Updated September 19, 2025
Phuket is world-renowned for its breathtaking coastline, yet most travel guides only highlight a handful of its beaches, leaving many hidden gems undiscovered. This guide takes a different approach. Instead of focusing on just the popular spots, it offers a complete overview of the island’s diverse beaches—from lively stretches buzzing with activity and nightlife to tranquil coves perfect for quiet escapes. Because Phuket boasts such a long list of unique shorelines, this guide is divided into two parts for easier reading.
Whether you’re seeking water sports, family-friendly sands, romantic hideaways, or untouched natural beauty, consider this your ultimate reference to Phuket’s beaches.
1. Patong Beach
Patong Beach, which is 3 kilometers in length, is a famous destination in Phuket. A known landmark is the Phuket International Airport located about 35 km north of Patong. It offers many fun and enjoyable activities such as snorkeling, beach volleyball, traditional Thai massage, jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and surfing. Beach facilities such as public restrooms and parking spaces are available for the guests’ convenience. It has a bustling nightlife with numerous world-class hotels, fine restaurants and nightclubs that contribute to the dynamic atmosphere you can see everywhere. Everything you could possibly desire is conveniently available in Patong.
2. Kata Beach
Kata Beach is one of the most popular and alluring beaches in Phuket. It has a 1-mile strip of golden colored sand and is located just south of Patong. Kata Beach is around an hour drive to Phuket Airport and about 30 minutes drive to Phuket Old Town. While the beach exudes a busy atmosphere, unlike the other beaches, Kata Beach is not too crowded. Additionally, beach facilities available include umbrellas, beach mats, clean restrooms, shopping outlets, and restaurants. Beach masseurs and wandering vendors are a normal sight. This is the perfect place for various activities guaranteed to give visitors an exciting and new holiday experience.
3. Kata Noi
Despite being one of the smallest beaches in Phuket, Kata Noi is one of the most popular among local and foreign travelers. This 700-meter-long beach boasts of crystal clear waters, soft sand, and a lush jungle backdrop. Kata Noi has about the same driving time to Phuket Airport and Phuket Old Town – around half an hour. The beach has no public restrooms, but guests can go to nearby hotels. A few local restaurants and vendors selling different snacks are conveniently located near the beach.
4. Karon Beach
Karon Beach is approximately an hour drive from the Phuket Airport and just a 12-minute drive to Patong. This is a very long beach – with a 5 km stretch of white sand and clear, pristine waters. Small bars and restaurants are found along the shorelines. Thai seafood restaurants to the north of the Karon Circle serve delectable Thai dishes. Guests wanting to satisfy their watering taste buds can choose from a wide array of dining options along the beach road.
5. Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach is a 40-minute drive to Phuket Airport, and only 16 minutes drive to Patong. Kamala is known to be a quiet, tranquil and calm beach, which make it perfect for sunbathing or even a simple bonding holiday with the family. Swimming is very safe as water remains calm from November to April – the best time to visit Kamala Beach. There are no provisions for public restrooms, but beachfront hotels and restaurants are easily accessible and accommodating.
Related article: The Best of Kamala Beach in Phuket
6. Surin Beach
Surin is a 25-minute drive from Patong and a 34-minute drive from the airport. The clear waters of Surin are perfect for an enjoyable kayaking and snorkeling bonding with family or friends. Boogie boarding and surfing are also popular activities on the beach. Umbrellas and beach mats are available for rent. There are no public restrooms, but visitors can use the facilities in nearby restaurants. Surin has apparently, the best selection of food options in Phuket. Click here for more travel tips in Surin Beach.
7. Bang Tao Beach
To reach Bang Tao Beach from Patong, you need to pass the Laguna properties as this mega hotels and resorts group dominate the largest part of the beachfront area. The beach is about 30 minutes drive to both the Phuket Airports and Patong Beach. This 6km-long beach is very quiet and calm – visitors can almost feel like they are on a private beach. Sunbeds are provided by the hotel exclusively for their guests only. Restrooms are available only in hotels and restaurants, which are conveniently located along the beach. You may also check out our post on attractions to see & activities to do in Bangtao Beach.
8. Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao, about 20 minutes drive from Phuket Airport is the longest beach on the island spanning 11km yet it still offers a secluded ambiance. There are not so many beachgoers and tourists in this particular beach, making it perfect for travelers looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway. The beach starts at Sirinath National Park and ends at Haad Sai Kaew Beach. Beach facilities are accessible and available in adjacent resorts and restaurants located along the beach.
9. Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon is one of Phuket’s unique beach getaway destination as it has no resort and hotel. Mainly popular among the locals, Nai Thon Beach is ideal for a quiet swim. Accessible by a short 13-minute drive from the airport and around 50 minutes drive away from Patong, this beach offers thrilling activities such as scuba diving and exploring rocky coves.
10. Nai Yang Beach
The Nai Yang Beach is not as commercial as Patong or Karon as it is where you will usually spot fishermen mooring their boats and crafting their fishing nets. From the Airport, you can reach the beach via a short 6-minute drive. On the other hand, Patong is about 50 minutes drive away. With its friendly and relaxed village atmosphere, this beach is usually frequented by visitors for outdoor picnics. Restrooms are provided but they come with a fee.
11. Layan Beach
Layan Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket, and it has a very tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike the usual beach scenario, there are no long lines of beach chairs and umbrellas by the shore. The sea is almost always calm. A small pier on the beach with a few small shops is a unique feature of this beach. If you are coming from Patong Beach, it is about 40-minutes drive to reach Layan Beach. Alternatively, the airport is just 20 minutes drive away. There are nice restaurants, kayak rental shops and restroom facilities just beside the pier.
12. Rawai Beach
To get to Rawai Beach, just go to the main road and drive south until you see the inviting waters. The area is not as commercialized as the others, and it offers plenty of shaded areas, making it comfortable even on hot days. However, Rawai Beach is not ideal for swimming or sunbathing. Usually, visitors rent long-tail boats or shop at the seafood market. The beach is about an hour drive from the Phuket Airport while Patong is just 40 minutes drive away.
13. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn is a popular beach among the local in Thailand. It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. The beach is about 40 minutes drive from Patong and about an hour drive from Phuket Airport. Nai Harn is enveloped on both sides by thick jungle mountains. Nai Harn is particularly busy during weekends. Umbrellas, sun shades, and beach mats are available, and there are public restrooms at the north end.
14. Ya Nui Beach
Equally famous landmarks near Ya Nui Beach are the Phrom Thep and the large windmill power generators. The beach is about 40 minutes drive from Patong and an hour drive from the airport. Ya Nui is a small cove that is great for snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. It is a relatively busy beach, especially during peak season. Vendors selling snorkeling gears and other products are easily found by the beach. Restrooms are available across the road.
15. Kalim Beach
Kalim Beach is just up north of Patong Beach. The beach is about 50 minutes drive from the Phuket Airport. It is considered as one of the best surfing spots in Phuket, but it is not as appealing for swimmers. The beach retains a very local Thai atmosphere with excellent dining venues, parking space and street food markets.
16. Chalong Bay
Chalong Bay is not a swimming destination but a place for yacht mooring and other boating activities. The bay is about 50 minutes drive from the Phuket Airport while Patong is around 30 minutes drive away. Facilities include a 720-meter long jetty, parking area and a good number of restaurants, retail shops and tourist information centers.
17. Sai Kaew Beach
Sai Kaew is at the northernmost part of Phuket beach located only 20 minutes drive from the airport. It exudes a very secluded atmosphere that is great for relaxing and unwinding. Travelers looking for a quiet getaway from the bustling cities find this beach perfect as there are practically no beach activities available. There are a few restaurants along the shore.
