Phuket is not just a city, it is a whole experience. If you want some adventure, it’s here. If romance is what you seek, Phuket is perfect. And if all you want to do is bask in the pure beauty of nature, then this is the place to be.
Phuket is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, and once you touch down in the city, it will become very obvious why. Phuket is nothing short of breathtaking. The most popular part of Phuket and what most people come to see are the beaches.
The lovely white sand, crystal clear jade waters, and the greenery around are what make Phuket’s beaches so amazing. There are more than 30 beaches in Phuket so you would never be short of beautiful places to visit during your time there.
So whether you’re looking for a lively and boisterous beach to get your party on, or for a calm, reserved beach where you can relax and sunbathe, then Phuket has several options for you.
Luckily, we have helped you narrow your search by compiling a list of the best beaches in Phuket.
Freedom Beach
For some peace and tranquillity on immaculate sand, then go to Freedom Beach. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Phuket and a well-known honeymoon destination in Thailand.
The beach is a bit of a hidden treasure and you have to take a ten-minute ride in a long-tail boat from Patong.
After that short ride, you will land on the marvelous picturesque beach. Many regard Freedom Beach as a bit of a throwback to how Thailand looked before tourism took over. It is an untouched natural masterpiece and it is, by all means, a quiet beach.
If you want a bit more adventure though, there are a few things you can do. You could climb the cement stairs on the northern side of the beach.
Getting to the top will reveal to you a magnificent view of the water, where it would look so clear you will be able to see the reefs below.
Moving away from the northern side and over to the south, you will find the only restaurant on the beach, which is ironically called One ‘n’ Only.
The food here is very tasty, although a bit more expensive than regular Thai dishes.
There are several other activities you can engage in while on Freedom Beach: swimming, football, volleyball, or snorkeling.
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Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a tranquil environment, and this is one of the reasons it is regularly referred to as a family beach. It is divided into two parts, the Kata Yai (which is the larger area at the south end of the beach), and Kata Noi (which is the smaller area located at the north end).
Both of the areas are beautiful, and they offer different atmospheres to the guests. Kata Yai is the place you’ll find a lot of shops and hotels, and a lot of commerce, so it is a bit loud and lively.
But Kata Noi is much more sparsely populated, and the atmosphere is quiet and more of a relaxing spot. Kata Yai is a fantastic spot for swimming, and it is also a great place to visit with kids to have a swim or try surfing for the first time.
You could be having a nice massage while they’re away playing or even try snorkeling. It is up to you whether you want complete activity and enjoyment or just quiet relaxation.
Kata Beach is becoming very popular, and it is quickly becoming one of the best beaches in Phuket.
Patong Beach
The most popular beach in Phuket, Patong Beach is also the longest. This is not exactly the spot you want to stay in Phuket if you want a calm and relaxed day at the beach.
Patong is an energetic place, full of constant activities and liveliness. It is a great place for you to do some shopping and dining, and with so many people around, you can do some people-watching as well.
The area is bustling with life and there are so many things you can do. Apart from being such a lively place, Patong Beach is also very beautiful.
The soft sand and the lovely water give the beach a stunning aesthetic. The beach has grown from just sand and water to a full-blown fun hotspot.
Patong Beach is a perfect depiction of nightlife in Phuket, with the boisterous night scene, neon lights, and loud music. The noisy jet skis also add to the overall atmosphere on the beach.
Coming to Patong Beach is an amazing experience, and it might even be most enjoyable for singles. You can have a lot of fun on the beach and meet new people at the Thai disco.
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Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui is less of a beach and more of a small cove. It is an excellent spot for families because it is not overcrowded and it is very clean. The beach sits just off Nai Harn Beach and you have a great view of the Phrom Thep Cape.
The clear and still water makes this beach an excellent place for diving and snorkeling. You can either rent or buy a kayak and row in the water or dive deep in to see the marine life from a much closer perspective.
And if you’re feeling a bit hungry, you could visit one of the many local restaurants around the beach. The only little problem is the jellyfish that have been sighted several times in the water, so be careful.
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Nai Harn Beach
A secret beach a few years ago, the Nai Harn beach is now one of the most popular and best resorts in Phuket. The clear and shallow waters, as well as the velvety soft sand, make for a lovely beach experience.
No matter how popular is, you will always find a place for your towel. You could even visit the small Buddhist temple that is situated just off the shore.
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Ao Sane Beach
This is one more to add to the collection of beautiful hidden beaches. You can either drive or walk through the Nai Harn Hotel on Nai Harn Beach to make your way to Ao Sane Beach.
If city life is getting a bit too noisy or colorful, then you can find a great sense of tranquillity here. The sand is rockier here than at most other beaches so don’t expect to be playing a lot of “sand games”.
There are no hawkers around to buy things, so it is a great place for you to enjoy the sheer peace and quiet of the environment.
There aren’t places where you can purchase or rent things around the beach, so you should bring all the things you’ll need at the beach with you.
Check out this Phuket 7-day itinerary if you’re visiting for the first time to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Banana Beach
This beach is simply magnificent. The lush green jungle that surrounds it only adds to the stunning beauty of Banana Beach. Once your feet rest upon the soft and smooth sand, you will feel nothing but relaxation take over your entire body.
It is a wonderful place to get rid of any physical or mental baggage you have been carrying. This beach is one of the best beaches in Thailand, and it is certainly for those seeking a taste of Thai paradise.
There are many things you can do while you’re on the beach, you can go parasailing, kayaking, or snorkeling. For more information about buying a kayak, click here.
You could even have some fresh fish if you want. And if you want even more relaxation, you can get a Thai massage from one of the masseuses waiting in the shade by the restaurant.
Paradise Beach
The smooth and glossy Paradise beach looks like a wonderland. The shore is impressively clean and the giant palm trees give it that lush and luxurious feel. The sky even looks more beautiful here and the stars are breathtaking at night.
It is just ten minutes away from the very popular Patong Beach, and it is a much calmer environment. It is another excellent beach if you want to do some snorkeling.
Paradise Beach is also home to the Paradise Beach Club where you will find a good variety of restaurants and shops that will give you some activities to have fun with, as well as good food for you to munch on.
Here it also takes place the famous Full Moon Party Phuket, the biggest beach party in Phuket. !!! Not to be confused with the original and biggest Full Moon Party from Koh Phangan.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is as long as it is beautiful. It is the third-longest beach in Phuket and it is also one of the most popular beaches here. It has some very soft and golden sand, and the bluest water you will find in Thailand.
Karon Beach offers a very quiet and laid-back atmosphere while giving people fun activities like parasailing or jet skiing. Karon is a great place for you to just relax and enjoy the tranquil vibes.
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is very close to several restaurants, stores, and resorts, but it still retains a good level of peace and cleanliness. It is the second-longest beach in Phuket, stretching for more than six kilometers.
You can visit the Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort for some good fun. You might even see a couple of fishermen out on this beach, trying to make their daily catches.
No matter which of these you decide to visit, you can be assured that you will have a great time. Before making any booking remember the best time to visit Thailand is between November and May.
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Long Story Short,
Best Beaches in Phuket, Thailand
- Freedom Beach
- Kata Beach
- Patong Beach
- Ya Nui Beach
- Nai Harn Beach
- Ao Sane Beach
- Banana Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Karon Beach
- Bang Tao Beach
