Beaches in Phuket

Home Places to visit 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)

There are actually two beaches in Phuket named Banana Beach. You can read about the other one here. And this one is located on Ko He island. To get to this beach you can rent a longtail on Rawai beach, the trip will take about 20 minutes. The island charges...
Rating: 4.8
Rawai

Kata Noi

Many consider this beach one of the best in Phuket. It is quiet, cozy, and incredibly scenic. Large rocks on both ends of the beach make it particularly photogenic. There are almost no pushy vendors, noise, or crowds here. Most of the shoreline is occupied by the luxury Katathani Hotel,...
Rating: 4.7
Kata

Nai Harn

Nai Harn Beach is located in the southern part of the island and is rightfully considered one of the best beaches in Phuket. Thanks to its location in a bay, the beach is sheltered from wind and strong waves, making it an ideal spot for families with children. Nai Harn...
Rating: 4.7
Nai Harn

Karon

A large beach with “singing” sand, which due to the admixture of quartz squeaks loudly underfoot, making it feel like walking on snow. The water here is clear, the waves are big. Transparent sea, wide coastline and the opportunity to hide in the shade of tropical trees makes the beach...
Rating: 4.6
Karon

Banana Beach

A beautiful and secluded beach located on the northwest coast near the more famous Nai Thon Beach. A quiet haven even during less favorable weather. The diverse underwater world offers excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling, with plenty of interesting fish to see. The descent to the beach is steep...
Rating: 4.6
Bang Tao

Surin

One of Phuket’s beaches with the cleanest and clearest water. The beach is located in the northwestern part of the island between the main beaches of Kamala and Bang Tao, as well as the less known Had Laem Sing and Pansi. In sunny weather the sand on the beach is...
Rating: 4.6
Surin

Kata

It is located on the west coast of Phuket between Karon and Kata Noi Beaches. This beach is one of the most charming and popular places among tourists due to its cozy location and scenic views. Kata attracts tourists with its wide strip of soft white sand ideal for sunbathing...
Rating: 4.6
Kata

Yanui

Yanui is a beautiful and cozy beach in the south of Phuket Island. It is located about 600 meters away from the more famous Nai Harn beach. The size of the beach is quite small, about 200 meters, but due to its beauty it’s very popular among tourists and locals....
Rating: 4.6
Rawai

Mai Khao

Mai Khao Beach in Phuket is one of the longest beaches on the island, known for its seclusion and unspoiled nature. This beach stretches for nearly 11 kilometers along the northwest coast of Phuket and is part of the Sirinat National Park. Mai Khao is known as a place where...
Rating: 4.6
Mai Khao

Nai Thon

Located on the northwest coast of the island, Nai Thon is a good choice for surfers as the bottom is gentle and the wave is long. Also this beach is quite suitable for swimming with children. There are not many water activities here, from them only boats, riding tourists and...
Rating: 4.6
Bang Tao

Ao Yan

Many people wonder, “Where to swim in Phuket during the summer?”. The answer is – here. Ao Yon is the beach in the south of Phuket, where there are no big waves even in the low season. Here, the sea is calm and turquoise, even during the rainy season, with...
Rating: 4.6
Panwa

Bang Tao

The second longest beach in Phuket, after Mai Khao Beach. The distinctive feature of the beach is the vegetation, dominated by coniferous trees. Calm atmosphere away from the noisy streets and roads. Soft sand, azure water and a good entrance to the water make this beach ideal for a relaxing...
Rating: 4.5
Bang Tao

Laem Sing

This beach is known for its soft white sand, crystal clear water and low crowds. Besides, Laem Sing has a great bay and is surrounded by tropical trees, which gives it even more privacy. It is ideal for those looking for a quiet and secluded vacation, with the opportunity to...
Rating: 4.5
Kamala

Sai Kaew

Even in the high season, you’re gonna be really lucky to meet someone here. And that is because there are no hotels and only one cafe on the beach. By the way, the fried rice with seafood is really good there. The beach lacks any infrastructure, there are no sun...
Rating: 4.5
Mai Khao

Coral Beach

A true paradise island just 20 minutes from Phuket. A fine white flour-like sand and crystal-clear azure water. A perfect place for relaxation and snorkeling. During the low season, the beach has significantly fewer waves than Phuket does. The area is beautifully maintained, with many spots for photos. There are...
Rating: 4.5
Rawai

Had Karon Noi

A beautiful, uncrowded, and clean beach, nestled between the two largest beaches of Phuket, Patong and Karon. Most often, the beach is open only to guests of the Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. That is why many people simply book a room there for a day to enjoy the atmosphere...
Rating: 4.5
Karon

Freedom

One of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. Azure water and lush tropical greenery with ancient trees that surrounds it all. The beach not only offers a chance to admire stunning landscapes but also an opportunity to observe the underwater world. Accessible only by boat or through a steep descent...
Rating: 4.4
Kathu

Kamala

Kamala Beach is a picturesque and calm place, perfect for families and those seeking privacy. Located on the west coast of the island, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the beach gives the feeling of a secluded paradise. The gentle entrance to the water and soft golden sand make...
Rating: 4.4
Kamala

Naiyang

Naiyang Beach in Phuket is a peaceful and picturesque spot, ideal for those seeking privacy. Located on the northwest coast of the island, close to Phuket Airport, the beach stretches for 2 kilometers along the coast and is surrounded by lush greenery and tropical trees, which make it feel like...
Rating: 4.4
Sakhu

Merlin Snorkel

One of the best snorkeling beaches with beautiful reefs and a variety of underwater life. The beach is located near Patong and belongs to the Marriott Hotel, but the entrance is free for everyone. There are mostly hotel guests on the beach, so there are not many people here. There...
Rating: 4.4
Patong

Patong

Patong Beach is one of the most popular and busy beaches in Phuket. The beach is located on the west coast of the island and offers a variety of activities, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, skydiving, wishing lanterns launching and many other things. It stretches for about 4 kilometers...
Rating: 4.3
Patong

Rawai

Rawai is officially Phuket’s very first beach, but it is not a perfect place for swimming due to the frequent high tides. However, it doesn’t stop people from coming here for the freshest seafood which you can order at many cafes where you can eat while enjoying a beautiful view....
Rating: 4.3
Rawai

Hua

It is a small beach located next to Kamala. Hua Beach in Phuket is an excellent choice for those seeking a tranquil beach getaway even during the rainy season. This cozy and less popular beach is known for its nearly complete absence of waves, making it comfortable for swimming at...
Rating: 4.3
Kamala

Tri Trang

A free beach with beautiful views and a calm sea. Comfortable swimming is possible only during high tide. There are many scenic cafes, and nearby, you can even watch elephants being bathed.
Rating: 4.3
Patong

Nui

The most Instagrammed beach in Phuket with excellent service. Here you will find a huge number of photo locations in the form of various hammocks and gazebos, luxury baths right on the shore, and heavenly swings. All this, combined with incredible views, clear water, white sand, and atmospheric cafes on...
Rating: 4.2
Kata

Panwa

Panwa is a cozy and clean, but private beach, which is difficult to access unless you are a guest at the Sri Panwa hotel. Some leave their transport before reaching the security post and walk to the beach.
Rating: 4.1
Panwa

Paradise

Located between Karon and Patong beaches, the small Paradise Beach is perfect for those who enjoy a party atmosphere without much emphasis on swimming. There you can find many restaurants, shops, and fantastic beach parties in Phangan style, which is famous for its Full Moon Festival. There is an entrance...
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.


Join Insider on Social Media
We share the best places in Phuket and provide useful tips to make your stay on the island brighter and your life more comfortable. Subscribe to stay updated.