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 wonder, “Where to swim in Phuket in the summer?” Ao Yon Beach in Phuket, located in the south of the island, is a place where there are no big waves, even during the low season. Here, you’ll find a calm turquoise sea, fine sand, and coconut palms, along...
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. This is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful retreat and seclusion, with the opportunity...
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

Freedom

Freedom Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Phuket, located near Patong. The sand is incredibly fine, almost like flour, and the water is crystal clear. You can find Freedom Beach in Phuket using the map — it is close to the bustling Patong, yet it retains its...
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

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: 4.4
Karon

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

Merlin Snorkel

Located near Patong and part of the Marriott hotel, Merlin Beach is open to all visitors. Most guests are hotel residents, so the beach remains relatively uncrowded, making it an especially attractive spot for a peaceful retreat in Phuket. Those who have been here recommend visiting during high tide and...
Rating: 4.3
Patong

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

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: 4.2
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.


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