18 best beaches in Phuket

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Almost all of Phuket's beaches have good accessibility, cleanliness and easy entry into the water. The difference between them is mainly in the development of infrastructure around. And the cost of the rest will largely depend on this. Do you want to relax in comfort in Phuket? In our ranking of the best, we will tell you which beach is best for this.

About beach holidays in Phuket

Before planning your vacation in Phuket, you need to study some information about the features of the beaches of the island, and we are ready to share it:

1. On the island, all the beaches are municipal – this means that you can safely come to any of them to relax whenever you want, even if the hotel path is adjacent to the coast.
2. The best beaches on the island are western. All of them are distinguished by a gentle entry into the water, have a well-developed infrastructure nearby for a comfortable stay.
3. The best time to visit Phuket is in the winter-spring period (November-April), when the waves are not so strong, and the weather is good.
4. The cost of a beach holiday can be different and depends mainly on the choice of the tourist.

Best beaches in Phuket

Nomination	a place	beach	rating
The most beautiful beaches in Phuket	1	Bang Tao Beach	4.9
	3	Karon Beach	4.8
	4	Kalim Beach	4.7
	5	Tri Trang Beach	4.7
	6	Pansy (Pansea Beach )	4.5
	7	Nai Thon Beach	4.4
	8	Paradise Beach	4.3
The best beaches for families with children	1	Kata beach	4.9
	2	Nai Harn Beach	4.8
	3	Kamala Beach	4.7
Phuket's best party beaches	1	Patong (Patong Beach )	4.9
	2	Surin Beach	4.8
The quietest beaches in Phuket	1	Freedom Beach	4.9
	2	Ao Sane Beach	4.8
	3	Banana Beach	4.7
	4	Yanui beach	4.6
	5	Mai Khao Beach	4.5
	6	Nai Yang	4.4

The most beautiful beaches in Phuket

Bang Tao Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.9

Located in a picturesque bay with a length of 8 km – practically the longest beach on the island. There are usually few people resting here, so the place is distinguished by comfortable silence, cleanliness of the coast and water. Bang Tao can be called an elite option, since most of Phuket's expensive hotels are located here. The beach is fully equipped: visitors are offered sun loungers with umbrellas (a set will cost about 100-150 baht).

Velvet golden sand, clear water, small caressing waves and a convenient entry into the sea – all this is Bang Tao. By the way, the waves are raging here out of season (however, like on other beaches of Phuket), but this is an ideal rest period for connoisseurs of good surfing. As you move to the northern part, the number is rapidly decreasing, and at its most northern point it is almost deserted: an ideal place for privacy and beautiful photo sessions without strangers in the frame.

Since the infrastructure of the coast is well developed, vacationers are offered a variety of beach activities: windsurfing, parasailing, jet skis, yachting, and you can enjoy diving. Nearby there is a golf club and a night club. Since Bang Tao is considered one of the most prestigious on the island, it should be noted that the prices here are 'prestigious' (most services here will cost more than on other beaches).

Suitable for: respectable, active, family vacation

Karon Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.8

One of several of the most famous and popular beaches in Phuket with excellent infrastructure and many attractions. The nearly 4 km line is divided into 2 parts (north / south). The northern one, which is noisier, is suitable for active youth recreation, while the southern one will appeal to connoisseurs of a more measured, calm beach holiday. Delicate yellow fine sand pleases with its softness and surprises with an unusual crunch when you step on it (as if on snow).

The sea water is very warm and incredibly clean, but not everyone will be able to swim, because the waves are often raging and there is a strong current. If you wish, you can rent sun beds, umbrellas, actively relax on the water, ride a jet ski or go in for parasailing, windsurfing, diving. And after a busy rest, relax in the massage parlor, located right on the beach. In addition, there are many SPA-salons, restaurants where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food.

Not far from Karon there is a local temple of amazing beauty, a little further – the famous Karon View Point with an excellent view of the sea. Not far from the center of the beach there is a market (Tue / Sat) where you can buy food, souvenirs, clothes.

