46 Amazing Beaches to Discover in Phuket! ⛱️

Ao Sane

 NOTE: Ao Sane Beach currently has massive buildings under construction. We discovered Ao Sane many years ago, hidden yet visible from Nai Harn Beach. You’ll need to drive on a narrow road past the Nai Harn Hotel to find this gem. The beach consists of three small bays connected by short walks. While the sand feels a bit rough under your feet, the setting is beautiful with large rocks and green trees creating shade. The clear water makes it good for snorkeling. There’s just one restaurant serving simple Thai food and cold drinks. Not too many people come here, which makes it perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Ao Yon

Ao Yon remains one of the less-visited beaches in Phuket. We often drive past this area and almost miss the entrance each time. Located between Kao Khad and Panwa beaches on the east coast, it’s growing slowly in popularity. A few restaurants and hotels have opened recently, but it keeps its peaceful character. The beach itself isn’t the most impressive for swimming, but it offers a quiet spot away from tourist areas. We like to come here to watch local fishermen bringing in their catch or simply enjoy a meal at one of the small restaurants overlooking the bay.

Banana Beach

We found Banana Beach by accident many years ago, hidden behind thick trees along the coastal road near the airport. This small cove with white sand and clear water remains relatively unknown to most visitors and can be really quiet outside peak season (December to March). To reach it, you need to walk down a steep path through the forest. The effort is worth it – the beach is beautiful and rarely crowded. During high season, a small stand sells drinks and simple food. The swimming conditions are usually good, with gentle waves and a sandy bottom. We recommend coming early in the morning when you might have the whole place to yourself.

Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao stretches for nearly 6 kilometers along Phuket’s west coast. We consider it one of the most varied beaches on the island. The southern section houses the Laguna Phuket complex with luxury hotels, while the northern part remains quiet and undeveloped. The beach itself has good swimming conditions with soft sand and clear water during high season. Many small restaurants line the central part, offering fresh seafood at reasonable prices. The beach is wide enough that it never feels crowded, even during peak tourist season. Local vendors often walk by selling fresh fruits or drinks, but they’re not pushy.

Freedom Beach

Located just a few kilometres south of Patong, Freedom Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand that remains relatively quiet due to its limited access. We can only reach it by longtail boat during high season, as the sea gets too rough in monsoon months. The land around the beach is privately owned, making it impossible to access by road. The isolation creates a peaceful atmosphere rarely found near Patong. The water is incredibly clear, and there are good snorkeling opportunities around the rocks. There are basic facilities, including a small restaurant serving drinks and Thai dishes.

Friendship Beach

We often visit Friendship Beach on the east coast when we want to escape the tourist crowds. While not ideal for swimming due to the muddy seabed, it offers stunning views of distant islands and passing boats. The beach got its name from the original Friendship Beach Resort built there years ago. Today, several restaurants and small hotels line the shore, making it popular with expats living in Phuket. We enjoy coming here for drinks or dinner with the peaceful backdrop of Chalong Bay. When the tide is high, the beach almost disappears, but at low tide, it’s beautiful.

Haad Sai Kaew

We stumbled upon Haad Sai Kaew while exploring Phuket’s northern tip. The name means “Glass Sand Beach” in Thai, though the sand isn’t as white as southern beaches. What makes this place special is how empty it feels – we often walk for kilometers seeing only a handful of people. The water turns a beautiful blue during high season, perfect for swimming and relaxing. There are a few facilities here, just a couple of small local restaurants serving fresh seafood. This beach reminds us of how Phuket looked decades ago before mass tourism arrived. The location is far from tourist centers, which keeps it authentic and peaceful.

Haad Pak Phra

Haad Pak Phra is the last beach leaving Phuket from the north end, and most people would drive past without ever stopping.

Heeowhat Beach

We discovered Heeowhat Beach while exploring Cape Panwa on Phuket’s east coast. This wide, shallow beach sits in front of the Pullman Panwa Phuket Resort. The tall trees provide welcome shade on hot days. Since the water remains shallow far from shore, swimming isn’t great, but walking along the peaceful shore makes for a pleasant experience. The beach never gets crowded, even during peak season. We sometimes come here in the early morning to watch fishermen preparing their boats or in the evening when the sun sets behind the hills. There’s something calming about this overlooked spot that keeps drawing us back.

