Beaches in Phuket

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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)

In fact, there are two beaches called Banana Beach in Phuket. Here we will tell you about the one located on Ko He Island (information about the other Banana Beach can be read here). To reach this beach, you can rent a longtail boat from Rawai Beach, the journey takes...
Rating: 4.8
Rawai

Karon

A large beach on the western coast of the island with “singing” sand – due to quartz particles, it squeaks underfoot like snow. Here you’ll find clear water, a wide shoreline, and opportunities to find shade under tropical trees. This place is ideal for surfing enthusiasts, especially during monsoon season....
Rating: 4.6
Karon

Banana Beach

A beautiful secluded beach located on the northwest coast between the well-known beaches of Bang Tao and Nai Thon. 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. The beach is...
Rating: 4.6
Bang Tao

Kata Noi

Many consider this beach one of the best in Phuket. It’s quiet, cozy, and very picturesque. On both sides of the beach are huge rocks that make it very photogenic. There are almost no pushy vendors, noise, or hustle and bustle here. During high season, when the sea is calm,...
Rating: 4.6
Kata

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, there is that characteristic white sand, turquoise and perfectly clear water. Furthermore,...
Rating: 4.6
Surin

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

Nai Harn

Nai Harn Beach is located in the south of the island and deservedly ranks as one of the best in Phuket. Due to its location in a bay, the beach is protected from wind and strong waves, making it a favorite for families with children. Here you’ll find clean, clear...
Rating: 4.6
Nai Harn

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

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

Nai Thon is located on the northwestern coast of the island. This beach is a good choice for surfing enthusiasts, as it has a gentle bottom, and the wave continues for a long time. Nai Thon is also suitable for swimming with children. There aren’t many water activities here, only...
Rating: 4.6
Bang Tao

Ao Yan

Many people ask the question: “Where can one swim in Phuket during the off-season?” Here’s the answer: at Ao Yon Beach. This is precisely the place where there are never big waves. The beach is located in the southern part of the island in the Panwa area. Here you’ll find...
Rating: 4.6
Panwa

Bang Tao

The second longest beach in Phuket after Mai Khao, with a length of about 7 kilometers. Located in a convenient tourist area on the west coast. A distinctive feature of the beach is its vegetation, dominated by coniferous trees, so you can hide from the scorching sun in the shade...
Rating: 4.5
Bang Tao

Laem Sing

The perfect combo: soft white sand, crystal clear water, and no tourists. The beach is located in a bay surrounded by tropical trees and rocks, which makes it private. This is an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful vacation and seclusion with the opportunity to go snorkeling. The beach...
Rating: 4.5
Kamala

Sai Kaew

On this beach, even during high season, it would be a real stroke of luck to meet anyone at all. And that’s because there isn’t a single hotel nearby and only one cafe. At Sai Kaew, there is no dense tourist infrastructure, no sun loungers, and no umbrellas. But people...
Rating: 4.5
Mai Khao

Coral Beach

A true paradise island just 20 minutes from Phuket. Here you’ll find fine white sand like flour and crystal-clear azure water. It’s 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 photogenic locations. There...
Rating: 4.5
Rawai

Freedom

Freedom Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Phuket, located not far from Patong. Its proximity to the famous beach makes it easy to find, while the noisy neighbor doesn’t interfere with its seclusion. The sand here is very fine and white, like flour, and the water is...
Rating: 4.4
Kathu

Kamala

Kamala Beach is a picturesque spot in the central part of Phuket’s west coast, perfect for family vacations and those seeking seclusion. The gentle entrance to the water and soft golden sand make this beach an excellent choice for vacationing with children. During the low season, high waves appear here,...
Rating: 4.4
Kamala

Naiyang

Naiyang Beach is ideal for those seeking solitude surrounded by nature. It is located in the north of the island near the airport. The beach stretches for 2 kilometers along the shore, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical trees. Locals love to visit the northern part of the beach, while...
Rating: 4.4
Sakhu

Had Karon Noi

A sparsely populated and clean beach located between the large beaches of Patong and Karon. Most often it is open only to guests of Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, so many people book a room here just to enjoy the atmosphere of this place. The hotel has taken care of...
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 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 car...
Rating: 4.3
Kamala

Merlin Snorkel

The beach is located not far from Patong and belongs to the Marriott hotel, but entry is free for all visitors. Most visitors are hotel guests. Overall, there aren’t many people here, which is particularly attractive for those who value a peaceful vacation. We recommend coming during high tide and...
Rating: 4.3
Patong

Tri Trang

A cozy beach 700 meters long south of Patong with beautiful views and calm sea. Palm trees cast shadows where you can take shelter. The coastline has pronounced high and low tides, and comfortable swimming is only possible during high tide when the rocks are hidden underwater. But in the...
Rating: 4.3
Patong

Patong

One of the most popular and lively beaches in Phuket. It is located on the western coast of the island and attracts visitors with its variety of entertainment options: here you can ride jet skis and banana boats, try parasailing, release wish lanterns, and much more. In general, Patong has...
Rating: 4.2
Patong

Nui

The most Instagrammable beach in Phuket with excellent service, thoughtfully designed down to the smallest details. Located in the southern part of the island between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches. The beach delights with incredible views and numerous photo spots: there are hammocks, sky swings, and even a bathtub...
Rating: 4.2
Kata

Panwa

Panwa Beach is located in the southeast of Phuket in one of the most picturesque places on the island. The cape offers a magnificent view of the sea and neighboring islands, which is why photography enthusiasts come here. The beach is cozy and clean, but it’s quite difficult to access...
Rating: 4.1
Panwa

Paradise

A small beach located between Karon and Patong beaches. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a party-style vacation. There are restaurants, shops, but most importantly – fantastic beach parties in the Phangan style. On the beach itself – perfect turquoise water and photogenic landscapes, with practically no waves. Also located...
Rating: 3
Patong

Choose a beach to match your holiday mood. If you’re seeking solitude, head to Banana Beach, Kata Noi, Surin, Laem Sing, Sai Kaew, or Naiyang. For stunning natural scenery, visit Yanui, Freedom, Sai Kaew, and Banana Beach. Witness the most beautiful sunsets at Karon. Families with children will enjoy Nai Harn, Kata, Yanui, Naithon, Bang Tao, and Kamala.

For active leisure and water sports, Patong, Kata Noi, Nai Harn, and Yanui are perfect destinations. Capture unforgettable holiday moments at beaches with Instagrammable spots like Nui, Paradise, and Mai Khao. Food enthusiasts will appreciate beaches with easy access to cafes and restaurants, such as Surin, Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, and Nai Harn. Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood at restaurants in Rawai, while the cafes at Tri Trang Beach offer breathtaking views. Nightlife lovers will find unforgettable parties at Patong and Paradise beaches.

Beach conditions change with the tides. From November to April, the sea is generally calmer. Before heading to the beach, we recommend checking the shore conditions using weather apps, which we’ve covered in this article.

During the low season, from May to October, most beaches have strong waves. For swimming during this period, opt for wave-free beaches such as Naiyang, Tri Trang, Paradise, Merlin, Panwa, and Hua.

For a diverse holiday experience, explore our selections: attractions, excursions, temples, water parks, and viewpoints.


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