Won’t you take a wander with me as we discover and explore Phuket’s delightful beaches? We’ll share some of the local gems we have also discovered along the way for dining and anything else that is too good to miss, and of course my suggestions for brilliant staycation options.
Table of Contents
TOP PHUKET BEACH DESTINATIONS
Who knew that Phuket has 30 beaches to explore? Not I! We have really enjoyed exploring Phuket’s serene and pristine beaches in 2021. In these unprecedented times, Phuket’s beaches are incredibly quiet. Those beaches that may not have been my cup of tea in years gone by are now showing all the lovely things that made them so popular in the first place.
Covid has been a great leveler. From the upmarket beaches of Surin, through to the family-friendly Rawai, or the once party and sin city beach of Patong. Every place is unrecognisably quiet, every beach has rejuvenated and presents at its very best these days.
Won’t you come sea with me?!
WHAT IS A GOOD BEACH?
For me, a good beach is one that is good for walking on and swimming at. I like beaches that are unspoilt, with any development set back from the beach. A good beach is peaceful, calm, and clean. I will happily walk to find a beach as long as it’s not too far. I’m normally carrying too much clobber for a long hike in!
Sunset at Kata beach
PHUKET’S DELIGHTFUL BEACHES
The sand is generally super soft, the water is warm like a bath, and oh my those crystal blue colours and long, long endless beaches. The high season of November to April is meaningless in this Covid era. I am yet to see a crowded beach in Phuket, even on New Year’s Eve!
I am yet to find a beach here that I didn’t like.
PUBLIC VS PRIVATE BEACHES
While all beaches in Thailand are public, lucky guests at Le Meridien (Karon Noi – Relax), Cape Panwa (Panwa Beach) and The Surin (Pansea Beach) pretty much enjoy these exclusive beaches to themselves due to their limited access.
1. Kata Beach
Wonderful walking beach – sheltered bay – fabulous for watersports
Our local beach so I am a little bit biased. It’s good for watersports all year round. December to April people were out paddleboarding on the sheltered bay. May-Oct is great for waves. Kata is the best surf beach around as noted by the high-end Quiksilver, Roxy, and Billabong surf shops. This week a Kitesurfer was out riding the waves.
Whilst there are very few people on this beach a turtle laid her eggs here. Read the full story here: Behold the Leatherback Turtle on Kata Beach.
Just be aware that the Kata beach area is very quiet with much closed. You can find local massage still open at the bargain price of 200 Baht for a one-hour oil massage at the northern end of the beach.
The Boathouse offers a great Staycation package and fabulous dining with Executive Chef Jonathan. If you want to go local, at the Kata rocks end of the beach, you’ll find two local Thai seafood restaurants and Ska Bar.
If you are looking for the best in infinite staycation luxury check out Kata Rocks and time it right, you can enjoy their fabulous Pool brunch: Kata Rocks stay in style and brunch.
Kata Rocks sunset at the pool
The SIS Kata Resort has great views down over Kata Beach aimed at dynamic young and trendy crowd who want good value and an excellently run resort, minutes from the fabulous Kata beach.
Little Wandering Wren Kata beach video found here
2. Nai Harn Beach
Soft sand – Fabulous swimming – Local/expat atmosphere
Lovely swimming and sunsets at this top-rated beach. Fun and vibrant, popular with expats and local families. Plenty of food options with a couple of hotel and restaurant choices at the far end and off the beach many street food options.
Sailing and fishing boats anchor in the calm waters of this sheltered bay. Do not miss especially for your sunset walk!
The Nai Harn and Rock Salt restaurant
Staycation options The Nai Harn Phuket for fabulous hotel, wonderful location, great staff! We can recommend happy hour cocktails and evening dining at their Rock Salt restaurant overlooking the beach.
3. Pansea Beach
Thai beach heaven – Peaceful – secluded – stunning bay
This beach is an absolutely stunning long wide superb beach with soft sand and an incredible blue sea. It is only at number 3 because of ease of access. There is apparently a walkway down the beach, but it is not obvious. By far the preferred way of enjoying this beach is to book into The Surin hotel.
Little Wandering Wren’s Youtube: The Surin featuring Pansea beach is here
4. Surin Beach
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When you swim out into the warm, turquoise waters and look back to shore, all is calm & peaceful.
