List of popular and best secret beaches in Phuket

The variety of beaches in Phuket allows everyone to find the perfect spot for relaxation: from wild and secluded stretches to lively party hubs with entertainment and nightlife. Each beach in Phuket is unique: nature has gifted the island with stunning landscapes and mountainous terrains, while some spots have been enhanced by humans, creating interesting Instagram-worthy locations. Want to know which places are best for swimming depending on the season, where to go with kids, and where to find Phuket’s best marine activities? Insider has compiled a list of the top-rated beaches 🔥 The best ones go first 👇🏼

Banana Beach (Ko He)

Actually, there are two beaches in Phuket named Banana Beach. Here we will tell about the one located on the island Ko He (information about the other Banana Beach can be read here ). Banana Beach is located on Ko He Island (also known as Coral Island) — just 20...

Rating: 4.8

Rawai

Nai Harn

Nai Harn Beach in Phuket is located in the south of the island and deservedly is one of the best in Phuket. Due to its location in the bay, the beach is protected from wind and strong waves, so it is favored by families with children. Here is clean transparent...

Rating: 4.7

Nai Harn

Karon

A large and fairly wide beach stretching about three kilometers along the island’s west coast. The sand here is very light, almost white. It’s also called “singing sand” because it contains a high amount of quartz and squeaks under your feet like snow. The entry into the water at Karon...

Rating: 4.6

Karon

Banana Beach

Banana Beach in Phuket is located in the northwest between popular Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches. This is a quiet haven surrounded by palm trees and cliffs. For a long time, the beach remained unknown as it was hidden by nature from prying eyes. See Banana Beach on the...

Rating: 4.6

Bang Tao

Kata Noi

Many consider Kata Noi Beach one of the best in Phuket. It is quiet, cozy, and very picturesque. On both sides of Kata Noi Beach, there are huge rocks that make it very photogenic. There are almost no intrusive vendors, noise, or bustle here. In high season, when the sea...

Rating: 4.6

Kata

Kata

Kata Beach is one of the most charming and popular places among tourists due to its location and picturesque views. It is located on the western coast of Phuket between Karon and Kata Noi beaches. Kata attracts tourists with its wide strip of soft white sand, which is perfect for...

Rating: 4.6

Kata

Yanui

Yanui is a beautiful and cozy beach in the south of the island, approximately 600 meters from the more famous Nai Harn Beach. Yanui occupies an area of only about 200 meters, but it is very attractive due to its beauty. Its distinctive feature is a rocky outcrop that divides...

Rating: 4.6

Rawai

Kalim Beach

Kalim Beach sits right next to its noisy neighbor, Patong Beach — just a two-minute drive away — but the atmosphere here is completely different: calm and cozy. There’s no noise or hustle, making it a great choice for those who want to reconnect with nature and enjoy some quiet...

Rating: 4.6

Patong

Mai Khao

Mai Khao Beach is one of the longest on the island, stretching almost 11 kilometers along the northwestern coast of Phuket and is part of Sirinat National Park. As this is a protected area, there are no organized water activities here, but you can go snorkeling. Most people know Mai...

Rating: 4.6

Mai Khao

Nai Thon

Naithon Beach is a peaceful beach on the northwest coast of Phuket, in Sakhu district. Located in Sirinath National Park, just 10 km from the airport. About 1 km long, 50 meters wide. Perfect spot for those seeking peace and quiet close to the airport. Naithon is excellent for surfing...

Rating: 4.6

Sakhu

Ao Yan

Many people ask: “Where to swim in Phuket during low season?” Here’s the answer: Ao Yon Beach. This is exactly the place where there are never big waves — even in summer when western beaches (Patong, Karon, Kata) are stormy with red flags. The secret is simple: Ao Yon Beach...

Rating: 4.6

Panwa

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is the Railay Beach on Krabi in the western part of the Railay Peninsula, surrounded by picturesque limestone cliffs. The water here is warm, clear, of an incredible emerald color. The place is quite touristy, but you can always find a secluded corner. In addition, the beach offers...

Rating: 4.5

Krabi

Surin

A beach with the cleanest and clearest water in Phuket. It is located in the northwestern part of the island between Kamala and Bang Tao beaches and the less known Had Laem Sing and Pansi. In sunny weather, here is that very white sand, turquoise and perfectly transparent water. In...

Rating: 4.5

Surin

Bang Tao

Bang Tao Beach in Phuket is the second longest after Mai Khao, stretching for 7 kilometers along the west coast. A distinctive feature of the beach is the vegetation, in which coniferous trees predominate, so here you can hide from the scorching sun in the shade of casuarina groves. The...

Rating: 4.5

Bang Tao

Haad Laem Sing

The perfect combo: soft white sand, crystal clear water, and no tourists. Laem Singh Beach in Phuket is located in a bay surrounded by tropical trees and rocks, making it private. This is the ideal place for those seeking a peaceful rest and seclusion with the opportunity to go snorkeling....

Rating: 4.5

Kamala

Sai Kaew

On this beach, even in high season, it will be real luck to meet anyone. And all because nearby there is not a single hotel and only one cafe. There is no dense tourist infrastructure, sun loungers and umbrellas on Sai Kaew. But people come here not for activities, but...

Rating: 4.5

Mai Khao

Coral Beach

Coral Beach is a true paradise island just 20 minutes from Phuket. Here you’ll find fine white sand like flour and crystal clear azure water. An ideal place for relaxation and snorkeling. Moreover, even during the low season, this beach has significantly fewer waves than others. The area has many...

