We will tell you about the best beaches of Phuket island: where you can actively relax, where you can go with your family or go private.
Phuket's tourism industry has been a significant contributor to the province's income for many years. The island's greatest asset is its numerous pristine beaches, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.
Most of Phuket's beaches are known for their exceptional cleanliness, top-notch service, and the mesmerizing combination of white sands and azure waters. Your choice of vacation spot will depend on your trip's purpose, as Phuket offers both secluded coastlines and well-developed beachfronts.
Popular Phuket Beaches
Bang Tao
Bang Tao Beach is situated near Nayton and Surin beaches on Phuket's northwest coast. It is one of the island's largest beaches, featuring a narrow strip of sand that encompasses both areas with European-level amenities and untouched natural beauty:
Southern Border
The southern border of Bang Tao is a favorite among locals. There are no hotels, but Thai fishermen can be seen at work from dawn to dusk.
Center of the Beach
The central part of the beach is always bustling with tourists. From umbrellas and sun loungers to tents offering Thai massages for 300 THB, you'll find everything you need for relaxation.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is equipped with comfortable facilities for relaxation.
A Small Stretch of Abandoned Beach
This area is not intended for tourists.
Layan Beach
Layan Beach follows a vacant lot and is set up for guests.
Located near Bang Tao, there are no paved highways, and it takes approximately 40 minutes by car to reach the center of Phuket. While the apartments here are not budget-friendly, they offer prime beachfront locations with direct access to the sea. Behind them, you'll find small stores, a supermarket, cafes, and restaurants.
Some of the most popular hotels in the Bang Tao area include:
How to get there: You can reach Bang Tao by renting a motorcycle or taking a cab (starting from 500 THB). Head towards Heroines Monument in Talang district, then follow the road to the west coast until you reach Tesco Lotus supermarket. From there, follow the signs to Surin Beach. Alternatively, you can take a public bus (stop at Surin Beach) for 50 THB.
Patong
If you're looking to dive headfirst into the fun party life during your Phuket vacation, Patong Beach is the place to be. It's the island's most famous beach and the hallmark of the entire resort region. With a vast array of services and vibrant nightlife, it offers everything you need for a great time. The 4km stretch of sandy beach is lined with stores, bars, and restaurants that will captivate every visitor.
The cost of apartments in Patong caters to every guest, ranging from 300 THB to 5000 THB per day.
For water activities like banana boating, jet skiing, and boat trips, expect prices starting from 1100 THB.
The standard price for a sun lounger and umbrella in Phuket is 100 THB per day.
How to get there: You can take a city bus from the center of Phuket to Patong for 25 THB. Alternatively, the Phuket Airport Bus Express runs from the airport to Patong for 120 THB.
Surin
In the heart of western Phuket, near Bang Tao, you'll find the kilometer-long Surin Beach. Surin Beach is approximately 40 meters wide and maintains its width along the entire length. It's located 25 km from the resort center and 16 km from the airport.
Surin Beach is recognized for the following features:
The presence of all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable vacation.
The presence of wealthy vacationers who stay at the nearby gated villas of Surin Phuket and Amanpuri.
A large number of families with children who prefer Surin due to its safe, gentle seabed.
A contrast in visitor numbers, with crowds in high season and a more deserted atmosphere in low season.
The following hotels are considered the best in Surin:
How to get there: You can reach Surin by public bus from the center of Phuket or the airport, which costs 30 THB, or by taxi, which starts from 500 THB.
Karon
Karon Beach, located south of Patong, is a popular rival to Patong Beach. It offers a slightly quieter atmosphere. Karon Beach is particularly favored by a community of young Thai artists who have established a compound on the beach, selling exquisite handicrafts to tourists. The wide promenade along Karon is designed in the Portuguese colonial style, and the beach stretches for 3.5 kilometers.
Karon Beach offers a wide range of marine activities starting from 1100 THB, including water skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and more. The highlight of Karon is the golf park. However, there's no nightlife on the coast.
How to get there: You can reach Karon Beach by public bus for 30 THB or by taxi, starting from 700 THB from Phuket Town.
Kamala
Kamala West Beach is situated 20 km from Phuket Town Center and the airport. The nearest coastal stretches to Kamala are Surin, Patong, and Kalim. The beach spans one and a half kilometers in length. The sandy area ranges from a minimum width of five meters to a maximum of 30 meters.
Distinctive features of Kamala Beach include:
No hotels on the front line, no supermarkets or highways nearby.
A quiet and cozy environment.
