Are Phuket Beaches the most beautiful in South East Asia?

Well, you tell us, but what we do believe is that the beaches in Phuket are among the most beautiful in all of South-East Asia. The white sand, clear water and tropical vegetation give visitors a sense of peace that is hard to find anywhere else.

There are many different types of beaches around the island, but they all offer something unique for any visitor to enjoy. From secluded coves with private resorts to lively party towns lined with bars and restaurants, there’s always somewhere new for you to explore on your next holiday.

1. Beaches in Phuket have been voted the most beautiful in South East Asia. Do you agree? (yes/no) If so, why do you think that is and if not, what makes your favourite beach more attractive? Below we outline the best Beaches in Phuket and hope you will agree.

2. The turquoise water is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

– Most of the beaches in Phuket the water is shallow enough to be safe for children and adults. There are also lifeguards on duty at the most popular beaches, so you can feel comfortable letting your kids play in this beautiful environment without worry about them getting into trouble in the water. 

– Going snorkelling? You’ll find a variety of fish species living just offshore that makes snorkelling an exciting experience with lots of colours from blue tangs (Dory) …to yellowtail clownfish hiding under rocks waiting patiently until it’s time t0 feed again; we even spotted some sea turtles while out exploring one day too!! 

Friendly tip: Don’t feed the fish they have plenty and if snorkelling over Coral, please don’t stand on it and definitely DO NOT touch or try to take a piece home with you.

3. Phuket’s nightlife is known to be one of the best in Thailand with many bars and clubs situated on some of the most beautiful beaches and normally open late into the night – Phuket is known for the best nightlife in Thailand

– The clubs are open until the early hours!

– There’s always something going on, so there’s never time to get bored!

4. There is plenty of hotels and accommodation on offer in a variety of price ranges so you can find something that suits your budget – A wide range of hotels to suit all budgets. The cheaper ones are still very nice and the more expensive options offer exceptional service and facilities too! You’ll find something that suits your budget when you come here for vacation or even a business trip.

5. There are hundreds of great restaurants serving Thai cuisine as well as international dishes – Try the delicious Thai food with something for all your taste preferences.

– Phuket has English and other language menus to make it easy if you’re having trouble communicating

– Visit Patong beach where you can watch!!! Yep, this is the people watching beach so much going on, it will be busy.

– Find out what all the hype is about to come to visit us here in Phuket. We have everything you need for a memorable vacation.

Safety Note.

The swimming areas are clearly marked by the lifeguard’s flags, and the areas that are dangerous and should not swim in are also marked by the lifeguard’s flags, please for your own safety, only swim in designated areas.

Central West Coast Beaches

Patong Beach

Patong Beach
Swing on Patong Beach

Patong Beach
Coconut trees on the Patong Beach

If you say Phuket, many will say Patong Beach.

This is probably the most famous beach in Phuket, maybe from all over Thailand. Here it is about seeing and being seen. It’s a great place for those who want nightlife, shopping, and restaurants galore! However, it can be quite crowded with tourists during peak season.

You cannot relax at Patong beach. This is one of the noisier beaches in Phuket you will find and probably experience. 

Patong Beach
Patong Beach in January 2021

It is non-stop morning to night, Jet’s Ski’s, Parasailing, banana boat rides, beach vendors, massage, and just about anything else you can think of you will find right here. Patong is most popular with young people who visit the beach clubs along the beach and the infamous Bangla road as soon as it gets dark. You will see families and older people on the beach but the age group here is definitely sub 45. During the High Season once or twice a week there will be a massive cruise ship delivering a day-tripper from Singapore and around the World. 

Patong Beach
Patong Beach, Phuket

The beach is lined with bars, restaurants and shops. The water here can be a little rough during the monsoon season but it’s still popular for swimming because of its beautiful turquoise colour. Patong Beach has been voted as one best beach destinations in Asia by CNN Traveler Magazine.

There is a huge Shopping mall here with many great and affordable restaurants, good international cuisine, world-famous hotel chains, a bumpy nightlife, and an elongated beach with a sunset every evening. Read more about Patong Beach HERE

North from Patong Beach

Travelling north from Patong along the west coast of Phuket you will find, Kamala, Laem Singh and Surin beaches.