Rating: 4.5

Rawai

Freedom

Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket, located in a picturesque bay near Patong. The proximity to the famous beach makes it easy to find, while the noisy neighbor does not interfere with maintaining seclusion. The sand here is very fine and white, like flour, and...

Rating: 4.4

Patong

Kamala

Kamala Beach, located in the central part of Phuket’s west coast, is a picturesque spot ideal for families and those seeking a quieter, more secluded escape. Stretching 1.5 km, Kamala is one of the island’s finest sandy beaches. The gentle entrance to the water and soft golden sand make this...

Rating: 4.4

Kamala

Naiyang

Nai Yang Beach in Phuket is ideal for those seeking seclusion surrounded by nature. It is located in the north of the island not far from the airport. The beach stretches 2 kilometers along the shore and is surrounded by lush greenery. Also, right here is Sirinat National Park with...

Rating: 4.4

Sakhu

Merlin Snorkel

Merlin Beach is a small peaceful beach near Patong that belongs to Marriott hotel but is open to everyone. Mostly hotel guests relax here, few tourists. Great spot for those seeking quiet close to busy Patong. We recommend coming during high tide and wearing swimming shoes, as to reach depth,...

Rating: 4.4

Patong

Tri Trang

Tri Trang Beach (also known as Emerald Beach) is a quiet, cozy 700-meter beach located in a sheltered bay south of Patong. It’s 2.5 km from Patong Beach (20 min walk or 5 min by bike), 45 km from the airport. Beach width varies 30-50 meters depending on tide. Gentle...

Rating: 4.4

Patong

Had Karon Noi

Had Karon Noi Beach (also called Relax Beach) is a secluded private beach belonging to Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, located between the larger Patong and Karon beaches. It is one of the few private beaches in Phuket with pristine white sand and crystal-clear water. The beach stretches approximately 300...

Rating: 4.4

Karon

Rawai

Rawai is officially the very first beach in Phuket, but it cannot be called an ideal place for swimming due to frequent high and low tides, as well as a large number of boats in the water. However, it still remains attractive to tourists. There are many cafes and a...

Rating: 4.3

Rawai

Hua

An excellent place for a peaceful vacation even during the rainy season. This cozy, uncrowded beach is notable for an almost complete absence of waves, making it comfortable for swimming at any time of the year. Hua is located near the more famous Kamala Beach and can be reached by...

Rating: 4.3

Kamala

Sangchai Beach

Sangchai is a secluded beach hidden in the jungle. This tiny stretch of coastline is framed by rocks and lush vegetation on both sides, but its inaccessibility has its advantages — even during the high season, you’ll find very few people here. The beach has fine white sand and a...

Rating: 4.3

Rawai

Patong

Patong Beach in Phuket is the most popular and lively on the western coast of the island. It is located on the western coast of the island and attracts with a variety of entertainment: here you can ride a jet ski and a banana boat, fly with a parachute, launch...

Rating: 4.2

Patong

Nui

Nui Beach is Phuket’s most Instagrammable beach with impeccable service, thought out to the smallest detail. Located in the southern part of the island between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, in a scenic cove with crystal-clear water and white sand. See Nui Beach on the map. Nui Beach in...

Rating: 4.2

Kata

Panwa

Cape Panwa is located in southeast Phuket in one of the island’s most picturesque and peaceful spots. It’s a small peninsula with several beaches ranging from 200 meters to 1.4 km in length, situated 42 km from the airport and 10 km from Phuket Town. The cape offers magnificent views...

Rating: 4.1

Panwa

Paradise

Paradise Beach is a small 150-meter beach located in a picturesque bay between Patong and Karon beaches, 5 km south of Patong. The beach sits in a sheltered bay protected by rocks on both sides, so there are practically no big waves even in low season. Thanks to this, you...

Rating: 3

Patong

Choose a beach that matches the mood of your vacation. If you’re looking for seclusion, head to Banana Beach, Kata Noi, Surin, Laem Sing, Sai Kaew, and Naiyang. For scenic nature, visit Yanui, Freedom, Sai Kaew, or Banana Beach — and the most beautiful beach in Phuket to watch the sunset is Karon. For a family-friendly experience with children, beaches like Nai Harn, Kata, Yanui, Naithon, Bang Tao, and Kamala are great options.

For active recreation and water sports, head to Patong, Kata Noi, Nai Harn, and Yanui. Capture memorable vacation shots at beaches with beautiful Instagrammable spots like Nui, Paradise, and Mai Khao. Food lovers will enjoy Phuket beaches such as Surin, Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, and Nai Harn, where cafes and restaurants are within easy reach. You can try a variety of fresh seafood at restaurants in Rawai, while the cafes at Tri Trang Beach will delight you with stunning scenic views. Nightlife lovers will find unforgettable parties at Patong and Paradise beaches.

Beach conditions change depending on the tides. The sea is calmer from November to April. Before heading out, we recommend checking the current condition of the beach. You can do this using special weather apps mentioned in our article or by viewing the Phuket beaches on the map.

During the low season, from May to October, most beaches experience strong waves. In this period, the best beach in Phuket for swimming is Naiyang, Tri Trang, Paradise, Merlin, Panwa, and Hua, where waves are minimal.

For a diverse holiday experience, explore our selections: attractions, Excursions, Temples, Water parks, and Viewpoints.

Beaches in Phuket