Secluded beaches of Phuket
Behind the façade of Phuket’s resort life lie hidden corners where time seems to slow down. Here, instead of bar music, you hear the whisper of palm leaves; instead of crowds of tourists — the gentle surf and the scent of the sea. Even on Thailand’s most popular island, you can still find places where nature carefully preserves an atmosphere of peace and solitude. We’ll tell you about the beaches of Phuket and nearby islands where you can escape the rush and find your zen.
Sangchai
A small beach made up of just a few coves with crystal-clear water and fine white sand. It’s easy to get here — the beach is located not far from Rawai.
Even in the high season, Sangchai remains quiet and uncrowded. Its charm lies not only in the sense of seclusion but also in the trees lining the beach, offering plenty of shade from the blazing sun.
The beach is suitable for families with children: the entry into the water is gentle, and the depth increases gradually. There are almost no strong waves in the bays, especially during the high season.
Jellyfish are rare and usually appear during the rainy season after storms. Sea urchins can be found near rocks along the edges of the bays — it’s better to enter the water from sandy areas and wear water shoes.
The best time for swimming is during mid and high tide: the water is cleaner and the depth is more comfortable for swimming. During very low tide, parts of the bays become shallow and rocks are exposed.
In the rainy season (May–October), Sangchai remains accessible, but the sea can be rough. It’s best to go in the morning and choose calm days without storms. Strong waves are usually fewer here than on the west coast beaches of Phuket, but on windy days it can still be uncomfortable.
Important: there are no official lifeguards on this beach, as it is small and undeveloped. Swim with caution and do not go too far from the shore.
Laem Sing
The secluded Laem Sing Beach is set in a bay surrounded by tropical trees. To get there, you need to follow a narrow path from the southern end of Surin Beach. You can also reach it by boat from Surin or Kamala.
This beach is an ideal place for those seeking peace and seclusion, who want to go snorkeling or simply enjoy the sunset alone with their thoughts.
Laem Sing is not the most convenient beach for small children. In some places the entry into the water is steep, and the depth increases quite quickly.
The best time for swimming is during high or mid tide: the water becomes deeper and cleaner, making it more comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. At low tide, rocks and reefs are exposed.
Potentially dangerous areas are near the rocks and cliffs along the edges of the bay. In the low season, strong waves and rip currents may occur, especially with westerly winds. How to deal with rip currents is explained in the article Rip Currents: How to Avoid Danger.
During the rainy season (May–October), the beach remains accessible, but swimming is often limited due to waves. At this time, Laem Sing is better suited for walks and relaxing on the shore.
Laem Sing is considered one of the most beautiful places to watch sunsets: the sun sets directly into the sea, creating spectacular views, especially on clear days.
Hua Beach
The beach is located next to Kamala Beach and can be reached by car or motorbike. There are almost never any waves here, but the tides are quite pronounced.
Tropical trees grow along the shore, providing shade from the heat, and there are rocky cliffs on both sides of the bay that look great in photos — especially since other tourists are unlikely to appear in your shots.
The beach is well suited for families with children: the entry into the water is gentle, and the depth increases gradually. Because the bay is sheltered, strong waves are rare here.
Swimming is more comfortable during mid and high tide, when the water is deeper and cleaner. At low tide, the sea retreats significantly, making swimming difficult. Potentially dangerous areas are near the rocky cliffs at the edges of the bay. In the rest of the beach area, the sea is calm with no strong currents.
Hua Beach remains accessible even during the rainy season and is considered one of the calmer beaches at this time thanks to its protected bay.
Hua Beach is also excellent for photographing sunsets: the sun sets beyond the sea horizon, and the cliffs along the sides of the bay create striking compositions without crowds of tourists.
Honeymoon Beach on Koh Bon Island
The small uninhabited island of Koh Bon is located just 10 km from Phuket, and can be reached by boat from Rawai in just 5–10 minutes. This place is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature or go diving. Along the shore there are several small, secluded beaches and only one hotel on the island.
This is also where Honeymoon Beach is located. As the name suggests, it is ideal for a romantic getaway. The beach is often called the “Thai Maldives” thanks to its powdery white sand and turquoise water.
The best swimming conditions are during mid and high tide, when the water is deeper, cleaner, and more comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. At low tide, reefs and rocks are exposed.
