Phuket beaches are spectacular, and one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand.
The warm crystal clear waters and tropical climate, makes the island of Phuket an ideal place to take a family beach vacation or a top spot for romantic getaways.
Throughout the Island of Phuket there are plenty of
beautiful beaches to choose from, including a handful of secret beaches
to explore.
Below is our guide to the best beaches in Phuket, most of these are located along the west coast, where you will find a mixture of long beaches, calm waters, secluded inlets and rocky headlands.
Some of the best Phuket beaches are also the busiest and most developed.
The beachfront areas from Patong stretching south to Kata Noi have the largest concentration of hotels and resorts, as well as fantastic range of restaurants and shops.
The Eastern shore is rocky and covered in thick mangroves and is adjoined by Phang Nga with its magnificent limestone Islands and hidden lagoons.
The beaches of Phuket are all open to the public, although some have
resorts built on them which in turn blocks access to the beach.
The only way you can gain access to some of these beaches is through the resort or by longtail boat.
Up until a couple of years ago, most Phuket beaches had deck chairs and umbrellas for hire along all the main tourist beaches.
These days there are designated area's along certain Phuket beaches where you can use an umbrella and hire sunbeds.
On the busier beaches like Patong, Karon and Kata beaches you will find these designated area's towards the back of the beach.
Beach vendors are still selling their wares on the beach and will try to sell you anything from clothes to bed linen, just beware of the prices when shopping on the beach compared to the street price.
There is a range of fun activities still available on Phuket beaches such as parasailing, banana boat rides and yes, the dreaded jet skis are still there. If you must hire a jet ski while in Phuket, which I don't recommend just make sure to do your own research before you do.
You can still have a massage on many of the beaches in Phuket, they are usually located back from the beach near the designated area.
Ao Sane is a beautiful spot located within the headland north of Nai Harn Beach. This beach is three small beaches split by small rocky headlands.
The Baan Krating Resort is situated in the jungle above the beach. Read more about Ao Sane Beach.
Banana Beach is one of my favorite Phuket Beaches located on the north west coast of Phuket, hiding between Bang Tao and Nai Thon Beaches.
This small bay is so secluded, not many people
ever find this hidden treasure. Read more about Banana Beach.
Bang Tao beach is a large open bay stretching 8kms in length, it is the second longest beach in Phuket.
The shoreline is dotted with many of the best villas and luxury resorts. Read more about Bang Tao Beach.
Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket with soft white sand and crystal clear water surrounded by lush green mountains.
Access to the beach is via longtail boat. Read more about Freedom Beach
Kalim is a quiet alternative to the lively Patong Beach, yet is only a short distance to the nightlife of Patong. Read more about Kalim Beach.
Kamala
is a haven for those who prefer the quieter life. The beachfront is
lined with restaurants and is a popular spot for family vacations. Read more about Kamala Beach
Karon is my personal pick of all Phuket Beaches and is the second largest tourist beach in Phuket.
Here you will find a few large resorts and hotels and a variety of activities, restaurants and shopping. See why Karon Beach is so popular.
Kata Beach is also very popular as it is a great destination for families, with a good range of restaurants and accommodation options. See why so many visitors return to Kata Beach.
Kata Noi is a much smaller bay, with lush green covered mountains.
There is a few
shops, hotels and restaurants and is a great spot ideal if travelling
with kids. Read more about Kata Noi.
Laem Singh is located between Kamala and Surin Beaches.
You will find a few restaurants along the beachfront. Learn more about Laem Singh Beach.
Layan Beach is beautiful, with its white sand and crystal clear waters.
Layan is located at the far northern end of Bang Tao Beach. Read more about Layan beach.
Mai Khao Beach is located on the northwest coast stretching some 9 kilometres in length, this is the longest beach in Phuket.
It is here that you will find the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. Read more about Mai Khao Beach.
Nai Harn is located in one of the most beautiful Bays in Phuket, the white sand stretching for almost a kilometre.
