Phuket, Thailand's biggest island, is among the world's finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, palm trees, glittering sea, and lively towns. Which of Phuket's many beaches is right for you? Read on to find out the answer.
Beaches in Phuket: Quick Facts
- The three main beaches in Phuket are Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach.
- The best beaches for families are Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, and Nai Thon Beach.
- The best beaches for couples/honeymooners are Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Mai Khao Beach, and Nai Harn Beach.
- The best beaches for swimming are the Karon, Kata, Nai Harn, Hai Thon, Freedom, and Banana beaches.
- The best beaches for snorkeling are the Kata, Yanui, Freedom, and Banana beaches.
- The best beaches for tranquility (few crowds) are Mai Khao, Khao Lak, Nai Harn, Nai Yang, and Banana beaches.
1. Patong Beach (Best for Families)
- Features: most popular beach; rich in activities; abundant accommodation options
- Crowding: ★★★★★ (the middle part is most crowded)
Patong Beach is the heart of Phuket where most first-time visitors to Thailand choose to stay.
The original success and popularity of Patong Beach revolve around two of its features: its rich variety of beach activities (parasailing, sunbathing, banana boats, windsurfing, yachts...) and its nightlife. It is also convenient for shopping and eating. Both adults and kids have things to do.
However, one of the downsides of the popularity is that it is quite commercialized, and the quality of the water and sand is not so good.
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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Accommodations by Asia highlights have
Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout. More
Chris Williams, Nov 2023
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Seeing Bangkok with ease
In Bangkok, our tour guide, Ying, was wonderful. She navigated all the sights with ease, gave us interesting tidbits on Thai culture and history, helped us pick the right food at all the restaurants, and was just a pleasure to be around. We had a great time, and it was so nice to not have to worry about any of the details. More
Diane Elkins, Nov 2023
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Thailand- October 2023!
The team in Thailand was also great. Shout out to our tour guides (Monchai in Bangkok, Indy in Chang Mai and Sonia in Phuket) they were the best!! It was 6 of us and they make us all feel right at home! Kudos! More
Mori P, Nov 2023
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2. Karon Beach (Best for Families and Couples)
- Features: popular, but less crowded; soft sand; plenty of activities; a surfing spot, easy to book hotels
- Crowding: ★★★
Karon is probably the most family-friendly part of Phuket. It has a very long beach with plenty of activities, a great choice of family resorts, nice restaurants, and a modest nightlife.
The major activities at Karon Beach are swimming and sunbathing. In the evening, it's nice to take a walk on the beach and enjoy the sunset. On the other side of the beach, there is an art community with studios and galleries.
The monsoon season (May to October) can produce rougher waves in Karon, so if you see red warning flags, you should not enter the water due to dangerous rip tides.
3. Kata Beach (Best for Families, Couples, Swimming, Snorkeling)
- Features: popular among tourists; palm-lined beach; white sand; easy to book hotels
- Crowding: ★★★
Kata, along with Patong and Karon, makes up the three main beaches of Phuket. Kata Beach is a pleasant bay, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach.
It entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. This beach is very popular with families on vacation, because you can find great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife, and varied accommodation options — all close to the beach.
You can do lots of things, from sunbathing or swimming to adrenaline sports like surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
It's also a great place to watch the sunset in Phuket. Many of the pictures on Phuket postcards were taken there.
4. Bangtao Beach (Best for Families and Honeymooners)
- Features: many luxury resorts, many activities, clear water
- Crowding: ★★★
Bangtao has probably the most five-star hotels of anywhere in Phuket, especially in the Laguna complex. From luxurious villas to expansive resorts, it's the absolute lap of luxury. Each resort and villa has its own private beach, which is only accessible to its guests. This is excellent for couples on honeymoon and for families with children.
Bangtao Beach offers horse-riding lessons and rides for the whole family. You can also play golf and mini-golf and go wakeboarding. Sunbathing and swimming are always good options, and so is relaxing at a beach club.
5. Surin Beach (Best for Families and Surfing)
- Features: luxury resorts, among Phuket's most beautiful beaches
- Crowding: ★★★
Surin beach is a millionaire's haven, but also a beautiful beach to visit. This place is simply amazing, with a vast selection of huge millionaire villas and five-star resorts. It is known to be a celebrity hot spot. The properties, set on the hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea, are some of Phuket's finest.
Sulin Beach is close to the Indian Ocean. The waves crashing against its cliffs have a long fetch, making it perfect for skilled surfers.
Surin Beach has the second oldest golf course in Thailand. It is also one of the best places to enjoy Phuket's sunsets. The peaceful and relaxing atmosphere make it ideal for leisurely holidays.
6. Khao Lak Beach (Best for Quietness)
- Features: new, suitable for walking and relaxing
- Crowding: ★★
Khao Lak is a relatively new beach destination, in an area that previously had virtually no local population or nearby villages and towns. It's a relatively quiet beach resort area for Thailand, ideal for those who want some peace and quiet, but not suitable for those who need entertainment and activity at night. Swimming and sunbathing in a peaceful place are the top things to do there.