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For more see my Surin Beach post here. Our top choices for places to stay are TwinPalms Phuket and The Chava Resort across the road from the beach or The Surin.
Little Wandering Wren Surin Beach video found here.
Twin Palms Phuket
Eating is easy in this area you can take the Twin Palms shuttle bus free transport to Palm Seaside, The Lazy Coconut, and Catch Beach Club. If you are after good Thai local food within walking distance head to Audy (you can also find them on the beach) and Riverside restaurant. Or for a great International choice Benny’s Cocktails and Grill.
Going to give a shout out to the guys at Sutai Muay Thai for an excellent boxing gym with the biggest heart – this is where we pack for #onephuket life bags
5. Banana Beach
A hidden or secret beach feel – loved by the locals
You can’t drive onto Banana Beach but you can kayak in from Trisara! Nice and very unspoilt, you leave your car on the roadside and scramble down the hill to the beach. There are ropes to help you down and you will find a small family-run restaurant and some sun loungers for rent.
For the best staycationing in the area try the nearby exclusive villas at Trisara Villas and residences here or it’s a short drive to the fabulous Pullman Arcadia resort
Little Wandering Wren beach video found here
6. Kata Noi Beach
Incredible clear blue waters – Very picturesque
Worth the drive up from Kata Yai to have a gander at the homes of the original Phuket Millionaire’s row.
This small bay (700m beach) was once voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its tucked-away location is part of its charm. You can see from the beachfront development of the Kata Thani hotel and The Shore that this place could be heaving when every room is occupied. Right now, it is a treasure to be enjoyed.
7. Bang Tao Beach
A beautiful stretch of sand – one of the longest beaches in Phuket
We always have a good time at Bang Tao Beach, even in quiet times it still seems the beach to go and hang out with your friends. It’s a good location between Phuket airport and Patong on the west coast of the island. This trendy beach destination has many beach clubs and a vast choice of beach dining. This was our beach of choice for New Year’s Eve celebrations!
Check out our favourite eateries; Catch Beach Club, Palm Seaside, The Lazy Coconut. Or for beachfront Meditteranean The Beach Cuisine, and for a local Thai restaurant, we enjoy Riverside Restaurant.
You can’t go wrong with any of the upscale resorts around the lagoon. We especially loved the beautiful villas at the Banyan Tree More details here.
A massive shout out to our absolute beachfront Dusit Thani Lagoon pool villa staycation, more here.
For a hotel stay with the best activities program that is well suited to all ages from the kids’ clubs age upwards check out SAii Laguna Phuket.
One thing I love about all the Laguna hotels is how they are connected. You can travel between them easily and chargeback to your hotel room meals at other resorts.
Dusit Thani Laguna Bang Tao Beach
8. Naithon Beach
A locals beach – Charming and unspoilt
Naithon Beach is a superb and little-known beach, only 15 minutes from the airport on the west coast of Phuket, yet it has maintained its local charm.
It’s not one of those beaches I would seek out to find, but if I was staying nearby would be thrilled to have this as my local beach. It’s a little gem of a beach.
In normal times you’d have the choice of restaurants and spa massage available. Now all is very quiet with not so much open.
For one of our best Phuket staycations check out The Pullman Arcadia. Our rooms had an incredible view over Naithorn beach, wonderful food, and the staff was absolutely fantastic!
9. Kamala Beach
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A 1.5 km stretch of grainy sand, it is not the easiest to walk along, although I was passed by runners so maybe it was just me! Kamala offers a lovely sunset location with a fisherman’s village charm. The large bay offers calm and shallow waters located north of the once lively Patong Beach.
The beach area at night was the liveliest we have come across this year, Cocktails are still set at international prices at the Intercontinental, and the nearby duff-duff music at Ibiza-inspired Cafe del Mar Beach Club gives a taste of what this area used to be like. But wander further around the bay and you will find plenty of local beach bars and restaurants that are serving up a happy hour without 5-star prices and where you can still hear the conversation. We loved the food, drinks, and friendly service at Boat Bar restaurant. Am I showing my age now?!
