From the beauty, adventure, romance, tourist attractions, and great food, Phuket has it all.
The largest in Thailand’s islands, Phuket is a highly visited place and a dream beach destination.
Thanks to its tree-fringed beaches, sugar-white sand, and the unbeatable crystal clear jade waters of the Andaman Sea for the island’s popularity.
You don’t have to worry about getting stuck somewhere you don’t like, as there are over 30 beaches on Phuket’s breathtaking coast.
It offers a boisterous and entertaining spot, a secluded seaside escape, and a high-end luxury experience.
12 Best Beaches in Phuket
When planning a beachside holiday adventure in Phuket, you may want to check out some of the best beaches.
Here are the best beaches in Phuket.
1. Patong Beach
Even if it’s your first time in Phuket, you must have heard about the famous Patong Beach.
Apart from being the most popular, it is also the longest and most populated.
It’s usually bustling but always beautiful and adventurous, with many hotels offering various dining experiences.
Locals can also enjoy local cuisines along with shopping and a vibrant nightlife.
The famous nightlife scene features bars, discos, and nightlife.
You can participate in scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling.
You won’t feel lonely or isolated even if you visit alone, but the northern part of the beach is quieter.
2. Freedom Beach
A 10-minute long-tail boat can take you to the heart of tranquility at Freedom Beach.
Despite being next to the crowded Patong beach, this place is a little piece of heaven.
It is one of the cleanest beaches in Phuket, with picturesque untouched beauty.
If you want more adventure, you can go up the stairs to the northern part of the beach.
The reward is a wonderful panoramic view of the crystal water.
3. Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a popular, calm, and beautiful beach after Patong.
It’s a great place to visit with your family as it allows you to enjoy the incredibly blue sea during the high season.
It also offers a large selection of dining, shopping, and decent nightlife, with plenty of hotels for different budget levels.
The Kata Yai beach has some of the best swimming spots on the island.
You can also snorkel around the rocks.
4. Banana Beach
The Banana Beach is also accessible by long-tail boat or hire car.
That’s why many people may miss this hidden gem when looking for a beach to relax or have fun.
It is backed by a lush green jungle and smooth sand.
Some of the activities you can enjoy here include snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, sunbathing, and swimming.
Although the beach has a shelter look, waves can sometimes be fierce, and given its remoteness, it’s probably prudent to be careful when swimming during the low season.
The safest time to swim on this beach is between November and May.
Outside those months, the surf becomes too rough and dangerous.
5. Karon Beach
It’s almost impossible to talk about incredible beaches without mentioning Karon Beach.
This beach is the second-longest in Phuket, making it one of the most popular.
It features clear blue water and white sand in high season and offers visitors a quieter and more laid-back experience.
There are many great hotels across the beach road and a handful of bars that offer enough evening entertainment.
The rocky area around the south part of the beach is a hot spot for snorkeling.
However, those who prefer a more thrilling or high-octane activity can rent jet skis on the beach.
The waves can get pretty wild, especially in the rainy season, but overall, the sea here is approachable.
6. Kamala Beach
Located north of the popular and lively Patong Beach, Kamala Beach is almost the polar opposite of its busy neighbor.
Its calm, shallow waters make it the perfect place for families and everyone who wants to relax in the water.
The beach is beautiful and inviting and retains authenticity in this rare part of Phuket.
It’s extremely quiet in the low season and picks up when the high season comes.
It doesn’t boast loud water sports that come with bigger beaches but offers a quiet environment to read a good book, swim or run.
The nearby streets offer funky cafes, friendly locals, and electronic shops.
It’s also worth noting that Kamala Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Phuket.
You likely won’t find plastic bottles and ropes littering the beach as there’s a regular beach cleanup usually done on Wednesdays and Fridays.
7. Paradise Beach
The name gives it the perfect definition-Paradise.
This 200-meter-long beach has a little rocky headland that makes it look like two beaches.
Walking on Paradise Beach is like stepping into the pages of a travel magazine.
The glossy, azure sea laps a clean shore while the beautiful tall palm trees lean and sway in the background.
This beach also offers visitors a more laid-back environment to enjoy calm and relaxed activities.
It’s well protected and enjoys an endless blue sky that shines a light on the giant granite rocks.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of facilities, including bars, restaurants, sea kayaks, beach chairs, and much more.
8. Nai Harn Beach
The over 660m Long Nai Harn beach has once been a tiny, silent, and secluded bay in the southern part of Phuket.
Today, it continues to become popular.
It features powdery soft sand, and the sea often changes from calm in the high season to fierce in the low season.
The spot has not been overly developed, meaning it has retained its silent charm.
That means you don’t have to wake up early to find the perfect spot to spread out your towel.
The beach is also guarded during the high season, and the best time to visit is between November and May.
9. Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi is situated next to Kata Beach, and its name actually means “little kata beach.”
While only 700 meters long, Kata Noi is packed with a worldwide charm.
It’s located in the southern part of the larger Kata and is much quieter than its larger counterpart.
You can enjoy services from resorts and restaurants nearby, especially during day trips to the beach.
The sea in this part is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing.
If you’re not up for activities, you can find plenty of spots to lie in or sit and enjoy the fantastic weather.
10. Railay Beach
The sand on Railay Beach is one of the softest you’ll ever come across.
Located in Krabi province, the beach has spectacular surroundings, making it one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations.
The sea provides the most beautiful blue, and the coconut palms offer the perfect shade.
Rock climbers can have it all in this area as there are almost 1,000 climbing routes, ranging from beginner to super challenging.
11. Surin Beach
The present Surin Beach is not what it used to be.
It was once famous for its great nightlife, restaurants, and shops, but today, the beach is more in its natural state, with clear tropical waters, and soft white sand
It’s a playground for the wealthy, with world-class hotels and resorts nearby and a golf course.
If you plan to visit this place, it’s crucial to know that the sea here is particularly deeper than other bays.
Therefore, be careful if you plan on swimming.
12. Laem Singh Beach
If you’re searching for a beach that looks straight out of a hidden tropical paradise, Laem Singn is the place for you.
It’s surrounded by thick, large rocks, green bushes, statues, and boulders.
Located north of Kamala and south of Surin Beach, the crescent-shaped beach is backed by towering trees that offer well-appreciated shady breaks.
Thanks to the steep entryway, the place is mildly more crowded than other areas, but weekends can be jam-packed during the high season.
You can bring your own or rent snorkel gear to explore the reefs.
Be sure to pack everything you need for a fun day out, as there are no facilities here.
Phuket Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Phuket Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful beach in Phuket?
This question has no clear answer, as everyone perceives beauty differently.
However, according to people’s reviews, Railay and Patong are considered the most beautiful because of their amazing sand, crystal water, and breathtaking surroundings.
Which beach is more family-friendly?
Kata Beach is well known as a family-friendly beach with a wide range of activities for children and adults.
What are Phuket beaches known for?
Phuket beaches are known for their facilities, sceneries, and great atmosphere.
Which beaches can you swim in Phuket?
Almost all beaches in Phuket are swimmable, but be sure to do your research, as there are dangerous places to swim at specific times during the year.
Why visit Phuket beaches?
Phuket never runs out of amazingly beautiful beaches
You can choose from many options depending on the adventure you’re seeking.