Suitable for: active, family, youth recreation

Kalim Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.7

It is located very close to Patong, famous for its nightlife. The place is very cozy, secluded, with incredible beauty of landscapes and bewitching silence. There are no crowds of noisy tourists here, no night discos. The sea is quite calm and very clean. True, the entrance to the water is rocky, so it is better to enter the sea in special shoes so as not to injure your feet.

The beach strip of Kalima is very narrow (by Thai standards, at least) – only about 20 m. The coast can be conditionally divided into 2 parts. North – with a gentle entrance to the sea, a small number of stones at the bottom and a complete absence of trees. South – with a sharp departure of the coast to a depth, large stones at the bottom and the presence of a small number of trees, giving some kind of shade. There are several inexpensive cafes and restaurants on the shore; nearby there are enough housing options (from economy to luxury).

Holidays on Kalim are ideal for those who want to be close to the active nightlife, but at the same time enjoy the temporary peace and lack of fuss. Here you can have a great rest from Patong, then plunge headlong into its hectic life.

Suitable for: calm, secluded relaxation (with the possibility of an active nightlife)

Tri Trang Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.6

Another secluded place located near Patong. Until recently, it was known only to local residents, but everything is changing rapidly. Tri Trang is very quiet, with a wide sandy strip of coast, a comfortable gentle entry into the water. Many tourists speak very flatteringly about this place due to its clear water, sandy bottom and the absence of a large number of people.

Among the undoubted advantages is the presence of fresh water showers on the coast. But among the shortcomings – strong ebb. At this time, the rocky bottom of the Tri Tranga is completely exposed and you can forget about swimming in the sea as such. In addition, a coral reef appears as you go deeper. But even at low tide, you can have a great rest, walking along the beach in search of outlandish shells, visiting one of the massage parlors, enjoying shopping in boutiques. And in the evening, in a couple of minutes, get to Patong and plunge into dizzying entertainment.

Suitable for: for relaxation, quiet rest

Pansy (Pansea Beach)

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.5

The beach, which is an exceptional case for Phuket, is not considered municipal. This is a closed area, which can only be reached by settling in one of the nearby five-star hotels. In fact, Pansy is available exclusively to guests of hotel complexes. They are provided with sun loungers and umbrellas for a comfortable stay.

The length of the coastal strip is less than half a kilometer. On both sides, the bay is reliably protected from stormy waves by large boulders. The width of the beach is small – about 40 m. The sand on the coast is pale beige, fine, velvety. The entrance to the water is very convenient and gentle. Not far from the coast there are many cozy restaurants and cafes.

Since the beach, due to natural features, is completely fenced off from the neighboring ones, it is almost impossible to get to it by water or from the adjacent territory. A simple and convenient option is from the hotel side.

Suitable for: respectable, active, family vacation

Nai Thon Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.4

The most peaceful and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Nai Thon is located surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. There are only a few hotels and a small Thai village within the beach strip, despite the fact that the coastline is about 1 km long and differs in considerable width.

Directly on the beach, there is an impressively dense casuirin grove, where you can take refuge in the hottest hours of the day. The soft beige velvety sand, despite its softness, strongly 'creaks' underfoot, and in the afternoon it heats up so that it is difficult to step on it (it is better to walk in shoes).

The entrance to the water is sandy (no corals, algae, etc.). But with the depth something strange is happening, to which, however, they are already accustomed: first shallow, going a little further – deeper, then – again shallow. The sea water is very warm, clean and transparent. Among the pluses is the presence of fresh water showers practically on the coast.

Note: you won't be able to rent an umbrella / chaise longue here. You can hide from the sun only in the shade of trees.

Suitable for: quiet rest, privacy

Paradise Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.3

A colorful beach with a colorful name. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and 'protected' by rocks (on both sides). This minimizes the number and intensity of waves, making the area suitable for swimming almost all year round. The abundance of tropical trees gives excellent shade directly to the shore, protecting from the scorching rays of the sun.