Shout out to Nanorks Seafood, the starting point for Phuket’s best beach clean every Sunday morning at 9.30 am
Kamala BeachWe stayed at the Intercontinental Phuket Resort – if you can elect to stay beachside rather than mountainside for a tumble out of bed onto the beach experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the smaller Twin Palms MontAzure where the pool suites overlooking the beach offer the best combination of mountain and blue sea views. See my YouTube post here. Kamala Beach video found here. At the far end of the beach from the above photo, you will find Cape Sienna Hotel with its all sea view rooms and stunning view – also highly recommended.
Kamala Beach
10. Freedom Beach
A hidden or secret beach feel – Loved by the locals
Was the locals’ choice and it was wonderful however we were charged an entry fee to walk in across the landowner’s property (50 Baht pp) and there was so much rubbish as we walked down which ruined the experience for me.
There is the option to ride down in a 4WD for a fee! It is a steep descent onto the beach so not for those with mobility issues, even with the drive-in. However, this beautiful beach is nonetheless justified as being on the best beaches, particularly if they remove the rubbish!
The suggestion is to hire a longtail boat from nearby Karon beach (cost around 1100 THB). Arrive in style and you will no doubt have this as your top beach destination in Phuket.
Freedom beach
11. Nai Yang Beach
A beautiful hideaway beach – Popular with the locals – Close to the airport
You’ll find Nai Yang Beach, part of the Sirinat National Park in northern Phuket. If you are looking for a quiet locals’ beach that has never developed the commercialism of Patong or Karon this is a good choice.
In 2021 much remains closed but you’ll find restaurants and cocktails, beach massage, and a Family Mart convenience store.
Wandering along the beach early on Sunday we find a morning market and kids playing in the warm shallow waters under the watchful gaze of their parents. A few fishermen are out, and there is the traditional gorgeous picture to be had with the long-tail boats.
It’s quiet at the moment, normally things can get a tad nosier around the corner as it’s close to Phuket International Airport. This pretty casuarina-lined beach is apparently good for kite surfing.
Check out the beautiful The Slate resort. A fun, luxurious, and romantic resort. Or Dewa Phuket Resort a beautifully run resort comprising apartments, villas, and suites with the nicest lush gardens we found on Phuket. Both are within easy walking distance of Nai Yang beach.
We enjoyed Sea Almond, the perfect feet in the sand, and dinner at the beach restaurant. We suggest ordering ahead in these low season days if you want Phuket lobster, etc as they will buy in specially for you. A massage with Mae the owner of Coco massage on the beach road is a good find.
12. Mai Khao Beach
The beauty of Mai Khao Beach on the northwest coast of Phuket is the endless sand with an undeveloped beachfront. It’s part of the Sirinat National Park, the soft golden sand is heavy going for walking, but it has undeniable natural appeal despite its rough sea waters.
Anantara Villas Mai Khao
Our staycation at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas offered everything needed within the resort. So other than a fabulous backdrop for yoga, the infinity swimming pool, and sundowner cocktails, we did not venture too far along this magnificent beach. Loved this resort, more here.
See Anantara Villas YouTube featuring Mai Khao beach
13. Karon Noi (Relax) Beach
Secluded cove – Pristine sand
This secluded bay at the back of Le Meridien is as private as you can find here in Phuket. Great if you are staying at Le Meridien, not easy to access the beach if you’re not! Offering 500m of pristine beach looking out over the sparkling Andaman Sea.
Le Meridien Mai Khao beach
There is really only one place to stay to enjoy this beach Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. It’s a large resort with gorgeous beach views from most rooms.
14. Karon Beach
Large bay – great for walking
This beach was always a popular one in the good old days because at 2km long there was always room for everyone. Fast forward to 2021 and well how much space do you want? We enjoy this beach because it is a good walk!! At the far end is the beachfront Centara Grand Beach Resort, race you to the end! Check out my Youtube Vlog here and we’ll give you a birds-eye view of the beach.
15. Ao Yon Bay/Cape Panwa
Rustic charm – Peaceful – Undeveloped treasures
Usually, you travel to this area to avoid the crowds further up the West coast. These beaches feel authentic and have a rustic charm as undeveloped treasures. Here in small coves linked by rocky headlands, you find tranquillity at its best, with blue seas and magnificent sunsets.
For a staycation as beachfront as you can get try The Cove supporting a tiny hotel with only three rooms, with a great bar and restaurant. Or try next door if you want a swimming pool at The Moorings!
