Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane beach is one of the only rocky beaches on the island. However, this should not put anyone off as it is one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets and still has sandy areas. While it is not the best beach for sunbathing on, it is one of the best for snorkelling and diving as it boasts an abundance of possible sites.
Ao Yon Beach
Ao Yon beach is actually split into two by a rocky peninsula. The smaller of the two is known as Ao Yon Junior and is practically deserted, housing just one shrimp farm. It does however boast spectacular views across the bay and Lone Island. There is a stunning waterfall behind the beach which is well worth visiting if you are in Ao Yon.
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is famous for housing one of Asia’s largest resorts, Laguna Phuket. The beach is geared towards serving the tourists who stay at this resort, although there is a small selection of independent hotels and guesthouses. Laguna Phuket is extremely luxurious, not only boasting five star hotels, but also a golf course and exclusive residential accommodation.
Chalong Bay
Chalong Bay is not very popular with tourists as the coastline is muddy and the water is unsuitable for swimming. However, it is the perfect spot for yacht mooring and the beach lies at the heart of all boat activity on Phuket. As the day trips and dive excursions set off early mornings, this is the busiest time on the beach, however late afternoons are also busy and the beach is alive with sailors who have moored their boats and made their way onto dry land for a drink.
Emerald Beach
Located at the southern end of Phuket and very close to Patong, Emerald Beach is a small area perfect for sunbathers who want a little bit of peace and quiet. It is 500 metres long with sun loungers along its entire length.
Kamala Beach
Located north of the hustle and bustle of Patong, Kamala Beach is very laid back and beautiful; the perfect destination for those looking to get away from it all. It is an enclosed bay and fishing village which is overlooked by rolling hills and without doubt one of the most picturesque spots in Phuket.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is just three kilometres south of Patong and is a good alternative for people who want to be away from the heart of the action but do not want to be cut off completely. It is a long beach, stretching for five kilometres, boasting white sand and crystal clear waters. It is much quieter than Patong, but there is still an excellent range of facilities, dining options and night time entertainment.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a beautiful white sandy bay located to the south of Patong. Kata is a lot less developed than Patong and attracts people who are looking for beauty and serenity but still want to be within easy reach of all of the action. It is most commonly visited by couples looking for a romantic getaway and those with families.
Its palm-lined beach looks out onto the crystal clear waters which are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing or just paddling. The waters also boast perfect surfing conditions between the months of May until October and during this period the beach is often alive with surfers of all levels. The peak months of November through until April are much more popular with general tourists.
Laem Ka Beach
Phuket’s Laem Ka is a very unique beach as it is the only east-facing beach on Phuket and therefore very shaded. It is very popular with the locals due to this shade and despite being very small, at just 150 metres; many local families make their way here at the weekend to enjoy a picnic. The water close to the shore is very shallow and perfect for children, another reason why it is so popular with the Thais.
Laem Singh Beach
Laem Singh Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the whole of Phuket. It lies hidden on the west coast of the island between Kamala and Surin beaches. It is a very small beach in comparison to some on Phuket, stretching just 150 metres. However, the bay is stunning and the tree-lined beach is secluded, intimate and very relaxing.
Mai Khao Beach
Located on the northwest coast of Phuket, Mai Khao Beach is largely undeveloped and will remain so as it is part of the Sirinat National Park and therefore protected. There are only two major constructions close to the beach which include the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Phuket International Airport Hotel.
Nai Harn Beach
One of the most tranquil spots on the whole of Phuket, Nai Harn beach is a must for nature lovers and those looking for a bit of intimacy. It is a popular beach with the local Thai and expat communities, largely due to the fact that it is often ignored by tourists. There are only a small scattering of hotels here which ensures that tourist numbers are never too high.
Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon is a stunning stretch of undeveloped beach which is ideal for those who want to escape everything and enjoy the tranquil waters. It has been completely overlooked by all major developers although there are hotels located here. The accommodation options consist of small independent establishments which do not impose on the untamed beauty of this beach.
Nai Yang Beach
The northern end of Nai Yang beach is actually part of the Sirinath National Park and is completely untouched. The only constructions are small salas which fit with the natural beauty and provide shade from the sun or cover from the rain. This part of the beach is very popular with local Thais who enjoy picnics in the shade and parties on the beach. Due to this popularity among Thai people, there are many food stalls found on the beach road selling snacks, fruit, drinks, curies, salads and sweets. There are also small beach huts which serve up barbecued seafood and dishes you will not see at most tourist orientated Thai restaurants.
Pansea Beach
Pansea Beach is one of the smallest on Phuket. It is also one of the most exclusive. Much of it is private beach which belongs to the luxurious resorts of Amanpuri Phuket and the Chedi resorts. There are also a selection of elite residential homes and villas which are often empty for six months of the year.
Panwa Beach
The small undeveloped beach is located in the south of Phuket and is named after the neighbouring Muslim village. Despite the surrounding are being developed and urbanised over the last decade, Panwa beach has managed to remain as it was many years ago. It is ideal for those who are looking to escape reality and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is naturally very beautiful boasting crystal clear water and pristine golden sands. It is very small, at just 150-metres long, and offers panoramic views across Patong Bay. There is an even smaller beach next door which can only be accessed by climbing over a small rocky outlet.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is perhaps the most popular tourist coastline in Thailand. It is certainly the most visited beach on Phuket, boasting an abundance of facilities and accommodation which ensures that everyone, regardless of age, budget and preference is catered to. The beach itself is a two-kilometre stretch of soft golden sand; an idyllic paradise which is home to water sports facilities, beach hawkers, restaurants, bars, spas and hotels. It is a thriving hub of activity which acts like a magnet to those arriving from the colder climates of Europe and the US.
Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach was the first ever tourist beach to be developed on Phuket. Today however, it no longer attracts the crowds as it is a working beach and the main pier for all boat excursions. There are a number of longtail boats available for hire here which offer trips to nearby islands such as Coral Island, Koh Lone or Racha Island. They also rent the boats out for fishing and snorkelling trips, allowing visitors to enjoy their own private trip.
Surin Beach
Known to locals as ‘Millionaires Row’, Surin Beach is visited by the wealthy and the rich and famous. There are many luxurious resorts which attract celebrities from all across the world and stunning million dollar houses which sit atop the hills overlooking the bay. Surin is approximately 25 minutes north of Patong, located very close to Bang Tao.
Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui can be found sandwiched between two of Phuket’s most impressive viewpoints on the southern coast, set amongst a beautiful cove which is full of character. It boasts excellent snorkeling, kayaking and fishing opportunities and during the peak months of November, December and January the small beach is alive with sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts.
