As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket has no shortage of gorgeous beaches – some 30, in fact, to choose from. However, not all beaches are perfect for all people.
Phuket has party beaches, family-friendly beaches, quiet beaches, and secluded beaches. You’ll be spoiled with choices!
How do you choose? Read on for a rundown of the best beaches in Phuket.
The Quiet Ones
Despite being in one of Phuket’s busier areas, Freedom Beach is quiet, unspoiled, and serene. You’ll need to get in touch with your inner adventurer to get there, as there’s a trek through a jungle to navigate first. However, this beautiful beach is worth the effort.
Just north of the much-livelier Patong is Kamala Beach; one of the most authentic beaches in Phuket, it’s tranquil, and has shallow, calm water that makes it perfect for paddling with the family.
Kata Noi, literally ‘little Kata.’ is a small but perfectly-formed bay on Phuket’s west coast. With soft white sand and jaw-dropping scenery, it’s also home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts and hillside bars, with stunning sunset views over the horizon.
The Celebrity Retreat
Often referred to as the ‘Millionaire’s Row,’ Surin is packed with celeb haunts and luxury resorts, plus a plethora of million-dollar hillside homes. Popular with tourists without being overwhelmingly busy, Surin has some of the best restaurant and bar options on the island.
The Really Quiet One
Mai Khao Beach has coarser sand than any other beach in Phuket (its name literally means ‘white wood’), but it’s the perfect spot for those who want to walk for miles without running into another person. Be warned, though – a steep drop-off makes this one less than ideal for swimming.
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The One With All the Resorts
Bang Tao is a beach dominated by Laguna Phuket, one of the biggest resort complexes in Asia. Right along its six-kilometer stretch, you’ll find resorts and villas galore, but peace-seekers can visit the northern end, which is currently undeveloped, to have a place to themselves.
The Active Ones
A small bay to the south, Nai Harn is hugely popular with kite surfers and surfers, especially in a low season where the currents are stronger. It’s still reasonably quiet. If you’d like to take a break, you can fish in the lake just behind the beach or book a swan-shaped pedalo for a leisurely float on the water.
Kata Beach is crazily popular with both tourists and locals, with tons of great surfing for more active types. If shopping is your activity of choice, Kata has you covered there, too.
Phuket’s third longest beach, Karon Beach has fantastic snorkeling and diving spots, plus a ton of dining, shopping, and clubbing venues, and even a bi-weekly market held within a Buddhist temple. It’s also home to Luang Poh Chan Road, one of the most blatant spots in Phuket.
The Life of the Party
Phuket’s most famous beach, Patong might not be the most beautiful stretch of sand around, but it’s extremely popular. It’s not hard to see why. During the day, it’s packed with banana boats and jet skis. After dark, its unique nightlife scene comes to life with young people enjoying the party atmosphere. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the bright lights of the famous Bangla Road.
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