Paradise is one of the few coastal pieces that have survived in their original form. Its territory is divided in half by huge boulders. The coast is shallow, but there are stones and even corals, which, however, does not stop those who like to swim. The coastline is almost miniature by Thai standards – only 150 m in length.

Throughout the coast, the sand has a different shade: some of it is white as snow, and some, mixed with coral fragments, turned yellow. By the way, although the beach is small, its infrastructure is well developed: on the coast, in the grove there is a decent restaurant, a couple of shops. Among the pleasant things – a shower with fresh water. The territory is clean, very well maintained. There are also beach activities: you can explore the sea world with a snorkeling mask, and the bay – on a long-tail boat or kayak.

Note: Paradise is an exception in a number of other coastal tourist areas in Phuket – the entrance is paid. For adults the price is 200 baht, for children it is free.

Suitable for: quiet, family vacation

The best beaches for families with children

Kata beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.9

Ideal for families with children, because there are no noisy parties, a large number of people on every square meter (like in Patong, for example) and there are excellent conditions for children's recreation and swimming. The coast is sandy, the entrance to the water is shallow, the depth is gained gradually, without sharp dips. Tourists will always be offered comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas for shelter from the scorching sun, there are towers with lifeguards, a toilet, showers. There are several cafes and bars on the beach, and there are diving centers.

It is important that the location of Kata is very good, because there are other equally famous beaches nearby, which can be easily reached. The coastline of Kata is quite large – about 1.5 km. From there, a wonderful view opens up to the artificial island next door – Pu (Crab). You can go there for those who are a little tired of the hustle and bustle of the crowded Kata. There is also a small cafe for refreshments and snacks.

The choice of beach activities is incredibly wide: kayaking, snorkeling, bananas, yachting, you can fly by parachute (following the motorboat), jet skis, there is a kitesurfing school (the cost of an hour of this 'pleasure' is about 800 baht) Nearby there is Dino Park, where you can watch dinosaurs, a volcanic eruption. You can quickly get to the Karon View Point, which offers a magnificent view of the beaches of the island.

Note: it is better not to enter the northern part. There is an anchorage for fishing boats, and the bottom in the sea is rocky. You can easily injure yourself on rocks or ropes from boats.

Nai Harn Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.8

The half-kilometer coastline stretches along a colorful and quiet lagoon surrounded by luscious palm trees. Nai Harn is located some distance from the most popular beaches in Phuket. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the best not only in Thailand, but throughout Asia. Nai Harn is a wide sandy coastline that merges into the sea. For children, this is paradise. The depth increases gradually, the bottom is sandy. The sea is almost calm during the season.

You can rent umbrellas with sun loungers (traditionally for 100 baht). There are also many trees on the beach, from which you can also comfortably hide under the shade. An unusual feature of Nai Harn is the freshwater lagoon, which was formed due to the proximity of a freshwater lake that flows into the sea. It is very shallow and the current is quite fast: kids love to splash in this lagoon.

Nai Harn is not considered a tourist destination, so there are no special beach activities here. But you can rent a yacht or buy sports equipment for rent, go surfing (out of season). There are also not many hotels nearby. There are fruit shops, cafes and small shops near the beach. There is a Buddhist temple nearby.

Kamala Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.7

Located near the famous and bustling Patong. Unlike its 'neighbor', Kamala is a cozy, quiet beach. The length of the coastal strip is about 2 km. There are practically no waves during the seasonal period, since the coast is protected by a secluded bay. The sea is always warm and clean. You can hide from the scorching sun not only under an umbrella, which tourists purchase with a sun lounger for 100 baht, but also under one of the many palm trees growing on the coast.

Tourists have access to a variety of beach activities: outdoor enthusiasts will be able to dive, snorkel, ride jet skis, boats, boats, and even kayaks. In the hotels located nearby, you can attend yoga or culinary arts lessons, relax on the massage table.