18. Palai Beach
Palai beach is said to be the least impressive of all the Phuket beaches in terms of appearance. However, Palai is more popularly known to and frequented by travelers looking for the best seafood restaurants on the island. This beach is about an hour drive from the airport and 30 minutes drive away from Patong. Interestingly, Palai Beach features a beautiful view of the Chalong Bay.
19. Hua Beach
Hua Beach is located at the south end of Kamala. It has a very secluded ambiance with only a few tourists spotted on the beach. Hence, it is perfect if you want some privacy and quiet moments to yourself. There are no beach facilities, and even rental sun loungers are not available.
20. Pon Beach
Pon Beach is located on the western coast of Phuket and very near Patong beach. This beach is completely undeveloped and still very private. The beach is ranked above average with its slightly rocky sand and shallow water. If you visit this place, make sure you bring everything you need as there are no restaurants or beach loungers available. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment.
21. Paradise Beach
Just 5km southwest of Patong, this 150-meter stretch of sand is known as one of Phuket’s most beautiful and stunning beaches. The tree-lined beach gives plenty of shade from Thailand’s blazing sun. Visitors here can explore fun and exciting activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. For those who want to take it easy and simply unwind, the stunning views of Patong Bay work the magic.
22. Laem Singh Beach
Nestled between Surin and Kamala Beach, Laem Singh is a lively destination where guests can enjoy a gentle beach massage, a restaurant meal right on the beautiful shoreline and a wide range of water sports for leisure. The beach is tucked beneath a steep promontory, and the ancient boulders and jungle fringe give it a mysterious atmosphere.
23. Ao Sane
Ao Sane is surprisingly tranquil. The rocky cove is well known among locals as an excellent diving and snorkeling spot, but it is very rarely crowded with tourists. The natural and pristine environment is the main attraction and when on the beach guests need not worry about the scalding heat because the surrounding trees give perfect shade all day long. There is a simple, nice restaurant at the beach but if fine dining is preferred, the yacht club is easily accessible.
24. Ao Yon
Close to the popular resort region on Cape Panwa, the tranquil little bays of Ao Yon Junior and Senior are separated by a rocky outcrop. They are quintessential tropical beaches complete with fine white sand, sparkling sea and overhanging coconut palms. These beautiful beaches are mainly residential. Operating a beach commercially is discouraged. Hence, the place is a quiet and relaxing place to spend an afternoon.
25. Nakalay Beach
With its charming pier and fringe of a deep green jungle, Nakalay seems as if it is a world away from Patong. Surprising, this enchanting beach is only 4km to the north of Patong or about 7-minutes drive away. Nakalay is home to the Tavorn Beach Village Hotel and often, hotel guests are the only ones privileged to experience and enjoy the hypnotizing charm of the beach.
26. Pansea Beach
Just north of the bustling Surin Beach is Pansea Beach. This west coast beach is quieter than its neighbor, and it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. The coconut palms that lined up the shoreline offer great shade from the sun, The soft sand and uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea provide a perfectly delightful reason to lounge idly outdoors. The path between Surin and Pansea has been blocked, so it is somewhat hard to access except by guests of The Surin Phuket or Amanpuri hotels which dominate most of the beachfront area.
27. Tri Tra Beach
This north-facing beach basks in sunlight all day long. It is just south of Patong and is not often crowded. Jet skis, kayaks, and snorkel sets are all available on rentals. From both ends of the 500-metre long beach, there are numerous restaurants that serve delectable food. Guests can access the restaurant’s public bathroom facilities as well.
28. Khao Khad Beach
is a long, sandy stretch of beach to the west of Cape Panwa. Its sand is very white and soft and is the perfect place for taking long strolls or basking in the sun. The water is very shallow, and the sea floor has many sharp rocks. Hence, it is not ideal for swimming or other water sports or activities. An elegant restaurant, “The Beach Bar” serves Thai food and refreshing drinks on the beach.