Kamala Beach

This beach is one of the best bases for families with children, and couples who want to enjoy a caring beach holiday. It’s clean, one of the most family safe and has plenty of amenities to keep kids entertained!

Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach, Phuket

The beach is a long, sandy stretch of white sand and the water here has an inviting turquoise hue. The waves are gentle enough for children to play in but strong swimmers will also enjoy themselves on this beautiful shoreline with its clear waters that have been awarded blue flag status by international environmental organisations such as Greenpeace.

A video of Kamala Beach and the coast between Kalim and Kamala

Although it is one of Phuket’s most famous beaches, there is plenty of room for laying your towel under one of the many palm trees. In recent years some of the best hotels and resorts have established themselves in this area, take a ride along the ‘Millionaires’ mile and see for yourself.

Kamala Beach is probably one of the quieter Phuket beaches on the west coast.

Laem Singh Beach

Laem Singh is at the time of writing only accessible from the sea. You can rent a long tail for the day either from Kamala or Surin to get here but remember everything is closed, so take your own food and refreshments with you.

Kamala Beach
North Kamala Beach looking towards Laem Singh and Surin Beach at the distance. Picture CR. Novotel Kamala

Tell us about Surin Beach

The infamous Surin beach in Phuket, Thailand was once a place where tourists would go to get drunk and visit the many illegal clubs that lined the shore. Not anymore! Nowadays, you’ll find a beautiful natural beach with crystal clear water and no one else on it.

Surin Beach
Kids playing on Surin Beach.

The bars have been removed, leaving only small stalls selling food or snacks by the water’s edge. You can still enjoy some of the best of Thailand’s famous dishes like Pad Thai (Thai fried noodles) at these locations while enjoying the views from this pristine stretch of coastline.

There’s plenty of free parking and just recently a newly opened skateboard park for the locals and visitors. With the free parking and safe beachside frontage, Surin is once again one of the most natural Phuket Beaches.

South from Patong Beach

South from Patong Beach road will take out onto the headland where you will find Tri Trang, Paradise and Freedom beaches. However, leaving Patong on the coast road will bring you to the beach on the South West Coast.

Tri Trang Beach

Tri Trang is an undiscovered beach with perfect white sand and clear water. Its access point, located between Patong Beach and Paradise Beach, makes it a great hidden treasure if you’re looking for some serenity this vacation season!

Travelers who want an authentic Thai experience while still having access to all amenities that come along with staying at a large hotel chain including rooms boasting stunning views over the bay as well as luxurious cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs should check out the many luxury hotels in this area.

Tri Trang Beach
Tri Trang Beach CR. Guillaume Lescoute

Paradise Beach

Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach CR. S K S

The freedom beach area is a little known secret of Phuket. It’s just outside Patong and is the easiest to get there using a Long Tail boat. Once you’re at the beach, you can see why it’s called Freedom Beach. There are no vendors on this beautiful stretch of sand, so it feels like your own private paradise where you can let go of all worries and stresses from your life back home.

TIP: Freedom Beach is perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds and vendors at other beaches, yet still enjoy a day in Phuket. Take your own lunch and drinks.

Phuket Beaches on the South West Coast

Karon Beach

As beaches in Phuket Thailand go, Karon Beach offers some nice views as it overlooks the Andaman Sea with its white sand beaches lined by palm trees swaying in gentle breezes. The sand is steep and can sometimes have rip tides evident, the good news is there are Lifeguards on duty. This beach is one of the most picturesque.

Karon Beach
Karon Beach

Kata Beach

Kata Beach Phuket is the perfect place for a vacation. We have everything you need to make your stay unforgettable – from delicious Thai food and English menus so that communication is never an issue- all at affordable prices! Whether it’s just relaxing on our beautiful beaches or watching sunsets with someone special. This is a great beach for those who want to enjoy the sun and surf, but not have to worry about the crowds.

A few miles south of Patong Beach you will find Kata Beach. A beautiful long stretch of one and a half-mile long draws a multifaceted audience. When it comes to beaches in Phuket there are a lot of options. But we have to admit that Kata Beach is one of our favourites.

Kata Beach
Kata Beach, Phuket

In the vicinity of Kata Beach, you will find surprisingly many beautiful and good quality restaurants. You will find Thai food western dishes and even cuisine from the far and middle East.