Hua Beach

Hua Beach remained hidden from us for many years despite our frequent visits to Phuket. Located not far from busy Kamala, this small cove feels worlds apart from tourist hotspots. The beach itself isn’t particularly remarkable for swimming due to rocks and coral, but its secluded nature gives it a special charm. We often find ourselves alone here, even during high season. A small path through private land leads to this hidden spot. The surrounding cliffs and green hills create a natural amphitheater that blocks noise from nearby areas. We recommend bringing your own drinks and snacks as there are no facilities here.

Kalim Beach

You will pass Kalim Beach whenever you drive from Patong to Kamala. This modest bay sits right next to Patong but feels completely different. The rocky seafloor makes it unsuitable for swimming, but local surfers love it during monsoon season when small waves form, perfect for beginners practicing their skills. The rough, coarse sand doesn’t attract sunbathers, making it quieter than neighboring Patong. In recent years, several good restaurants have opened on the hillside overlooking the beach, offering fantastic sunset views. We often stop here in the evening to watch locals walking their dogs or to sample food from the small street vendors that set up at the northern end.

Kamala Beach

We’ve watched Kamala change over the years from a sleepy fishing village to a developed yet still pleasant beach town. The bay forms a perfect crescent with soft sand and clear water during high season. The swimming conditions are excellent, with gentle waves and no sudden dropoffs. The northern end now hosts several upscale beach clubs and resorts, while the southern part maintains a more local feel with small restaurants serving fresh seafood. The central area offers a good mix of facilities without feeling overcrowded. Families appreciate the calm water and relaxed atmosphere, making it one of our top recommendations for those traveling with children.

Karon Beach

Karon surprises us with its relatively uncrowded stretches despite being one of Phuket’s longest and most beautiful beaches. The wide expanse of squeaky white sand creates space for everyone, even during high season. The water turns crystal clear from November to April, with small waves perfect for bodyboarding. The beach road offers plenty of dining options, shops, and accommodations for all budgets. We find the atmosphere more relaxed than Patong but livelier than Kata. The northern end tends to be quieter, while the area near Karon Circle gets busier. Local vendors sell drinks and fruit without being too persistent.

Karon Noi

We consider Karon Noi one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches, though few tourists ever see it. Le Meridien Phuket exclusively occupies this pristine bay, making it accessible only to hotel guests. The sand feels like powder between your toes, and the water displays an amazing blue color year-round. The hotel maintains the beach perfectly, with no litter or noise to disturb the tranquility. Rocky headlands on both sides create ideal snorkeling conditions with plenty of colorful fish. If you want to experience this hidden gem without staying at the resort, we’ve heard that sometimes day passes are available, but availability varies by season.

Karon Noi Beach

Beach loungers are free on Karon Noi Beach

Kata Beach

Kata is great for first-time visitors looking for a balance between facilities and beauty. This curved bay offers almost everything – soft white sand, clear blue water in high season, and enough shops and restaurants to keep everyone happy. The beach divides naturally into two sections, with the northern part quieter and the center more active with jet-skis and parasailing. Surfing becomes possible during the low season when small waves form, attracting beginners and intermediate surfers. Local food vendors and massage ladies add to the Thai beach experience without overwhelming visitors.

Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi is the smaller sister of Kata Beach. Located just around the headland, this beautiful bay offers similar white sand and clear water but with fewer people. Kata Noi feels more exclusive, partly due to the Katathani Resort occupying much of the beachfront. Public access remains available at the northern end, where a few small restaurants serve good food at reasonable prices. The swimming conditions here are excellent during high season, with gentle waves and no dangerous currents. The road leading to Kata Noi offers spectacular viewpoints worth stopping for photos. The beach never feels crowded, even when larger Kata is packed with tourists.

Khao Kad Beach

We stumbled upon Khao Kad Beach while exploring the lesser-known east coast. This area doesn’t attract swimmers due to the muddy seabed, but the atmosphere makes it worth visiting. Luxury villas and a few upscale resorts dot the hillsides overlooking the bay. The beach itself remains largely undeveloped, creating a peaceful place to walk and enjoy views of distant islands. At sunset, the sky often turns spectacular shades of pink and orange, reflected in the calm waters. A couple of local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught daily by fishermen from the nearby village. We recommend this area for travelers wanting to see a different side of Phuket away from tourist centers.