The main entertainment of Kamala and the most famous on the island is Phuket FantaSea. This is a show featuring professional artists, gymnasts and various animals. The spectacular performance will delight children and delight adults. There are also many restaurants, attractions, and a shopping center not far from the beach center.

Phuket's best party beaches

Patong (Patong Beach)

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.9

It is considered one of the most popular on the island and invariably attracts lovers of noisy companies and thrills. It is always lively, fun and expensive here. Along the beach there is a large number of not only hotels, but also restaurants, numerous SPA-salons, bars, clubs, etc. To say that there is an active nightlife is to say nothing. The question is that to relax here you will have to open your wallet wider, since the prices here are perhaps one of the highest on the island.

Among the obvious shortcomings, one can name constant garbage: due to the huge number of people and their constant movement (groups of tourists are often brought to the beach), workers do not have time (or do not want) to remove the 'traces' of their rest. If you make a discount for this minus, it can be noted that, in general, Patong is very good: entering the water is very convenient, at the bottom there is soft sand, the slope of the coast is not very large (if you wish, you can walk a few meters deep, and then with pleasure dive into the water).

The length of the coast is about 4 km, almost along its entire length it is literally covered with sun loungers, which can be rented for 100 baht. As for beach activities, you will not be bored here: you can go windsurfing, ride an air banana boat, a jet ski, even jump with a parachute or go on a motorboat to nearby beaches.

Suitable for: active, youth recreation

Surin Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.8

Like Bang Tao, Surin is aimed at tourists with a fairly high level of income, so the prices are appropriate here. Although, it cannot be said that they 'bite' much, it is just that expensive infrastructure elements prevail. To the attention of tourists there is a variety of luxury hotels, boutiques, entertainment establishments, luxurious beauty salons and restaurants serving elite wines and the best delicacies.

The beautiful beach strip, covered with velvet white sand, is surrounded by pine vegetation, which gives Surin even more spice. There is no carriageway near Surin, which, perhaps, can be attributed to the merits. The entrance to the sea is very convenient, in some places on the bottom there are small stones, the coast is perfectly clean. In the off-season, by the way, too big waves rise here, so swimming is prohibited.

At the peak of the season, tourists are offered a variety of beach activities: windsurfing, bananas, parasailing, yachting, jet skis. One of the most active daytime establishments is the Catch Beach Club bar, delighting with live music, a cheerful atmosphere and a variety of excellent dishes. In addition to him, there are many other open bars, cafes and inexpensive shops on the beach: no one will be hungry for sure.

Suitable for: family, active, youth

The quietest beaches in Phuket

Freedom Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.9

A neat beach strip only half a kilometer long is not a hindrance for a great vacation, especially if you want to enjoy the sounds of nature in solitude from the crowds of tourists scurrying around nearby. After all, Freedom is one of the most secluded and inaccessible beaches of the island, which can only be reached by sea, by longtail (traditional island boat).

Soft, snow-white, clean sand, picturesque nature – a real paradise. From the sea, the view is incredible: stunning mountain headlands, densely covered with palm trees. By the way, Freedom is equipped: for 100 baht you can rent a sunbed with an umbrella. Given the fact that the beach is practically wild, there will be no entertainment here, but there will be more than enough horizon, sun, sea and silence (except for the sea surf) clean from tourists.

There is an expensive restaurant on the territory of Freedom, which owns a part of the beach. By the way, they say that the institution is no longer working (to find out, you will have to check). There are several inexpensive hotels not far from the coast. If you love a serene, totally quiet holiday, this is the perfect place for you.

Note: there are coral reefs not far from the coast, which will be appreciated by snorkelers.

Ao Sane Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.8

A small, almost wild beach is located just half a kilometer from Nai Harn. It is considered one of the most secret places on the island. And the point is not that its location is hidden: just few have heard of it and getting there is not very convenient (either under the building of The Naiharn hotel where you live, or by transport).