All the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable vacation, from beach loungers to nearby stores. There's also a small wild stretch of coastline.
A chance to witness the world-famous Fantasia show featuring animals near the center of Kamala.
How to get there: You can take a city bus to the stop of the same name, ride a motorcycle along the coast following Road 4233, or take a taxi (from Phuket city center, it costs 300 THB).
Phuket's Uncrowded Beaches
If you're looking for a peaceful family vacation, consider these cozy and uncrowded beaches perfect for a quiet family getaway: Kata Beach, Kata Noi, Nai Harn, Mai Khao, and Sai Keo.
Kata
The small Kata Beach is only 1 km long and is connected to Karon Beach. These stretches of coastline are separated by imposing cliffs. Kata Beach is known for its gentle bottom with gradual depths, making it ideal for families with small children.
Kata Beach offers all the necessary infrastructure for a fantastic vacation:
Shops where you can find everything from souvenirs to clothing and food.
Cafes and restaurants, as well as local food stalls and Thai fast-food vendors.
Toilet and shower facilities (starting from 10 THB).
Opportunities for traditional beach activities like volleyball or water skiing.
Sun loungers and umbrellas (starting from 100 THB).
An observation deck that offers a splendid view of the whole of Phuket.
How to get there: You can reach Kata Beach by taking a bus from Phuket Town (30 THB), riding a motorcycle on Road 4028, or by taxi (starting from 300 THB from downtown Phuket).
Kata Noi
Kata Noi, a neighboring stretch of coastline to Kata Beach, is located 45 kilometers from Phuket Airport. It's a compact 600 meters in length and varies in width from 5 to 30 meters. Kata Noi is an excellent choice for a peaceful family beach vacation as there are no noisy restaurants or bars nearby.
Nai Harn
Regulars to Phuket Island consider Nai Harn the best beach in the resort. While mostly visited by locals, its serene and calm waters attract an increasing number of tourists each year. What sets Nai Harn apart is the absence of highways and tracks nearby, a pleasant bonus for beachgoers. The stunning natural scenery is complemented by the nearby Nai Harn lake and a local windmill.
Nai Harn Beach is 600 meters in length, with a width that extends up to 60 meters. The coastline is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure:
Loungers and umbrellas (starting from 100 THB).
Shops.
A playground, among other amenities.
How to get there: You can reach Nai Harn by taking a bus from Phuket Town for 50 THB or by taxi, which typically costs around 700 THB for a similar distance.
Mai Khao and Sai Keo
Mai Khao and Sai Keo are two beaches that seamlessly blend into each other. They are situated in the northern part of Phuket and collectively span approximately 12 kilometers. Many locals claim that these stretches of coastline begin near the airport. However, what draws tourists to these beaches is the white sand, crystal clear water, and picturesque natural surroundings. The infrastructure here is minimal, and there are hardly any hotels or inns.
How to get there: You can reach Mai Khao and Sai Keo by motorcycle or taxi from the airport, and the journey takes around ten minutes.
Other Family-Friendly Beaches
Nai Thon
Located within a National Nature Reserve near the popular Bang Tao Beach.
Nai Yang
Situated between Nayton and Mai Khao.
Yanui
Known as Thailand's snorkeling paradise.
Hard-to-Reach Beaches
Rawai
Rawai Beach offers a unique opportunity to visit uninhabited coastal islands. While Rawai Beach itself was Phuket's first tourist beach, its coastline is rocky and less suitable for traditional beach activities compared to famous beaches like Patong and Karon. However, locals have found a solution by organizing transfers to destinations like Coral Island, Lone Island, or Racha Island on traditional boats from here. Additionally, Cape Promtep, the island's most famous viewpoint, is located in this area.
Visitors to Rawai often prefer spending their time on the terraces of restaurants and bars rather than the beach. Some establishments offer romantic candlelit dinners after sunset. Another attraction near Rawai is the Gypsy Village, which is included in some sightseeing tours.
Laem Singh
Laem Singh Beach is one of Phuket's most beautiful yet small beaches, located near Surin and Kamala. This hidden gem boasts just 150 meters of sandy shore, surrounded by rocks and cliffs, earning it the Thai nickname of a secret beach. It can only be reached on foot by descending a winding staircase along the mountainside. Despite the difficulties, many are drawn to this fantastic spot, making it crowded during high season and tranquil in the low season.
It's worth noting that Phuket's entire coastline is dotted with small coves and cozy beaches. Take your pick and savor every moment of Phuket's breathtaking natural beauty.
