Beaches In Phuket

Freedom Beach is a lesser-known gem in Phuket that runs almost 300 meters between lush forests and pristine waters. The white sands are devoid of crowds and noisy tourist traps and make for a truly undisturbed getaway. Though the northern and southern tips of Freedom Island have plenty of coral reefs, the reefs on the southern side are more colorful and striking. It is only accessible by a longtail boat.
Highlights: A hidden gem accessible by boat or a steep jungle trail, offering seclusion and clear waters.
Activities: Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a peaceful setting.

Located on Phuket's west coast, Kata Beach is rightfully one of the best beaches in Phuket, with spectacular views of the sea and a lively culture that thrives all year round. Between May and October, the roaring waves invite surfers and paddlers, while November to April has pleasant weather, which brings out crowds to relax and sunbathe. After dark, the beach comes alive with bars, shacks and dance parties.
Highlights: A more relaxed beach with clear waters and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Activities: Swimming, surfing, beachfront dining, and a quieter nightlife scene compared to Patong.

Often called the party capital of Asia, Patong Beach is the most popular beach in Phuket. Known for its clean sandy shores, bold nightlife, and colorful attractions, Patong Beach accommodates swimming, parasailing, and other water sports during the day. At night, you can check out its fantastic nightlife. This beach may be crowded, but it has lots of food and shopping options.
Highlights: Known for its vibrant nightlife, water sports, shop
Activities: Swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, beachfront dining, and vibrant nightlife along Bangla Road.

Located on the west coast of Phuket, Karon Beach is the third longest beach in Phuket. Sandwiched between Patong to the north and Kata to the south, it is a vast and uncrowded place for those looking for some quiet time. Karon Beach has some excellent snorkeling spots and clean crystal blue water that is a joy to swim in.
Highlights: The third-largest beach on the island, offering a balance between tranquility and convenience.
Activities: Sunbathing, beach sports, dining, and a wide range of accommodations.

With clear blue waters and smooth white sand, Nai Harn Beach is a relatively untouched beach. This vast beach is not much crowded during the high season (December to May) and has many things to offer, like souvenir shops, hotels, and massage centers. One can get a relaxing massage for 300 TBH per hour or try out delicious Thai cuisine.
Highlights: A picturesque and quieter beach favored by locals and expats.
Activities: Swimming, paddleboarding, nearby lake and park, and a selection of restaurants.

Known for its brilliant white sand, transparent marine waters, and calm atmosphere, Kata Noi Beach is a magnificent bay along Phuket's west coast. The sea off Kata Noi Beach is peacefully inviting for swimming during high season months from November to April, while May to October is quite popular for sports and surfing. This beach is more than 10 miles southwest of Phuket Town. Therefore, the best way to reach here is by taxi, tuk-tuk, or motorcycle.
Highlights: A smaller and quieter version of Kata Beach with beautiful sunsets and clear waters.
Activities: Swimming, bodyboarding, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Kamala Beach to the north of Patong is popular among families and retired travelers who enjoy a nice vacation in this quieter bay. The beach is famous for its restaurants along the coast and also has two small shopping alleys selling traditional trinkets. One of the top attractions here is the Phuket Fantasea show, where the dancers and elephants perform in a theme park nestled on the beach.
Highlights: A mix of relaxation and access to amenities, suitable for both families and couples.
Activities: Sunbathing, dining, and easy access to attractions like Phuket FantaSea.

Situated in the middle of Surin and Kamala beaches on the west coast, Laem Sing Beach is a popular tourist attraction among families. Lined with beach chairs, jet skis, restaurants, and palm trees with huge boulders, the northern part of Laem Sing Beach is best suited for body-boarding.
Highlights: Not a typical swimming beach but offers breathtaking views.
Activities: Visiting the viewpoint for photos and nearby restaurants.

Ya Nui is a small beach cove tucked away in Southern Phuket and one of the island's smallest beaches. With a total length of just 200 meters, it is located in the vicinity of two famous spots in the city - Windmill Viewpoint and Promthep Cape. The L-shaped white sands feature intermittent rocky formations, which you can climb to look out far into the sea or get a picture of yourself for Instagram. 
Highlights: A tranquil and scenic spot with great snorkeling.
Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the local restaurants.

Bangtao Beach is a massive 6-kilometer beach, making it one of the longest beaches in Phuket. Its northern stretch lies isolated, with spectacular views and undisturbed scenery. The southern end, however, bubbles with activity, perfect for those looking for a luxurious holiday within a tropical setting. This area of Bangtao Beach is lined with upscale boutiques, high-end apparel shops, five-star restaurants, and hotels. 
Highlights: One of the longest beaches in Phuket, with a mix of luxury resorts and local life.
Activities: Water sports, horseback riding, beachfront dining, and relaxation.

The Mai Kao beach in northwest Phuket is still pristine and less developed as a part of the Sirinath National Park. With its name literally translating to white wood, this 11 km long stretch along the coast is perfect for a long and uninterrupted walk. Once a year, the beach hosts the Songkran festival, where you might be lucky enough to witness a baby turtle release.
Highlights: Phuket's longest beach with a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Activities: Sunbathing, beach walks, and wildlife viewing in the nearby national park.