Laem Ka Beach

Laem Ka Beach was popular before it closed to the public. This small gem in the south near Rawai remained hidden from most tourists. The unusual rock formations and clear water made it perfect for snorkeling. The beach consisted of two distinct parts – a sandy area great for swimming and a rocky section ideal for exploring tide pools. The road access closed several years ago when developers purchased the surrounding land for a hotel project. Construction has been ongoing for some time, and we’re unsure when or if public access will return. We hope this beautiful spot becomes available again in the future.

Laem Singh Beach

We remember when Laem Singh was easily accessible by a small path down from the main road. This stunning bay between Kamala and Surin closed to land access in 2017 when the landowner blocked the entrance. Now, visitors can only reach it by longtail boat from Surin Beach. Despite these challenges, the effort proves worthwhile – the beach retains its natural beauty with palm trees leaning over golden sand. The crystal-clear water makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Since boat access limits visitor numbers, you might find yourself sharing this tropical paradise with just a handful of other people. Read how to get to Laem Singh Beach.

Laem Singh Beach

Layan Beach

Layan may be one of Phuket’s hidden treasures, located at the northern end of Bang Tao. The beach curves gently with casuarina trees providing natural shade. The distinctive feature is the small island sitting at the mouth of a lagoon where fishing boats shelter during storms. The water remains shallow and calm, making it ideal for families with small children. A few local restaurants serve authentic Thai food at reasonable prices. The development here remains low-key despite nearby luxury resorts like Banyan Tree. During high season, the sunset views become spectacular, with the sun dropping behind the island. Even on weekends, Layan rarely feels crowded.

Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao is the beach you will see below you when landing at Phuket airport, yet parts of this 11-kilometer stretch remain as empty as when we first visited decades ago. As part of a national park, development restrictions keep much of the beach natural. The sand appears coarser than that on southern beaches, and the water can be rough during the monsoon season. The famous airplane landing spot sits at the southern end, where tourists gather to photograph low-flying aircraft. We find the central and northern sections almost deserted even during peak season – perfect for long walks. Swimming requires caution due to strong currents during certain times of the year.

Makham Beach

We discovered Makham Beach while exploring the maze of small roads near Cape Panwa. This hidden spot requires some effort to find, tucked away from the main tourist areas. The beach itself offers pleasant views rather than swimming opportunities, as the water lacks the clarity of the West Coast beaches. The Crowne Plaza Hotel added appeal to the area with its beach pool and bar open to outside visitors. Local fishermen still use parts of the beach to moor their colorful boats, adding authenticity to the scene. A few small shops and restaurants cater mainly to locals, serving fresh seafood at reasonable prices. We enjoy the peaceful atmosphere here compared to busier areas.

Merlin Beach

Merlin Beach can be confusing for many visitors due to naming inconsistencies. Located near Tri Trang, this small beach sits behind the Marriott Phuket Beach Club. Access requires finding a small dirt road beside the hotel. The beach offers a mix of sand and rocky areas, making water shoes useful for swimming. Massage services operate under the trees, and a popular restaurant sits on the hillside offering great views. The water clarity varies by season, but generally allows for decent snorkeling around the rocks. Despite its proximity to Patong, relatively few tourists make their way here, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

Mee Sook Beach

We stumbled upon Mee Sook Beach by accident while exploring the coast between Patong and Paradise Beach. This tiny hidden cove requires paying an entrance fee at the gate, which keeps visitor numbers low. The beach consists of two small sandy areas, with Splash Beach Club operating on one section. Swimming isn’t the main attraction due to rocks and limited space, but the secluded setting creates a special atmosphere. The surrounding cliffs provide natural shade during morning hours. Few locals even know about this spot, making it feel like a secret discovery. We sometimes come here when Patong becomes too crowded and we need a quiet place to relax.

Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches, combining natural beauty with just enough facilities. The beach sits in a protected bay, creating ideal swimming conditions during high season. While development has increased over the years, strict building controls prevent high-rise hotels from spoiling the landscape. Local restaurants under the trees serve fresh food at reasonable prices. The small lake behind the beach provides an unusual feature, popular with joggers in the cooler morning hours. Sailing boats often anchor in the bay during calm weather, creating a picturesque scene. The perfect sand and clear water consistently impress first-time visitors, making it one of our most recommended spots.

Naithon Beach

Naithon is perfect when we want to escape touristy areas without sacrificing beach quality. This beautiful bay remains relatively undiscovered, partly due to its distance from popular centers. The water clarity rivals more famous beaches, especially during high season. A small village provides basic services with a few restaurants serving authentic Thai food. The recent addition of some luxury resorts hasn’t changed the relaxed atmosphere. The beach road runs close to the shore, making access easy while creating a pleasant place to walk in the evening. Tall pine trees provide natural shade along parts of the beach. Swimming conditions generally remain safe, with lifeguards present during high season.

