Phuket Beaches

Paradise is Calling

Spanning 540 square kilometres, Phuket Island showcases a diverse range of beaches, from vibrant shores bustling with beachfront nightlife options to secluded stretches of sand accessible only via winding roads or rocky paths. With some of the world's finest beaches, sunset experiences and awe-inspiring views of pristine turquoise waters, Phuket promises a beach experience like no other.

Top Phuket Beaches

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is renowned for its stunning beaches that cater to every type of traveller. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or an adventure-packed holiday, here are some of Phuket's top beaches that promise an unforgettable beachside escape.

Nai Harn Beach

Best Beach for A Laid-Back Holiday

Surrounded by lush hills and clear waters, Nai Harn Beach offers a postcard-worthy setting for beachgoers. This beautiful Phuket beach is rarely crowded, which is surprising considering its lovely soft white sand and gently sloping shore that lazily makes its way down to meet the Andaman Sea. A wonderful spot to relax, catch a wave, soak up some sun and enjoy some casual dining, you'll enjoy plenty of peace and quiet on this little slice of heaven.

Accommodation: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Location: Southwest coast of Phuket Island, approx. six kilometres southwest of Rawai

Freedom Beach

Best Beach for Untouched Beauty & Privacy

Although it's not an easy beach to get to, Freedom Beach does offer some of the most sparkling water and white sand you have ever seen! A top contender for the top ten best beaches in Phuket, Freedom is an entirely private and secluded escape, and you will likely have this place all to yourself. Accessible only by boat or on foot through a private jungle, this pristine paradise promises an unforgettable experience for those adventurous enough to make the journey.

Accommodation: Crest Resort, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Location: West coast of Phuket Island, South of Paradise Beach & North of Karon

Karon Beach

Best Beach for Sunsets, Stunning Views & Family Vacations

With its expansive, golden shoreline stretching over three kilometres, Karon Beach is beloved for its vastness and vibrant atmosphere, catering to everyone from sun-seekers to water sport enthusiasts. Thanks to its lengthy shores, you can enjoy a range of water sports, such as jet skiing and parasailing, without feeling too overwhelmed by the crowds. If you're an ocean lover headed to Phuket and looking for some hotels on the beach, Karon is the perfect beachfront destination.

Accommodation: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, Centara Karon Resort Phuket
Location: Western coast of Phuket Island, South of Patong

Paradise Beach

Best Beach for Relaxing

One of the lesser-known Phuket beaches, Paradise Beach lives up to its name, boasting a secluded cove with calm waters sheltered between two headlands of verdant forest. One of the best beaches in Phuket, Paradise Beach, with its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, is truly a slice of heaven. Despite its remote location and entry fee of 200 baht, Paradise Beach is undoubtedly worth the visit. It provides an exclusive and serene retreat for those in search of tranquillity away from the bustling crowds found at other beaches.

Accommodation: Amari Phuket, Burasari Phuket, Crest Resort
Location: West coast of Phuket Island, between Patong & Karon Beach

Kamala Beach

Best Beach in Phuket for Family Holidays

The ultimate family destination of all the Phuket beaches, Kamala offers two kilometres of beautiful white sand away from the hustle and bustle of Patong. Once a quaint fishing village, Kamala has transformed into a delightful beachside retreat with a relaxed ambience, perfect for families and those seeking a tranquil vacation. Here, visitors can unwind on sun loungers with a refreshing beverage, take a dip in the calm crystal clear waters and indulge in a range of other relaxed water-based activities.

Accommodation: Radisson Resort & Suites Phuket, Sunwing Kamala Beach
Location: West coast of Phuket island, approximately 11 kilometres north of Pa Tong

Surin Beach

Best Beach for Water Activities & Beachfront Dining

Coconut and palm trees line the beautiful stretch of shoreline known as Surin Beach. Small but mighty, this Phuket beach offers visitors a diverse experience with various dining options and water-based activities such as surfing, swimming, kayaking and boogie boarding. Here, you'll find families splashing about in the crystal-clear water, experienced surfers catching some waves, tourists exploring the boutique stores on offer and couples indulging in high-end dining options.

Accommodation: Outrigger Surin Beach Resort
Location: West coast of Phuket Island, between Bang Tao Beach & Kamala Beach

Kata (Yai) Beach

Best Beach for Surfing & Sunbathing

Surfers, sunbathers and swimmers gather at Kata (Yai) Beach, where rolling waves and golden sands create the perfect setting for relaxation and water sports. Although it is one of the most scenic beaches in Phuket, Kata is also very popular and therefore quite busy; however, it is never as busy as the neighbouring Patong. There is a lot of tourist activity on and around the beach, including a range of dining and shopping options, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot in the shade.