Surin Beach is a millionaire's haven due to top-end celebrity haunts amongst the luxury resorts, including Amanpuri, Twinpalms, and The Surin. A perfect blend of fine white sand and turquoise water makes it very popular among tourists. The beach is most famous for surfing, which is divided into three sections: north, south, and mid-section. Surfboards can be taken on rent from Lifeguard posts and usually cost around 300 baht per hour.
Highlights: A more upscale and quieter beach known for luxury resorts.
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beach clubs, and fine dining.

Paradise Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Phuket. The beach shades two small sandy bays with soft water, blue water, palm trees, and tropical almonds. It is small, remote, and not easy to find, but it is becoming increasingly popular because of Phuket Full Moon Parties. If you find the main beach overcrowded, walk 100 meters to the left above a small hill to a quiet sandy core. 
Highlights: A small, exclusive beach with crystal-clear waters.
Activities: Relaxing, water sports, beach clubs, and clear kayaking.

Nestling along Phuket's west coast at Surin Beach's northern tip, Pansea Beach is a hidden paradise. Tourists vacationing in Phuket often spend a day at the beach to escape the busy town. A relaxing Thai massage, hanging out by the beach shacks, and water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling are some of the activities here.
Highlights: An exclusive and tranquil beach, often accessed by guests of nearby luxury resorts.
Activities: Secluded relaxation, snorkeling, and enjoying privacy.

The off-beaten and shady Nai Yang beach, with its casuarina trees, little beach bars, and shacks, remains a favorite of those tourists who discover it. It is ideal for lounging around, getting traditional massages, and sampling some delicious local cuisine. The famous Sirinath Park is also located nearby.
Highlights: Located near the airport and part of Sirinat National Park.
Activities: Relaxing, swimming, water sports, and proximity to nearby markets.

The secluded and sparsely crowded Naithon beach is located in western Phuket. The drive to the beach takes you through lush green pastures, and tourists often spend time here exploring rocky coves and scuba diving activities. The famous Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is also located at Naithon, where you even give the elephants a little mud bath!
Highlights: A quiet and picturesque beach in a tranquil setting.
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beachfront dining, and exploring the local market.

Ao Sane in Phuket is a small, quiet beach with three bays. People can often enjoy the demure tropical life, sampling delicious seafood in the local restaurants or even snorkeling. There are also some nice bamboo huts for rent along the coast. When you ask the locals for some of the more offbeat and private Phuket beaches, then be assured that Ao Sane would be recommended the most.
Highlights: A hidden gem with great snorkeling opportunities.
Activities: Snorkeling, diving, beachfront dining, and relaxation.

One of the few untouched beaches of Phuket, Banana Beach is situated on Coral Island (also known as Koh Hey), which lies south of the mainland. The beach looks tranquil, with clear blue waters and talcum-white sand. Coral Island is part of a national park and a marine preservation area and has limited buildings. Mostly crowded during the high season, the prolific aquatic life makes for some great snorkeling and diving experiences.
Highlights: A small and secluded beach surrounded by lush jungle and cliffs.
Activities: Sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring the nature trails.

Loved for its great seafood restaurants, Rawai Beach in the south of Phuket Island offers a lively local ambiance with its fishing community, seafood markets, and quiet beach life. It is also a great place for island hopping, as the popular Coral Islands and Koh Bon are nearby.
Highlights: Located on the southern tip of Phuket with a local and authentic vibe.
Activities: Seafood dining, boating, and exploring nearby islands.

Cape Panwa, or Khao Kat beach in southwest Phuket is known for its quiet solitude and luxury villas. Although not a swimming beach, it is ideal for taking long walks as it offers a beautiful view over the Chalong Bay and Lone Islands and the adjoining mangrove swamps. The beach also has a few restaurants serving local cuisine where you can dine and enjoy the view.
Highlights: Located on the southeastern coast, offering a local feel and views of Chalong Bay.
Activities: Swimming, water sports, dining at local seafood restaurants, and visiting the nearby Khao Khad Viewpoint.

Nestling on the northern end of Bangtao Beach along the western coast of Phuket, Layan Beach houses luxurious resorts and hotels located at the crossing between the sea and the river. Since a small island called Koh Kala protects Layan Beach, the region still looks the same for over 20 years now.
Highlights: Phuket's longest beach with a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Activities: Sunbathing, beach walks, and wildlife viewing in the nearby national park.

With shallow and calm waters, Laem Ka Beach is regarded as one of the safest beaches of Phuket and is the only east-facing beach in the south of Phuket. Surrounded by a coconut plantation, this beach gives stunning views of nearby Koh Bon, Koh Lone, Coral Island, and other islands. Relatively hard to spot, this beach's pristine and untouched setting makes it the perfect destination for a retrospective getaway.
Highlights: A peaceful and lesser-known beach with a local charm.
Activities: Relaxing, swimming, and enjoying seafood at nearby restaurants.