The Cove
Panwa Beach is so tucked away that if you are not staying at Cape Panwa Hotel or one of the next-door luxury villas you are unlikely or find it. We love a hidden gem of a beach, don’t you? Located on the east coast but facing west.
For a staycation option, we enjoyed The Cape Panwa Hotel. Offering a stylish away from it all location, a lovely swimming pool area, and a serene, small, but exclusive beachfront.
16. Trisara Beach
Private – Secluded Cove
If you like your beaches to come with a secluded cove, then you are going to love the height of lux private* Trisara beach. Here you can stroll on the shores of the crisp blue Andaman Sea or relax in a hammock, a posh sun lounger, and have drinks bought on request.
At either end are good snorkeling opportunities and if you enjoy sea swimming Trisara have their own pontoon to swim out to with iced water and a bench with an umbrella waiting for the ultimate “life’s good” moment.
17. Rawai Beach
Peaceful local atmosphere – Not for swimming
Local fishing beach with beautiful views over the nearby islands. Located at the south end of Phuket island, It’s a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and if you like your coffee with a view check out Rustic and Blue By the Sea restaurant with their regular movie nights.
If you are looking to combine a wellness retreat in a fabulous resort (off the beach) check out Mangosteen Ayurveda and Wellness resort. Guests are offered a regular shuttle bus to the Nai Harn swimming beach.
18. Ya Nui Beach
Off the beaten track – Loved by the locals – Good for watersports
A small clean beach, clear water, and many water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling. You can sit amongst the trees where you will find local street food sellers.
Ya Nui Beach
19. Patong Beach
Worth rediscovering – Huge bay – Great for walking
This is one of those beaches and areas of Phuket that I would never give the time of day to normally but is worth revisiting without the hoards of jet skis, banana boats, drinking on the beach crowd. With the party crowd gone you’ll find this huge bay brilliant for walking, swimming and really quiet.
There was a reason that this beach is the most famous beach in Phuket, it started with a beautiful beach in an enormous bay and deteriorated in my humble opinion over the years!
It has suddenly become more scenic as it is stripped back to its beautiful bay and is worth checking out. Get there at sundown and join the keep fit ladies in pink doing their exercises by the Patong Beach sign. It has practically become charming!
If you want to stay among the ‘action’ I recommend the Holiday Inn Patong. Check out my Holiday Inn Patong Youtube. If you want the stay at one of the new kids on the Patong beach strip then check out the northern end Four Points by Sheraton and do not miss their brekkie!
Patong Beach
My top virtually in Patong stay was on the mountainside with great views of this wondrous bay at Kalima Resort and Spa. Whilst there check out their Thai hotpot menu, plenty of locals are coming in for this bargain dinner with great views. And do not miss across the road Baan Rim Pa restaurant for its elegant Royal Thai cuisine and spectacular sunset views.
20. Tri Trang Beach
Off the beaten track
Tri Trang Beach is just a few kilometers from Patong, and it’s a superb haven of peace with soft course sand. I’m sure it’s one of those beaches worth discovering in the old days when Phuket was heaving with tourists, but now personally I wouldn’t make a special trip for it. Sure if you are staying at the upmarket Rosewood Hotel this is lovely to have this beach outside your window.
21. Layan Beach
Peaceful local atmosphere rustic
Found at the Northern end of Bang Tao Beach in the National Park, This beach is a natural locals beach with plenty of shade amongst the trees and a pretty island at the end where the river meets the Andaman Sea. Despite the best efforts of a few locals volunteering on daily beach clean up, it’s full of rubbish and not as pretty as it once was! But that willchange and when it does I will move this beach higher up my list!
Hotels in the area include the Banyan Tree and The Pavilions Phuket. Check out the 360 Rooftop bar for expansive views of the Andaman Sea and Project Artisan restaurant
Best For SnorkelLing
Snorkelling in Phuket is such a pleasant experience in these warm, clear waters just offshore around the rocks of many of Phuket’s beaches.
To find some of the best-recommended beaches see
We loved snorkelling on Racha Island and I had one of my all-time best ever snorkeling experiences swimming with a turtle on a remote island on a 5 Star Marine boat trip.