The sand at Kata is white and fine, the water is clear turquoise blue with little or no waves during the high season. The beach itself isn’t very big so it’s easy to find a spot on any day if your early enough, there are a lot of people that know this gem.

Best beach for the family?

Kata Beach
Kata Beach

Families who are not looking for exuberant Phuket beaches with beach parties or a massive and vibrant nightlife should check out this area of Kata.

Here you will find a white sandy beach with a quiet safe sea in a beautiful bay. Most of the hotels and resorts at Kata are a short walk from the beach, making it ideal for families with children.

Here you can take some activities including a long tail boat or parasailing trip.

Kata Noi Beach

Situated on the southwest end of the island Kata Noi Beach can be reached by a 20-minute drive from Patong. The beach is well known for its clear waters, soft white sand, and beautiful sunsets. It’s also just a few minutes walk to Kata Beach which is world-renowned as one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations with its famous night markets. Without a doubt one of the best beaches in Phuket.

Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi Beach

For those looking for something more secluded, Kata Noi Beach offers an intimate, unspoiled paradise that will not disappoint any type of traveller in search of tranquillity and relaxation; it is a perfect getaway spot after exploring other beaches on the west coast.

South Coast Beaches

The south coast beaches can be reached by leaving Kata and going via Chalong, or from Kata Noi over the mountain road past the viewpoint.

Nai Harn Beach

On the South of Phuket is a beautiful beach with white sand and crystal clear water.

Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is a great place to go for those who want the best of both worlds, as it has plenty in terms of facilities but also offers seclusion from other tourists due to its location away from Patong Beach which can be very busy at times! Right on the beach is Rock Salt part of The Nai Harn hotel group.

Ao Sane

Getting out to Ao Sane is a little tricky in a car or truck as the road runs directly past The Nai Harn Hotel and is narrow and steep in places. Of course, if you venture out here on a bike access is a lot easier. There is a great little restaurant right on the beach.

Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane Beach

Yanui Beach or Ya Nui Beach

So you are on holiday in Phuket, you are looking for a paradise beach, one of the most beautiful is Yanui. You have seen the pictures of the crystal clear water, white sand and palm trees but now it is time to find out what a day at this beautiful place is like? This is definitely a getaway located on the southern end of the Island, possibly the best beach on the Island.

Ya Nui Beach
High tide at Yanui Beach
Yanui Beach
Low tide at Yanui Beach

Situated under the big Wind Mill on the South of Phuket at Promthep Cape

It was a hot day in Phuket, the sun had taken its toll on my family. The kids were tired from swimming in the waves all morning, we were exhausted from laying out under an umbrella to get a tan. I needed to find something for everyone to do while they rested up before dinner. While I debated between going into town or renting some bikes, I caught sight of someone taking pictures down at one of the beaches.

Rawai Beach

It is called Rawai Beach but there isn’t really a beach here. For the visitors looking for great fish restaurants or hiring a boat for a trip to an island, this is the place to stay. With a local map, you will find some real gems to eat, drink and just pass the time of day.

Rawai Beach
Overlooking at Rawai Beach

North West Coast beaches

Travelling further along the west coast from Surin you will find the most beautiful beaches at Bang Tao, Layan, Naithon, Banana beach, along with Nai Yang beach before getting to Phuket International Airport.

Bang Tao Beach

Located on the northwest coast of Phuket Bang Tao Beach has both residential and many commercial buildings mostly catering to the tourist industry. The beach has a long stretch of white sand that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming in the sea or just walking along enjoying the views.

Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach in front of Catch Beach Club

The Laguna properties are one of Bang Tao Beach’s most popular attractions with its multi-use properties of Angsana Hotel with residential accommodation, the five star Xana Beach club boasting an infinity pool water sports, a great restaurant, right on the beach. The Laguna hotels have fitness centres, restaurants, spa facilities, a watersports centre with plenty for the family to do. Laguna is home to the annual Laguna International Marathon then every December the Laguna Triathlon.

To the south is the infamous Catch Beach club offering visitors an oasis from all their stresses with its beautiful and stylish bar areas and one of the best beach clubs on the island. whilst Dream Beach Club to the north towards the end of the beach is again an oasis featuring a stunning infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. Without a doubt, if you visit Bang Tao you will agree this is one of the best beaches on the island.