During the rainy season (May–October), Koh Bon remains accessible, but conditions depend on the weather. On stormy days, landing on the island and swimming may be limited, and noticeable waves are possible in the low season.
This place is famous for its beautiful sunsets: the sun sets directly into the sea, painting the water and sand in soft golden and pink hues — creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic escape.
Lighthouse Beach
Until recently, this beach was a hidden spot without even a name, but now it’s marked on Google Maps as Lighthouse Beach.
How to get there: if you’re coming from Rawai Beach, you’ll see a steep descent on the left just before reaching Promthep Cape. The path is quite steep and rugged in places, with a rope thoughtfully installed to help you climb safely. You can also reach the beach from Promthep Cape itself — the route is longer but less steep.
This wild beach is secluded, small, and rocky. It is primarily of interest to snorkeling enthusiasts and is also perfect for photo sessions. There are almost never any people here — that’s why the beach is considered secret.
Swimming is only possible when the sea is calm and during mid or high tide. At low tide, the water recedes, exposing rocks and reefs, which makes entering the sea difficult and unsafe. In the low season, strong waves may occur, as the beach is open to the sea and not protected by a bay.
Sunsets here are especially impressive: the beach is located near Promthep Cape, and the evening light beautifully illuminates the rocks and the sea — an ideal spot for atmospheric photography.
Naiyang
Quiet and picturesque Nai Yang Beach is ideal for those seeking peace and seclusion. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island, close to Phuket International Airport, stretches for about 2 km along the shoreline, and is surrounded by lush greenery and tropical trees.
The beach is quite large and can be roughly divided into several zones. The central area has tourist infrastructure — sun loungers, cafes, and massage salons — yet there are still far fewer visitors here than on other popular beaches of the island. To the left lies a protected area, while to the right there is a pleasant stretch of sea with easy water entry and clean water.
Nai Yang is well suited for families with children, especially on the right side of the beach, where the entry into the water is gentler and the depth increases gradually. In the central area, the sea is usually calm.
Swimming is more comfortable during mid and high tide; at low tide, the sea retreats and sandy shallows appear. During the rainy season (May–October), Nai Yang remains accessible and is often calmer than the beaches in the southern and central parts of Phuket due to its location.
Sai Kaew
Even at the height of the season, there is a good chance of finding yourself alone at Sai Kaew Beach — encountering other visitors here is more the exception than the rule. Yes, the infrastructure is minimal: no sun loungers, no umbrellas, and no noisy развлечений. But that is exactly what makes the beach special — people come here not for comfort, but for peace and the sounds of nature.
The shoreline has a steep entry into the sea, and because there is no sheltered bay, waves are common here, especially in the low season. Nevertheless, Sai Kaew charms visitors with its untouched beauty and atmosphere of seclusion — an ideal place to escape civilization and spend time alone with the sea.
The beach is not recommended for families with children. Swimming is safest when the sea is calm and during mid or high tide. At low tide, the shore becomes rockier and entering the water is less convenient.
During the rainy season (May–October), Sai Kaew is often unsuitable for swimming due to waves and currents. At this time, it is better suited for walks, meditation, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Nui Beach
One of the most photogenic beaches in Phuket, Nui Beach is tucked between Nai Harn and Kata Noi in a cozy bay with crystal-clear water and soft white sand. Only those who know where to look for seclusion make their way here.
This place is made for stunning photos: swings, hammocks, a sea-view bathtub, rocks along the shoreline — every corner begs to be captured. The charming beach cafes add to its atmosphere.
During the rainy season (May–October), Nui Beach remains accessible, but swimming depends on weather conditions. On calm days, the bay protects the beach from strong waves. Waves here are usually gentler than on the open beaches of Phuket’s west coast, although swimming may be restricted during storms.
Nui Beach is not just a beach, but a true oasis of comfort. Entrance is paid, as is the transfer from the main road, but in return you get cleanliness, good service, and privacy. An alternative option is to arrive by sea on a rented boat and start your day in one of the island’s most stylish spots.
Choose the nearest beach and experience a truly heavenly getaway. You might also find useful our selection of the best wave-free beaches in Phuket and the guide to secret locations for a beach photoshoot. And if you love scenic views, you’ll enjoy a selection of the island’s viewpoints.