Racha Island snorkeling
BEST ISLAND ESCAPE BEACH
Racha Yai Island
Perfect powder sand – Beautiful bay – Turquoise waters
If this isn’t the most perfected secluded island beach getaway then I don’t know what is. THE RACHA is a beautiful resort with a perfect powdery white sand beach & wow those turquoise waters are the best. The island is found 30 minutes off Phuket by speedboat and is worth every Baht to get there. Do not miss it!
Beach Safety
- Sea Safety in Phuket
- Swim between the flags and follow the guidance of the Life Savers
- Follow warnings – be careful of riptides especially in the rainy season May-October.
- Karon can be strong, as can Surin. Patong beach is a little softer for undercurrents but still needs to be on the safe side.
5 Star Marine
If you are looking for a day on the water to discover the hidden offshore beaches around Phuket then look no further than 5 Star Marine, a private boat charter company. We have enjoyed a fabulous day out with them and they also turned up on a secluded beach (we had biked in!) on Ratcha Yai Island. They know all the best places!
They are also the inspiration behind providing and delivering thousands of Life Bags as food relief for people in Phuket and the surrounding islands. There is no tourism company with a bigger heart than 5 Star Marine – support them if you can!
For more check out this YouTube An unbelievable true story from Phuket, Thailand on their work, Be warned have your tissues ready and get ready to buy your air ticket to support Phuket!
There is no better reason to know why Phuket deserves to have its beaches full of international visitors than this video. Love your work 5 Star Marine!
5 Star Marine
FINAL THOUGHTS
Phuket deserves you to come sea! You will not be disappointed.
Please share the love, Pin, and save for later!
SOME USEFUL LINKS
I wish Phuket well as it works to identify safe strategies for tourists to return. For the latest news and updates regarding:
- PhuketSandbox reopening for vaccinated international arrivals here.
- Signs of hope for Phuket Sandbox with all the useful links you’ll need.
- How to choose a SHA+ Hotel you’ll love
- See Christopher Lau’s YouTube vlog Hidden Beaches of Phuket. Recommending Tri-Trang Beach, Hua Beach, and Freedom beach.
- Check out Phuket News events for all the latest What’s On events.
- Inviting you for a Virtual Thailand Staycation here. It’s tough for those unable to travel at the moment, leave me a message on this post and I’ll select you a personal Thailand Staycation sent with a big hug!
- Phuket Beach Clean Up meeting every weekend at a beach near you!
7 comments
Wren – another fabulous review of the beauty of Phuket. My husband and I love snorkeling and scuba diving, so I think we would lean toward one of the beaches that offers good snorkeling! We haven’t been to a beach for several years – we had planned to go to Grand Cayman in May 2020 … you sure have made me yearn for that trip!! One day. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Having spent the last 6 months at the beach and can see how you would yearn for a beach trip. I hope you get your Grand Cayman adventure sometime. Your comments always add magic to my posts, thank you. I have added a link to the best snorkeling beaches in Phuket which include Kata Noi and Ya Nui above.
Have a lovely week Angie
Wren x
So beautiful! I visited Phuket about 30 years ago before tourism really hit. I’ve since heard that tourism has spoilt the area, but looking at your shots, it seems as if there are quite a few unspoilt areas.
You and me the same Fiona, it has been hard for those of us old enough to remember Phuket from years ago as it really became a victim of its own success by 2018/19. Now its old charms are shining through again, the entire island is unspoilt at the moment and whilst we all want and need to see the tourists back, I really hope Phuket can retain much of this current beauty.
Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely week
Wren x
Such beautiful and peaceful lookig beaches! Slices of paradise!
We are so lucky here Pat – yes big slices of paradise! I’ve still got quite a few beaches to visit, it’s a nice project to have!
Wren x
They really are beautiful beaches. And warm looking. In my mind, it’s hard to beat the Oregon Coast (as we say here instead of Beach — it’s a regional thing). All our beaches are public, no charge for parking. No development along the water (hotels with views are well set back where there are any)and no driving on the beach. I was so shocked when we traveled (even as close as the State of Washington, not to mention the Gulf Coast) to find that wasn’t always true!! Looks like all those good things are true for Phuket beaches too — plus probably warmer all year. (It’s too warm here right now in the Pacific Northwest as you may have heard, but normally that is definitely not true.)