Layan Beach

To the north of Bang Tao is Layan to the very north of the bay of on the northern part of Layan Beach is the brand new Anantara project, they have their own water sports centre right on the beach with Kayaks, Paddle Boards and snorkelling equipment. Situated right on the beach in front of Koh (island) Gala.

Layan Beach
Layan Beach

Further north, if you follow the track between the GPS location on the attached. Google map, you will find a very quiet and our Secret Bay. This is normally frequented by Thai fishermen and small Thai families.

Phuket Beaches
Secret Bay overlooking at the Anantara Layan

Park your motorbike in the area identified on the attached map, and the coordinates there and walk in along the track, approximately five to 10 minutes, I would think about 200 to 250 metres and you will come across this rather tranquil little beach. That’s overlooking Koh Gala. And a perfect spot with shallow water, to spend the day.

Nai Thon Beach

Travelling south from Nai Yang you travel over the windy mountain road, and you come down into Nai Thon beach, a very quiet beach with the Pullman one of the luxury resorts located right on its northern edge. Again, there are many small beach bars and restaurants, and swimming here needs to be taken care of at certain times of the year because of the quite large swell coming in from the southwest. Do take note of the Lifeguards at these times.

Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon Beach

Banana Beach

Banana Beach is the best for snorkelling and diving. Away from the noise and bustle. This is one of the main reasons that visitors come to Phuket is for snorkelling. Some beaches in Phuket Thailand offer easy access to particular reefs that are just off the beach.

Nai Yang Beach

Situated just a few moments from Phuket International Airport is Nai Yang Beach.

Nai Yang Beach
Nai Yang Beach

As you will see from the photographs we’ve attached at the time of our visit, which is late April 2021. It is now very quiet, not only because of the COVID-19 situation and the lack of tourists but also. Traditionally, the end of April is the time of the season changes from the southwest to the northwest. Monsoon, to the southwest monsoon. From the northeast monsoon to the southwest monsoon. And consequently, the waves get higher. And unfortunately, as you can see a lot of rubbish washes up on the beach. Within Nai Yang beach, there are many, many fish on speciality restaurants where you can sit under the trees, name of the trees is. And while away your day with your feet in the sun.

If you are looking for a resort to stay right on the beach at Nai Yang, then the diva. And the slate or the Marriott would be perfect family hotels for your vacation on the west coast.

Mai Khao Beach

When looking for privacy and peace, Mai Khao beach on the northwest coast of the island is the best we can think of. The longest beach and one of the best beaches in Phuket with miles of white sand, water sports and luxury villas.

As part of a national park, with only a few hotels in the immediate area, Mai Khao is the best place for people that want peace and quiet.

The 11-kilometre long beach (yes 11 kilometres), the longest beach in Phuket has coarser sand than the rest of that to rest around the beach area.

The sea is not ideal for swimming. It’s pretty deep during the monsoon season, but the area is perfect in Phuket for privacy and romance.

Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach in front of Phuket Airport

In Summary.

Kamala Beach, for example, is perfect for families. Check out the northern end of the beach.

From Rawai Beach in the South, you can take a boat trip to Koh Lone or Racha Island for some of the best snorkelling options in Phuket.

At the northern end of the beach, Nai Yang Beach offers access to the Sirinath National Park and a protected reef for snorkelling.

With so many beaches on Phuket, you can easily reach all sides of the island and get your Phuket beach exploring done. Try to not stay in one place, but go on a discovery trip to the beach of your dreams. You will undoubtedly find your paradise.

The above 20 Phuket beach descriptions are some of the most popular and famous beaches in Phuket.

Phuket is blessed with over 30 sandy beaches, none of which we believe is more beautiful than the other.

Phuket Weather and Phuket Weather Forecast.

Phuket Island radio on 91.5 and 102.5 FM has daily local weather updates, and Phuket News, you can Tune on-air and Online. Every month we update the weather outlook and what to expect. 

We are updating information all the time on the best beaches in Phuket, feel free to read, comment, like and share.


Kata Noi Phuket

Kata Noi Phuket

Kata Noi Phuket is a delightful and slightly hidden gem of a beach on the southwest side of Phuket. It lies adjacent to its larger and busier sister beaches of Kata and Karon. I was lucky enough to have a…
Read More Kata Noi Phuket