Nestled along the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. More than anything else, this popular tourist destination is best known for its beautiful beaches that draw travelers from all over the world. There are more than 30 beautiful swimming beaches in Phuket to explore and enjoy.
From bustling Patong Beach to the tranquility of Mai Khao Beach, Phuket's coastline is a diverse range of experiences. Each beach is unique, and which is the best largely depends on your preference. Whether you're seeking tranquil relaxation, thrilling water sports, or vibrant nightlife, you're sure to find a beach that's best for you.
The high (tourist) season is generally from November to April with December and January being the busiest months. The low (tourist) season is from May to October, with fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rooms. While the high season is the best time to hit the beach, the low season is the best time for surfers.
With so many stunning beaches, first-time visitors might find it mind-boggling to find the perfect beach. To simplify the decision-making, this article showcases 10 famous beaches in Phuket. Each of these coastal gems promises a unique memorable experience. Without further ado, here are the beaches for your bucket list.
Table of Contents
- Patong Beach
- Kata Beach
- Kamala Beach
- Karon Beach
- Surin Beach
- Kata Noi Beach
- Nai Harn Beach
- Ya Nui Beach
- Bang Tao Beach
- Mai Khao Beach
Patong Beach
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Patong is a seaside resort town and home to the famous Patong Beach, a stretch that spans 3 km (2 miles). The resort town is the most happening part of the island, and there's no place in Phuket that's livelier than Patong. Some love it and come back again, while others promise never to return.
Patong is the most popular seaside destination in Phuket. But if you're looking for a relaxing and quiet beach experience, then this destination may not be your ideal choice. Patong is well-oiled for tourism and busy all year round. It's energetic and bustling, featuring Bangla Road with its boisterous nightlife.
With its soft, golden sand and pristine waters, this beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Rows of beach chairs set up along the sands are ready for rental. You may also want to indulge in a soothing massage. For thrill-seekers, there's parasailing and jet skiing. There are also boat tours that can take you to the nearby islands.
Beach life in Patong is far from quiet but bustling with activities. Then again, the northern end of Patong Beach (near the 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Phuket) is quieter with fewer people, even during the high season. Besides, the scenery on this end of the beach is a lot more beautiful and the waters are clearer.
Patong offers an extensive range of lodging options, from hostels to luxury resorts. The shopping scene is equally diverse, from bustling street markets to upscale malls like the Jungceylon Shopping Center. Patong is also an entertaining town offering cabaret shows, Thai boxing matches, cinemas, bowling, and cultural performances.
Kata Beach
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Kata Beach is a sandy bay and another famous beach in Phuket. After Patong, it's the second most popular beach on the island. Though it can get busy during the high season, the crowd never reaches the level of Patong. For a quieter beach experience and cheaper accommodations, consider visiting during the low season.
Kata has a well-developed tourist infrastructure but is less touristy compared to Patong. It's a popular choice for travelers in Phuket seeking a lively yet relaxed experience in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Patong. Besides, its family-friendly ambiance further enhances its appeal to vacationing families.
Kata Beach extends 1.5 km (0.9 miles), and the lush greenery backing the shoreline adds to a picturesque setting. The soft, powdery sand and clear emerald waters are generally calm during the high season. With gentle waves lapping the shore, Kata Beach is another lovely destination for sunbathing and swimming.
There are opportunities for jet skiing and parasailing. At the north end of the beach, Phuket Dive Tours offers scuba diving and snorkeling trips, as well as diving courses for newbies. The beach is a well-known spot for surfing, and the best time is from May to October. You can find several shops where you can rent a surfboard.
There are plenty of accommodations within walking distance of the beach. There are also numerous dining options, from local street foods to high-end Western restaurants. You'll also find plenty of shops and markets to explore. A must-visit attraction is the famous Kata Night Market along Patak Road.
Kamala Beach
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Kamala Beach is another popular beach destination in Phuket. Like Kata Beach, Kamala has a good infrastructure catering to tourists but not too touristy - It's a nice balance. It's a lively destination but without the bustling energy of Patong. And during the high season, the surge in visitors is modest.
The beach is long and wide, with coconut and casuarina trees framing the shoreline. While Kamala may not claim to have the most dramatic beach in Phuket, its beauty and charm are undeniable. The gradual incline into the sea is inviting for swimmers and an ideal for families with young children.
You can rent mats and parasols from the stalls near the beach. Popular water activities include parasailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. The northern end of the beach is a favorite for snorkeling. During the low season, the north end is another popular spot in Phuket for surfing, with waves reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet).
There are several beachfront restaurants, serving from Thai dishes to international fare. It's a lovely destination for nightlife for those who prefer a quieter evening out. On Mondays and Fridays, don't miss the Kamala Market. There are the usual clothes, souvenirs, gadgets, and more. It's also a local food hub for tasty Thai snacks.
