Phuket is forever known as the tropical island paradise for which Thailand is famous. It is often the first place travelers think of when planning a trip to Thailand. While Phuket is a pretty large island, many will be surprised the finest beaches here come at a premium.
The best beaches in Phuket are located on the western coastline where you will find a mix of long beaches, calm waters, big waves, secluded coves, and rugged headlands. The east and southern coast face the bay so beaches tend to be shallow, rocky, sometimes even muddy especially at low tide. While there are a few beautiful beaches located on the southern and eastern coastline, the “best beaches” are indeed on the west. So here they are.
Kata & Karon Beach: Great for Everyone
This stretch of beaches is great for everyone – families, honeymooners, couples even partiers. One of the longest beaches on Phuket Island, Karon Beach is tucked between Patong (to the north) and Kata (to the south). Kata & Karon Beach boast some of the island’s most beautiful beaches of blue waters, big surf and white sands with a myriad of beachfront resorts. Kata town boasts plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife only second to Patong. If you’re looking for the best of all worlds (close to restaurants/shops, nightlife, beautiful beach and luxurious accommodations), The Shore and Katathani Beach Resort may just check all the boxes!
Nai Harn Beach: Perfect for Families
If you are looking for a vibrant but serene, white-sand beach that is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, you cannot go wrong with the stretch of coastline south of the Kata beach starting with Nai Harn Beach. Nai Harn is a beautiful beach without the crowds. This region of Phuket is ideal for those looking for a relaxing holiday and a great place to base for families with children as the waters here are calm and shallow. Going further south is nearby Yanui Beach located in a little bay right south of Nai Harn, followed by Promthep Cape at the southern end of Phuket which are also great for families in a laidback atmosphere.
Banana Beach: A Place to Just Chill
Located on the northwest shores of the island, hidden between the beaches of Bang Tao and Nai Thon lies Banana. It remains a mystery how such a beautiful beach remains relatively undiscovered. Surrounded by palm trees, the beach offers a laidback setting complemented with white sands and crystal clear water. The beach is great swimming and snorkeling with sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent. Last and definitely not least, there is a small mom-and-pops restaurant that boasts fresh seafood, plastic chairs and tables and cold beer right on the beach. Banana beach is hard to beat!
Surin Beach: Honeymooners and Beach Lovers
Surin Beach is my personal favorite and one of the most beautiful and natural spots on the island. The beach is in a cove-like setting blessed with a large beach of beautiful sand and a brilliant blue sea. It is a favorite among the locals so gone are the beach clubs and rowdy bars found so abundantly in Patong. There are food stalls run by the locals where you find some delicious eats under the coconut tree. Beyond the looks, the quality of the water and sand make Surin really, really special. Good swimming especially during the high season as the water is incredibly clear, though the sea can be rough in the low season which can be fun jumping the waves. While there are no beachfront resorts, right next to Surin Beach is The Surin Phuket which has a phenomenal private beach in a beautiful cove. The cottages are built along the high with several suites and villas right on the beach. While rates at The Surin are a bit steep, there is no property in all of Phuket that has the real estate it has.
There is no shortage of fine beaches in Phuket and you’ll probably stumble upon some nice ones beyond those on this blog. But Phuket being pretty big and often with heavy traffic, knowing where to go and stay will definitely give you leg up. For ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out Explorient’s array of Thailand vacations and honeymoon trips here.
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