It is home to the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club. Read more about Nai harn Beach.
Nai Thon lies within the Sirinat National Park, it would have to be one of the most secluded Phuket beaches. See why Nai Thon is so beautiful.
Nai Thorn beach is also known as Nai Thon Noi, this beach is much smaller then the neighboring Nai Thon, which lies just to the north. Read more about Nai Thorn Beach.
Nai Yang is located at the southern end of Mai Khao beach and lies within the Sirinat National Park, there are a couple of hotels at the southern end of the beach. Read more about Nai Yang Beach.
Pansea is a small secluded beach only 250 metres long; it is located between Bang Tao and Surin Beaches on the north west coast.
Two luxury resorts make access to the beach nearly impossible. Keep reading to see how you can access the beach.
Paradise Beach is located on the same headland as Tri Tra; just to the south of Patong. See why Paradise Beach has become so popular.
Patong Beach is the most popular tourist beach in Phuket; stretching 2.7km in length with the greatest concentration of bars, restaurants, shops and activities on the Island. Read more about Patong Beach.
Rawai Beach is located on the South East tip of Phuket and was the Islands first known tourist beach.
A visit to this peaceful area is a must with great
views and some wonderful seafood restaurants. Read more about Rawai Beach
Surin is another of my favorite Phuket beaches the beach itself is stunning with many luxury resorts and villas overlooking the beach. Read more about Surin Beach.
Tri Tra is picturesque, the beach is located in the headland just to the south of Patong.
Tri Tra is a relaxing spot away from the crowds. Read more about Tri Tra Beach.
Tri Trang is located close to Freedom Beach, one of Phuket's finest beaches.
Read more about Tri Trang also known as Merlin Beach.
Yanui Beach is located in a small bay just to the south of Nai Harn Beach and Promthep Cape on the southern tip of Phuket, a great spot for families with small kids. Read why Yanui is such a popular beach.
Whilst the beaches on the west coast of Phuket are the best, there are also some lovely beaches located on the south east coast of Phuket.
Phuket beaches and the offshore Islands are one of the main reasons that many visitors return to Phuket year after year.
Not all of the beaches in Phuket are the same, every beach has a different appeal and attraction.
Take a moment to tell us what your favorite beach is in Phuket, you can also add that special picture that reminds you most about your favorite beach in Phuket.
Below are contributions from other visitors to this page.
Paradise Beach Phuket
Need to escape from Patong for the day to a piece of Paradise?
Jump on a bike or ask a local taxi driver about heading out to Paradise Beach for the …
Patong Beach Phuket
We just love Patong Beach in Phuket, there is always something going on and heaps to. If you like to shop and party this is the place to be in Phuket. …
Kata Beach Surf Story Not rated yet
Hi my name is Marty!
I lived in Kata a beautiful spot on the south west coast of Phuket.
For a few years I ran a small surf school on Kata Beach! …
Paradise in Phuket Not rated yet
I discovered Phuket through my travels in the U.S. Navy.
We spent 3-4 days in port and enjoyed our on shore days the best.
I discovered Phuket …
Tri Trang Beach, Phuket, Thailand Not rated yet
Tri Trang Beach is located in front of the Merlin Beach Resort and is often confused with Tri Tra Beach, which is just a short walk away.
The reason why …
Beautiful Nai Thon Beach Phuket Thailand Not rated yet
Beautiful Nai Thon Beach Phuket Thailand.
Beautiful Nai Thon beach is one of Phukets northern most beaches.
If I had to pick a sleepy quite beach …
Tri Tra Beach, Phuket, Thailand Not rated yet
Just 5 minutes out of Patong to the south is Tri Tra Beach, a relaxing and hassle free paradise, where you can spend the day just chilling out or if you …
Kata is a great small town with a wonderful beach! Not rated yet
My husband and I had been visiting Phuket since 2004. In October 2009 we decided to make Phuket our home!
We find Kata Beach and the area of Kata to …
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