Accommodation: Beyond Resort Kata, Centara Kata Resort Phuket, Kata Palm Resort
Location: Southwest of Phuket Island, approx. ten kilometres south of Pa Tong

Kata Noi Beach

Best Beach for A Relaxed Beach Experience

Not far from one of the more popular Phuket beaches, Kata Noi has avoided much of the development that has occurred elsewhere on the island. With very few visitors and no vendors apart from those attached to nearby resorts, this Phuket beach enjoys a level of privacy rarely seen at any of the other bustling tourist spots. Here amongst the clear blue waters, swimmers, sunbathers and experienced surfers find their sanctuary away from the crowds.

Accommodation: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Location: South of Kata (Yai) Beach

Bang Tao Beach

Best Beach for Beachside Dining & High-End Family Holidays

One of the longest stretches of sand on the island, over eight kilometres long, this Phuket beach is not just a pretty piece of coastline. Its sands are a sprawling canvas of natural beauty and vibrant activity, offering an abundance of water-based adventures, high-end dining experiences and some of the best Phuket beach resorts on the island. Head south for a range of beach clubs, social spots and surf schools, or north for a family beach day or a quiet moment away from the crowds.

Accommodation: Angsana Laguna Phuket, SAii Laguna Phuket, Sunwing Bangtao Beach
Location: Northwest coast of Phuket Island

Banana Beach

Best Beach for Swimming & Snorkelling

Formerly the best-kept secret in Thailand, this Phuket beach has gained immense popularity among tourists due to its silky sands and turquoise waters. Despite the surge in visitors, the beach retains its spectacular beauty and remains unaffected by the presence of other holidaymakers. Located on its own island and only accessible by boat from the Rawai coast, Banana Beach is the perfect place to spend the afternoon lounging on the shores, snorkelling and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Location: Coral Island, off the coast of Rawai

Best Time to Go to the Beach in Phuket

Thanks to its subtropical location, Phuket enjoys consistently mild weather and comfortable water temperatures throughout the year. The island rarely experiences extreme cold, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers looking to escape harsh winters elsewhere.

Dry Season - November to April: The weather is pleasantly warm and relatively dry during these months, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. The sea conditions are also ideal for various water activities, as the water is warm and crystal clear. Remember that this time marks the peak tourist season in Phuket, so be prepared for larger crowds. Nevertheless, the vibrant atmosphere, breathtaking beaches and festive events during this time make it an enriching experience.

Wet Season - May to October: During this time, Phuket experiences its wet season, which is characterised by higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. From May to October, temperatures remain warm and the landscape becomes lush and green due to the rain. The beaches are also less crowded during this time but equally as gorgeous, making it ideal for travellers seeking a quieter and more relaxed beach experience.

Popular Beach Activities in Phuket

Phuket's beaches offer an array of exciting activities for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Here are some popular beach activities you can enjoy during your visit:

• Swimming: Phuket's warm and clear waters are perfect for swimming. Whether you're looking for a leisurely dip or a refreshing swim, the beaches provide a great opportunity to cool off and enjoy the tropical surroundings.
• Surfing: Phuket's beaches, particularly Kata Beach and Kalim Beach, are notable surfing spots, especially from May to October when waves are at their best. Whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner, you'll find suitable waves and surf schools offering lessons and equipment rentals.
• Scuba Diving: Phuket is a gateway for scuba diving adventures in the Andaman Sea. With numerous diving sites nearby, you can explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Several diving schools around the island offer PADI courses for both beginner and advanced divers.
• Snorkelling: If you're not quite ready for scuba diving, snorkelling is a great way to observe Phuket's colourful underwater world. Sites like Paradise Beach and Banana Beach have shallow reefs close to the shore, making them perfect for snorkelling.
• Fishing: Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences in Phuket, from shore fishing to deep-sea fishing excursions. Local operators offer fishing trips where you can catch various fish species, including yellowfin, tuna and barracuda.
• Recreational Water Activities: Beyond these, Phuket offers many recreational water activities. Jet-skiing and parasailing are popular choices for those seeking an adrenaline rush. For a more leisurely pastime, consider stand-up paddleboarding or guided sea kayaking trips, which often include exploring the islands' caves and lagoons.

Top Phuket Beach Holidays

Embark on a beach holiday like no other with our range of Phuket beach holiday packages. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or a mix of both, our packages cater to every traveller and ensure an unforgettable experience in the beachside paradise that is Phuket. Trust TravelOnline to curate your perfect holiday and book with us today.