Phuket FantaSea, in Kamala, is a top attraction in Phuket. This Thai cultural theme park spans over 24 hectares (60 acres) and is famous for its elaborate stage shows. Another is Carnival Magic, a Thai carnival theme park spanning 16 hectares (40 acres), providing plenty of fun activities, including parades and night performances.
Karon Beach
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Karon Beach is a long and wide stretch situated between Patong Beach (to the north) and Kata Beach (to the south). Karon is notably peaceful and more relaxed than its livelier neighbors, especially Patong. With a length that spans 4 km (2.5 miles), the serenity of Karon Beach ensures you'll never feel crowded.
Karon has a developed infrastructure catering to tourists but is not over-developed. It's well-balanced, with a little bit of everything but not too much. There's the beach to enjoy, a host of activities, great dining, a range of accommodations, and a nightlife in a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
This famous beach in Phuket spans 3 km (2 miles) and is surrounded by palm trees. While it may not rival the popularity of Patong or even Kata, there's ample space for a serene and undisturbed vacation, even during the high season. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the beautiful coastline offers relaxing walks.
You'll find many restaurants, tour companies, and hotels clustered on the northern and southern ends of Karon Beach. Scarcely any hotels have direct access to the seafront, most located across a non-busy road. You'll find a wide selection from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale resorts.
Karon is more than sand and sea. Wat Karon, on Patak Road, is a splendid temple featuring Buddha statues, images, and paintings. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there's the Karon Night Market near the temple. Many hotels here offer cooking classes, where you can learn the art of preparing Thai cuisine from skilled experts.
Surin Beach
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Surin Beach is a beautiful and relatively upscale area known for its stunning scenery, pristine white sand, and crystal-clear waters. Due to the upscale nature, prices of accommodation here can be higher than in other parts of Phuket. Surin Beach is an excellent choice if you're willing to invest more for a luxurious beach experience.
The beach spans just 800 meters (0.5 miles) but fairly wide. It's a picturesque beach of soft white sand and pristine emerald waters, with coconut and casuarina trees gracing the shoreline. It's a beautiful beach to enjoy, but take extra care when swimming, as the beach slopes fairly quickly into the sea.
Beach chairs and parasols are available for rent. Activities here include kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing. The very clear waters near the rocks at the northern and southern end of the beach are great spots for snorkeling. If you don't have one, you can rent or buy snorkeling gear from one of the vendors nearby the beach.
Behind and parallel to the beach, you'll find rows of small food stalls. You can buy canned drinks, fresh fruit drinks, and cold shakes to quench your thirst. There are also stalls serving tasty local snacks, cut and peeled local fruits, and varieties of delectable meals. What's more, the prices are very reasonable.
The area around Surin Beach boasts several high-end resorts and hotels in the 4 to 5-star range. You can expect spacious bedrooms, many with exceptional views. These establishments feature top-notch amenities such as outdoor pools, fitness centers, and spas. For budget-friendly alternatives, there are some 3-star options in the area.
Kata Noi Beach
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Kata Noi Beach is a beautiful and serene beach on the southwestern coast of Phuket, located south of Kata Beach. Set in a beautiful bay and 700 meters (2,300 feet) long, Kata Noi is one of the smaller beaches in Phuket. Kata Noi is a haven of tranquility compared to the livelier Kata Beach, just around the corner.
Kata Noi is one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Phuket. The white sandy bay has been awarded several times, including in 2023, by TripAdvisor as the "Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best" based on reviews and ratings collected from travelers. The bay also feature some of the best sunsets on the island.
The beach is picturesque, boasting a broad expanse of pristine white sand and remarkably transparent waters. Framed by palm trees, the shoreline's natural beauty is even more pronounced. Additionally, the gradual descent into the sea makes Kata Noi a delightful beach for swimmers of all levels.
If you're into snorkeling, the rocky outcrops at the south end of Kata Noi offer an underwater world to explore. The beach is also known for its good surfing conditions from May to October. The best surfing is at the northern end, where waves can reach 2 meters (7 feet) high. Surfing lessons and board rentals are available here.
There are not many tourist accommodations in Kata Noi compared to other beaches on the island. What's available is within walking distance from the beach, including resorts, hotels, and guesthouses catering to different budgets. Kata Noi offers a variety of restaurants near the seafront serving both Thai and international cuisine.
Nai Harn Beach
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Nai Harn Beach is a picturesque and tranquil bay on the southwestern coast of Phuket. Located away from most beaches on the island's west coast, Nai Harn is a bit more remote. The result, Nai Harn has managed to escape from the trappings of overdevelopment, and there are no towns nearby.