Naithon Noi Beach

We rarely mention Naithon Noi Beach to visitors since access limitations make it challenging to visit. Located between Naithon and Banana Beach, this small bay serves primarily as the private beach for Andaman White Beach Resort. While technically not a private beach (as none can be in Thailand), the resort owns all surrounding land, effectively controlling access. On the rare occasions we’ve visited, we found perfect white sand and crystal clear water that ranks among Phuket’s best. The bay’s sheltered position creates ideal swimming conditions during high season. Unless staying at the resort, most visitors will need to admire this hidden gem from viewpoints along the coastal road.

Nai Yang Beach

Nai Yang is great for repeat visitors looking for alternatives to more developed areas. Despite its proximity to the airport, airplane noise rarely disturbs the peaceful atmosphere. The beach features a wide stretch of sand lined with casuarina trees, which provide natural shade. The shallow reef offshore creates excellent snorkeling opportunities during calm seas. The national park status of the northern section helps preserve natural surroundings. Small restaurants built under the trees serve delicious seafood at reasonable prices. The beach never feels crowded, even during high season, maintaining a relaxed local atmosphere. We particularly enjoy the sunset views here, when the sky often turns spectacular colors.

Nui Beach

We discovered Nui Beach years ago when it required a challenging drive down a dirt road past Karon Viewpoint. This small cove between massive granite boulders charges an entrance fee that has decreased in recent years. The effort to reach it keeps visitor numbers low compared to more accessible beaches. The unusual black rocks, contrasting with the sand, create a distinctive landscape unlike other Phuket beaches. The water clarity makes snorkeling rewarding, with diverse marine life around the rocks. Basic facilities include simple food and drink options plus beach chairs for rent.

Pansea Beach

We occasionally receive questions about accessing Pansea Beach, but we must explain its complicated situation. This stunning bay remains effectively private despite Thailand’s laws prohibiting private beaches. The Surin Phuket and Amanpuri Phuket luxury resorts control all land surrounding the beach, restricting access to hotel guests only. From the few glimpses we’ve had over the years, we can confirm its reputation as one of Phuket’s most beautiful stretches of sand. The perfect crescent shape, clear water, and exclusivity make it highly sought-after. Unless staying at one of the resorts, most visitors must admire it from distant viewpoints or photos only.

Cape Panwa Beach

We first visited Cape Panwa Beach while exploring the eastern peninsula years ago. This hidden gem belongs to Cape Panwa Hotel, which owns all surrounding land. Public access remains limited, with the only option for non-guests being a dinner reservation at the hotel’s Cape House restaurant. The beach itself offers a peaceful retreat from busier areas, with soft sand and calm water. The eastern location has different scenery from the west coast beaches, with views of distant islands rather than open sea. The hotel maintains facilities exclusively for guests, including water sports equipment and beach service. We sometimes recommend this area to visitors who want to experience a completely different side of Phuket.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach has transformed over the years from a hidden gem to a commercial beach club destination. Located a short drive from Patong, this small bay charges an entrance fee that varies depending on the day. The water clarity remains excellent, with good snorkeling around the rocks at either end. The beach itself features soft white sand and picturesque boats anchored offshore. Numerous shops, restaurants, and facilities now occupy much of the beach area, changing its character significantly. On party nights, the crowds increase substantially as young tourists arrive for music events. Morning visits provide the best experience if you want to enjoy the natural beauty with fewer people.

Patong Beach

Patong is Phuket’s beating heart – loud, crowded, and full of energy. The 3-kilometer beach attracts thousands of visitors daily during high season. While the water clarity doesn’t match more remote beaches, the convenience and facilities make it popular with first-time visitors. Beach chairs line much of the sand, with vendors selling everything from food to massage services. The famous Bangla Road sits at the center of the beach, creating a 24-hour entertainment zone. We recommend Patong for those wanting maximum convenience and nightlife options. Despite the crowds, the northern and southern ends often remain relatively quieter for those seeking slightly more space.