7. Kamala Beach (Best for Couples and Families)
- Features: less commercialized, beautiful sunsets, scenic spots nearby, cost-effective hotels
- Crowding: ★★★
Kamala beach is Phuket's only pristine beach, where you can see fishermen casting. There's nothing better than lying on a hammock facing the vibrant sea and emptying yourself of stress. Enjoying the sunset while eating at a beach-side restaurant is a romantic or dreamy attraction.
The south side of the beach is good for snorkeling. To the east is the famous Fanta Sea, known as the Disney of Thailand.
8. Kata Noi Beach (Best for Couples/Honeymooners)
- Features: beautiful sunsets, beach bars, many activities
- Crowding: ★★★
Clear water, fine sand, and a good atmosphere make Kata Noi Beach ideal, especially if you want to find a beach that doesn't have many people. The northern end of the beach is a popular spot for surfing. The southern end is best for snorkeling. Fun activities like banana boating, parasailing, and jet skiing will keep you from getting bored.
You will find beachfront resorts offering stunning sunset views and panoramic views of the bay.
9. Mai Khao Beach (Best for Couples/Honeymooners)
- Features: turtles you can see, excellent for photos, many attractions nearby
- Crowding: ★★
What makes Mai Khai special is the unique spectacle of turtle egg laying — an arribada ('arrival') of sea turtles come to burrow and lay their eggs from November to March each year.
Every year on April 13, the day of hatching baby turtles heading for the sea attracts a huge crowd of tourists.
Surfing is also an exciting activity on Mai Khao Beach. There are many other attractions near the beach like Sirinat National Park, Splash Jungle Water Park, Turtle Village, and Wat Mai Khao (a Buddhist temple).
10. Nai Yang Beach (Best for Quietness)
- Features: near Phuket Airport, beautiful sunsets
- Crowding: ★★
Naiyan Beach is part of a national park and is a turtle sanctuary. There are few tourists on the beach. Most of them are groups of young Thais playing on the beach, or families taking advantage of the cool evening to have a picnic on the beach or take a walk at sunset.
Due to the long coast, you can see magnificent sunsets. Sometimes aircraft crossing the sky decorate the sunset scenes.
11. Nai Harn Beach (Best for Couples and Swimming)
- Features: great sunsets, soft sandy beaches
- Crowding: ★★
The southernmost part of Phuket is Nai Harn Beach. Soft sand and smooth waves make it suitable for all kinds of water activities.
To the east is the Promthep Cape, where you can immerse yourself in Phuket's most stunning sunset views.
12. Rawai Beach (Best for Eating)
- Features: seafood, good for fishing
- Crowding: ★★
Also at the southernmost tip of Phuket, near the Phuket fishing port, it is rich in seafood and cheap.
But because there are many coral-clad rocks in the sea, it is not suitable for swimming, so there are fewer tourists.
Resorts and hotels can be found on the beach which have a peaceful environment. It is suitable for people who like to relax. Coral Island is nearby.
13. Nai Thon Beach (Best for Families and Swimming)
- Features: primitive, secluded, crystal-clear water
- Crowding: ★★★
Nai Thon is a great spot to enjoy a quiet swim due to its non-development. Great food stalls with street food, fruits, and shakes can be found on the beach road.
The shallow sea with tame waves makes it suitable for children. Kids can play in the shallows and build sand castles on the beach. There is a lot of space in the shade of the palm trees, which is ideal for relaxation.
During the rainy season from May to October, however, it can be blowy with big waves.
14. Freedom Beach (Best for Swimming and Snorkeling)
- Features: secluded beaches, clear water with a lot of fish
- Crowding: ★★★
Freedom Beach is just a few minutes away from Patong Beach, but almost undisturbed by the bustle of beachgoers.
It is hidden by hills covered by a thick jungle and only accessible by long-tail boat.
The water is amazingly blue and green with a lot of fish. If you are looking for a quiet beach and clear water to have fun in, it is right for you. The northern side of the beach is the best place to go for sunbathing.
15. Yanui Beach (Best for Snorkeling)
- Features: very clean water, lots of fish to see, good for quiet water "sports"
- Crowding: ★★★
Yanui is a small but beautiful beach nestled between Rawai and Nai Han beach. The clear water is perfect to snorkel or scuba dive or kayak in. There are lots of fish to see there. There are also some shady spots to lay down and relax in. Plenty of shells on the soft beach could be your (kids') collector's items.
16. Banana Beach (Best for Snorkeling and Swimming)
- Features: little-known, beautiful, and secluded beach
- Crowding: ★★
Banana Beach is situated between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is not big in size, but quiet with cool looking rocks. Swimming in its clear blue shallow water is pleasant enjoyed by its few visitors. You can relax in the shade of large trees and enjoy peaceful moments.
Beach Holidays in Phuket
Arranging your holiday to Phuket can be confusing and can lead to problems. Book your next trip with us and let us handle the hassle, so that you can focus on what matters most. Please contact us if you have any questions.
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moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
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moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
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