The beach is almost untouched, with little commercial activities. In contrast to the more frequented beaches in Phuket, Nai Harn Beach isn't crowded, even during the high season. It's more relaxed here. That said, you'll find ample hotels, restaurants, and shops within a short walk of the seafront.
The waters are generally calm, especially during the high season. The white powdery white sand and emerald waters make the beach a lovely place for swimming and sunbathing. Additionally, the lush greenery of trees framing the shoreline creates a scenic setting and a feeling of seclusion.
While Nai Harn is not as densely packed with accommodations, you'll find a selection within short walks from the beach. Options include resort-style accommodations, hotels, and guesthouses. For dining, you'll also find a selection of simple restaurants not far from the seafront serving varieties of popular Thai dishes.
Ban Nai Harn Park is just behind the beach and in the middle of a lake. It's a small island park with mostly casuarina trees and a pleasant place for a stroll. A landmark near the lake is Wat Nai Harn, a small yet beautiful Thai Buddhist temple with decorated multiple roof tiers and curled roof peaks.
Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui Beach is a picturesque secluded cove on the southwestern coast of Phuket, just to the south of Nai Harn Beach. This sheltered gem is a small beach spanning less than 200 meters (approximately 650 feet). Despite its compact size, the compensation is its breathtaking beauty and intimate ambiance.
The cove doesn't have the same level of commercial development and activities as the bigger and more popular beaches in Phuket. This sandy stretch is almost undeveloped. It's not overcrowded, an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed and tranquil beach experience.
Ya Nui is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and stunning rocky outcrops that add to the natural beauty. The calm and clear waters are perfect for swimming. And the rocky outcrops have created an interesting underwater landscape for snorkelers. And from the beach, you can see the small nearby island of Koh Man.
Other popular activities include kayaking and paddle boarding - there's no jet skiing here. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rent at the beach. Renting a kayak, you can paddle to Koh Man, which features some of the best snorkeling opportunities in Phuket.
While there are no accommodations directly facing the seafront, you'll find a couple of guesthouses within a 5-minute walk. Head to Rawai, a 5-minute drive to Ya Nui, for more options from luxury to budget-friendly. Across the road from the beach are three restaurants serving delectable Thai dishes and cooling drinks.
Bang Tao Beach
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Bang Tao Beach is a large open bay between Kamala Beach in the south and Mai Khao Beach in the north. It's located halfway between Phuket Airport and Patong Beach. Bang Tao's white sandy beach spans over 6 km (4 miles) and is the second longest in Phuket after Mai Khao Beach.
The southern half of the beach is more developed, where you'll find most accommodations. That said, this part of the beach is never crowded. In contrast, the northern half is less developed and notably quieter, with the beach almost to yourself. As you stroll towards the north end, the beach takes on a deserted appearance.
In the middle is Laguna Phuket, a famous luxury resort complex for high-paying guests. Dominating a large part of Bang Tao, the complex is home to seven upscale hotels and an 18-hole golf course. Amenities include large swimming pools, luxury spas, a notable range of dining options, and access to various water sports.
Towards the southern end of Bang Tao, you'll find accommodations that are more budget-friendly to the pocket. They are mainly resort-style 3-star hotels with outdoor pools. There are also a couple of cheaper bungalows and guesthouses. Though not directly facing the seafront, they are all within a few minutes walk.
The southern end of the beach is a vibrant hub. Charming wooden huts and small restaurants fringe the seafront, providing an inexpensive range of meals and drinks. While it comes alive during the high season, it's not boisterous but manages to retain a serene and inviting ambiance.
Mai Khao Beach
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Mai Khao Beach is a tranquil coastline on the northwestern coast of Phuket. The stretch spans over 11 km (7 miles) from Sirinat National Park in the south to the island's northern tip. Mai Khao Beach, which is part of Sirinat National Park, holds the distinction as Phuket's longest beach.
As a national park, there's hardly any development catering to tourists along Mai Khao Beach. The hotels are thoughtfully a distance from the coast. There are no beach chairs and parasols for rent. There are no food vendors in sight. And there are no jet skis and paddle boats to rent.
Mai Khao Beach offers an almost deserted ambiance for most of the time, making it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and seclusion. The main activities are relaxing on the sand (bring your beach mat or towel for comfort), strolls along the scenic coast, and refreshing swims in the clear sea.
The end of the runway of Phuket Airport almost touches the shore. The spot is the go-to place for watching planes flying very close to the beach as they descend for landing. This thrilling spectacle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should be on the list of things to do during a trip to Phuket.
The beach is largely undeveloped, and you'll find hotels and luxury resorts within walking distance. There's a concentration on the south end of the beach. You won't find many dining options on the beach, and your best options are at the hotels and resorts. Many resorts provide spa and wellness services to rejuvenate your body.