There is convenient parking nearby; on the coast, tourists are offered sun loungers for a comfortable sunbathing. You can have a snack or refresh yourself in a small cafe here. The coast is not very wide, sandy. In some places on Ao San there are large hewn boulders (the same ones surround the beach on the sides). The coast is rarely deserted, but there won't be a lot of people here either. Basically, this beach is visited either by tourists from hotels in the neighborhood, or visiting foreigners who live in Phuket for a long time.

Note: if you plan to get to Ao San, it is better to use a moped for this purpose, since the road to the beach is rather narrow and you will have to constantly disperse by car with those who are driving in the opposite direction.

Banana Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.7

A small, wild beach hidden from prying eyes by tropical vegetation. It is located in a secluded bay, which can be reached from Bang Tao Lagoon or Layan Beach. Despite the seclusion, many tourists know about Banana Beach, so you shouldn't be surprised by the considerable number of 'neighbors'. True, the abundance of people is not observed every day, so it is still possible to rest quietly and comfortably.

It is noteworthy that there is practically no wave on the coast, even when they begin to rage on other beaches. To get there, you need to go down a very steep path. Perhaps it is for this reason that you will not find tourists with children here.

The sand on the coast is quite coarse, heavy, does not rise in waves, so there is always clear water (no turbidity for you) of pale green color. The entrance to the sea is convenient, the bottom is sandy, the depth starts very quickly. There is a small outlet on the beach where cold drinks and beer are sold, there is nowhere to eat, so all the food you need for the day must be taken with you.

Yanui beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.6

A small, quiet, almost deserted beach tucked away at the edge of Phuket's southern tip. It is one of the few places on the island ideal for snorkelling the beauty of the underwater world. The beach strip is quite narrow, the coast is completely sandy, comfortable, and also sandy entry into the sea. After a few meters, stones are already beginning, therefore it is recommended to enter the water in special shoes.

Of the infrastructure nearby, there is only a small hotel and a restaurant related to it. On Yanui during peak season, you will be provided with sun loungers and umbrellas for comfortable sunbathing. The sea is always calm, the water is clear. There is a convenient parking near the beach, a small cafe where you can taste excellent fruit necks, coconut.

In addition to snorkeling, you can also find other entertainment – kayaking. Or try to walk around a small island located directly opposite the beach. Just do not land on it: it is surrounded by stones and quite sharp.

Note: it is recommended to visit Yanui only during high tide hours, which can be found on the official website of Phuket. Since at low tide, the entrance to the sea becomes extremely rocky and very dangerous.

Mai Khao Beach

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.5

Although the beach is large compared to other “brothers” in size (its length is about 11 km), it gained fame not because of this, but because of its proximity to the airport. The fact is that planes periodically fly over Mai Kao, landing on land. The coast is often quite deserted, so here you can enjoy the wild vibrant nature here.

But swimming in the sea is unlikely to succeed, since entering the water is not particularly convenient, it is also dangerous: the depth begins almost immediately. Apparently due to the proximity of the sea current, washing out the sand, the entry into the sea is so deep. The sand on the coast is very coarse and heavy, so even during the surf periods, the sea water remains incredibly clear, the perfect turquoise shade.

Nai Yang

Beach rating (Phuket): 4.4

It is considered not only one of the quietest, but also practically wild: there is no particularly developed infrastructure, beach entertainment, equipped for sunbathing. Most often, here you can meet not tourists, but local residents who visit this place to relax in the shade of trees and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The cost of living in nearby hotels is quite loyal, on the coast there are large areas equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. There are several cafes and restaurants offering delicious snacks. The beach strip is located in a cozy bay, so waves are rare. In addition, the bay is protected by a coral reef, which can be a godsend for snorkelers.

Only those who know how to swim will be able to swim in the sea, since the bottom slope is very steep almost along the entire length of the beach and the depth begins almost immediately. By the way, this is another beach located not far from the airport, so planes can fly here, literally 10 meters above the surface of the water and sand.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.