The beach of Patong in front of the hotel

Promthep Beach

Rawai Beach

Visitors can go to Rawai not for swimming but for its authentic local atmosphere and excellent seafood. This working beach on Phuket’s southern tip serves as a launching point for longtail boats heading to nearby islands. The seafront features a row of simple restaurants where you can select fresh fish, crab, and prawns from tanks before cooking. The actual beach doesn’t attract sunbathers due to its muddy seabed and moored boats, but the palm-lined shore creates a pleasant place to walk. The area maintains a strong local character despite increasing development. We particularly enjoy visiting the small sea gypsy village at the eastern end to see traditional fishing boats and methods.

Rayee Beach

Rayee Beach offers limited appeal compared to nearby alternatives. This small strip of sand sits in southern Kamala, providing nice views but poor swimming conditions. The beach gained some recognition from the long-established White Orchid restaurant and a few small bars built overlooking the water. During high tide, much of the beach disappears, leaving little space for activities. The rocky seabed makes swimming challenging, though the sunset views can be spectacular. We sometimes stop here for drinks or dinner when exploring the coast, but wouldn’t recommend making a special trip just for the beach itself.

Siam Beach

Siam Beach tiny cove requires descending steep stairs, limiting access for those with mobility issues. The beach consists mostly of rocks with small sandy areas, making it unsuitable for traditional beach activities. However, the clear water and abundant marine life create excellent snorkeling opportunities during calm seas. Very few tourists know about this spot, so you’ll often have it to yourself even during high season. No facilities exist, so bring everything you need. We recommend water shoes due to the rocky entry into the sea and proper sun protection, as shade is limited.

Surin Beach

We’ve watched Surin Beach evolve dramatically over the years. Once lined with beach clubs and restaurants, authorities cleared all structures from the sand in 2016, returning the beach to its natural state. The result is one of Phuket’s most beautiful bays with perfect white sand and crystal clear water during high season. The beach now has a more natural feel, though food vendors and local stalls operate along the park area behind the beach. Swimming conditions remain excellent between November and April, with some caution needed during monsoon months when strong currents can form. The central location makes it accessible from most areas, yet it never feels as crowded as Patong or Kata.

Tri Trang Beach

Tri Trang is a good beach for visitors staying in Patong who want a quieter alternative within easy reach. This long beach south of Patong reveals its rocky seabed during low tide – remnants of coral that once thrived here. High tide provides better swimming conditions with enough water covering the rocks. The beach never gets crowded, even during peak season, creating a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from busy Patong. A few simple restaurants offer food and drinks at reasonable prices. Road access has improved in recent years, making it easier to access. We enjoy the contrast between the busy tourist center and this relatively calm bay so close by.

Trisara Beach

Trisara Beach remains strictly private, serving only guests of the exclusive Trisara Villas. This small sandy cove on the west coast sits between Bangtao and Naithon beaches, offering luxury and seclusion to resort guests. From what we’ve seen from the water, the beach features soft sand and clear water, carefully maintained by resort staff. Like other effectively private beaches in Phuket, the resort controls all surrounding land, making land access impossible for non-guests. The exclusivity contributes to its pristine condition, which is free from wear and development and affects more accessible beaches. We can only recommend it to those willing to pay for the luxury resort experience.

Ya Nui Beach

Ya Nui is a small but charming cove tucked between Windmill Viewpoint and Promthep Cape. Despite its modest size, the beach packs plenty of character with good snorkeling around the rocks and island offshore. The curved shape creates different areas – one with deeper water for swimming and another shallower section perfect for children. Local vendors rent snorkeling equipment and kayaks for reasonable prices. Several small restaurants serve fresh food with great views. The beach gets busy during peak hours, but never feels overwhelmingly crowded. The road passing above fills with parked cars during high season – a testament to its popularity despite the small size.

Yae Beach

Yae Beach is hidden on the coastline between Patong and Kamala and is reserved for the guests of the Naka Hotel. Finding it requires knowing exactly where to look along the coastal road, as no significant signs mark its location. A small hut occasionally sells drinks during high season, but often remains closed. The beach itself offers decent views, but swimming conditions vary greatly depending on tides and seasons. We sometimes stop here briefly while touring the West Coast, but wouldn’t recommend making a special trip. The nearby viewpoints provide better views with easier access.

45 and 46. Phuket Secret Beaches

Those two secret beaches might be the last ones, so we will not reveal them openly here. They are hard to find and hard to reach, too! So let’s make a deal 🙂 Follow us on instagram.com/phuket.101/ and send us a message, and we will tell you where they are. 😀