Patong lies Kata Beach, a crescent shaped haven that manages to strike the perfect balance between energy and calm. Fringed by swaying palm trees and lined with cafes, Kata is particularly beloved by families and couples alike. The sand is soft and golden, while the water is calm, crystal clear and perfect for swimming. The charm of Kata lies beyond its pretty beach. Small streets lead to little markets where you can buy handmade goods and delicious street food. It’s a quieter place to watch the sunset, although with enough atmosphere to feel buzzing and alive. It’s the ideal beach for those looking to feel part of something, yet without the clamour and noise that comes with somewhere like Patong. Get here in the off-season, between May and October, and you’ll see surfers tearing up the breaks along this stretch of coast.
3. Freedom Beach
For those wanting to venture off the beaten path, Freedom Beach will get you away from the boat trip touts and souvenir stalls. Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike through the jungle, this pristine beach rewards your efforts with glorious white sand and water so clear it feels otherworldly. The bay is surrounded by jungle covered hills and is completely free of motorised water sports, giving you the chance to explore and soak in the beauty undisturbed. Pack a picnic, bring a good book and let the rhythms of island life get into your soul.
4. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach, tucked away in the southern part of the island, is a favourite among locals and savvy travellers in the know. Its crescent shaped bay, framed by green hills and casuarina trees, is expansive, meaning you’re almost guaranteed to find your own little spot of beach to spend a few hours. Small restaurants serve up fresh seafood and Southern Thai specialties, perfect for a leisurely lunch after a morning in the sun. On an island that is heavily commercialised, Nai Harn retains a sense of authenticity, its charm lying in its unspoilt beauty and simplicity.
5. Surin Beach
Nicknamed ‘Millionaire’s Row’, Surin Beach is located on Phuket’s affluent west coast. The area surrounding the beach is home to some of the priciest resorts and high-end villas on the island, yet the beach manages to feel refreshingly unspoilt. One of the smaller beaches on Phuket, it’s undeniably picturesque, with trademark white sand and vivid blue waters. Thanks to the proximity of the nearby resorts, the bars and beachside restaurants here are distinctly more upscale and chic to other parts of the island, allowing you to indulge in the finer things in life with a backdrop of swaying palm trees and powdery sand. Despite this, Surin still manages to feel welcoming and accessible, a quiet alternative to the more popular beaches of Kata and Patong.
6. Kamala Beach
With hammocks strung between palm trees and seafood eateries with plastic chairs that sink into the sand, Kamala is a charming beach nestled between Patong and Surin, with a slow pace of life that feels very much like you’re on island-time. The waters here are calm and shallow, making it perfect for families, while the northern end of the beach has some wonderful snorkelling spots for when you’ve had enough lounging in the sun. It’s clean, calm and less crowded than other beaches in Phuket, retaining a lovely small fishing village vibe that is such a contrast to other parts of the island. No watersports, local restaurants and lots of shade – this is the kind of beach you park up at in the morning and don’t leave until the golden sun has dipped below the horizon.
7. Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach stretches for over 6km, making it one of the longest beaches on the island. Its size means there’s plenty of room for everyone, and you’ll rarely, if ever, find it feeling crowded. The calm water is shallow and warm, making it a popular spot for paddle-boarding and kayaking. Lovely bars line the sand and you can find everything from isolated spots to beach bars and happy hour. The northern end is the most secluded, while the southern end is home to resorts and beach clubs. The nearby Laguna complex has a range of dining and shopping options if you tire of the sun. It manages to find the balance between laid back and sophisticated perfectly.
8. Mai Khao Beach
As part of the Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Beach is still refreshingly undeveloped, home to only one resort and located near the airport. The 11km stretch of sand is relatively remote for Phuket and its protected status means it remains largely untouched, giving visitors a window into Phuket’s natural beauty. Mai Khao is particularly famous for its turtle nesting season, when endangered leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The wide, empty stretches of white sand are perfect to spend an afternoon, watching the planes roll into Phuket airport nearby.
9. Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane Beach, near Nai Harn, is a small yet charming spot often overlooked by many visitors to the island. Its rocky shoreline and clear waters make it a fantastic destination for snorkeling, with coral reefs and shoals of fish just a short swim from the shore. It has a distinctly rustic vibe here, with only one restaurant – Ao Sane Restaurant & Bungalow- serving up fresh local food. It’s a lovely secret still undiscovered by many, a reminder that some of Phuket’s best treasures are hidden in plain sight.
10. Nai Thon Beach
Look up images of Nai Thon Beach and you’ll notice one thing – the lack of people. No, they haven’t been Photoshopped out. Instead, you’re discovering one of Phuket’s quietest stretches of white sand. Fringed by lush forest and lapped by gentle, turquoise waters, this is a true hidden gem that flies under most travel radars. Small resorts will rent you parasols and towels for the day, and when you’re tired of sun-bathing, head to the treeline to find makeshift swings, hammocks and tables to enjoy a spot of food beneath the coconut palms. A chilled beach that whisks you away from the stresses of modern life. Just keep this one a secret, for now.
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