29. Friendship Beach
One of the longest beaches on the island, the beautiful Friendship Beach is surprisingly quiet and tranquil. It stretches all the way from Chalong Pier to Rawai and is good for long, peaceful walks or horse trekking with the Phuket Riding Club. The tide comes up quite high, so it’s not always an ideal place for sunbathers. Two restaurants, one at the Serenity Resort and Residences and the other at the Friendship Beach Resort, serve delicious food during the day and free use of their pools.
30. Freedom Beach
Usually reached by longtail boats from the southern end of Patong Beach, Freedom Beach is a secluded place perfect for relaxing or enjoying beach soccer and volleyball. The environment here remains fairly natural and unspoiled. The views are picturesque, and there’s no noise coming from jet skis or jet boats to disrupt the serenity of the place. There is one restaurant at the southern end of the beach and guests can always rent sun loungers and umbrellas.
31. Panwa Beach
Just 8 kilometers from Phuket Old Town, Panwa Beach is great for walking, sunbathing and other sports done on the shoreline. The water is fairly shallow, so it is not really ideal for swimming activities. There are long boats available for rent for those who wish to explore the islands in the bay. The Cape Panwa viewpoint just above the beach offers breathtaking views. Shops and cafes are also found here.
32. Laem Kha Beach
Perfect for swimming and snorkeling, Laem Kha is a favorite among the locals. It is framed with large granite boulders and surrounded by coconut plantations. There are no permanent beach facilities and stocking up on supplies in nearby Rawai is recommended.
33. Nui Beach
This hidden cove, nestled below the jungle near Kata-Karon Viewpoint, offers many fun activities and deluxe services to its guests. The beautiful beach is constantly maintained by the Nui Beach Members Club. An entry fee is charged to those who want to visit the beach. Once there, guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or sauna. For leisure, guests can play volleyball, sea kayaking, and snorkeling. A restaurant and bar are set nicely among the coconut palms.
34. Banana Beach
This secluded beach is often deserted and is a nice place for a romantic walk or for a private swim. Set between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches, it remains one of Thailand’s hidden jewels. It’s easy to miss Banana Beach from the road between the two beaches, so visitors should pay extra attention when traveling there.
Related article: What Makes Phuket’s Banana Beach Special
35. Relax Beach
As the name suggests, Relax Beach is a tranquil place to while away the entire afternoon. Situated close to Patong Beach, it is difficult to access except by boat or by staying at the luxury Le Meridien Phuket. Guests of Le Meridien get to enjoy the exclusive use of the beach facilities.
36. Tri Trang Beach
Just south of Patong, in a secluded part of Phuket’s west coast, Tri Trang is one of the island’s best snorkeling spots when it’s high tide. The four-star Merlin Beach Resort takes up most of the beach area and has a number of really good restaurants and other facilities for its guests. Open-air massage is available on the beach.
37. Rayee Beach
On the north-western coast of Phuket, Rayee Beach has a quaint and relaxed atmosphere. It is too shallow and quite rocky for swimming and snorkeling which is why there are no beach activities done here. What it does offer are some spectacular views. The “White Orchid” restaurant is perched on the beachfront and serves as a quiet place for conversation or reflection.
38. Heeowhat Beach
Situated close to Phuket Old Town, Heeowhat is secluded, hard to find and evidently undeveloped. It is a good destination for those looking to enjoy and be in touch with nature instead of the convenience and comforts usually offered by resorts and hotels nearby.
Related article: Spotlight on Phuket Old Town
39. Pak Phra Beach
At the northernmost point of the island, close to the Sarasin Bridge, Pak Phra is seldom visited by tourists. This not so known beach features an abandoned boat that can easily poke an interest to explore further or even just for photo opportunities. It is the local people’s fishing ground and guests have the opportunity to try traditional fishing methods or just enjoy a delicious meal at one of the Thai seafood restaurants.
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Discover Your Perfect Beach Escape
From lively shores filled with adventure to secluded coves offering peace and quiet, Phuket’s beaches promise something for every traveler. Pairing these natural treasures with the comfort of a private villa stay ensures an unforgettable holiday. Whether you seek relaxation, exploration, or a blend of both, Phuket delivers an island experience that is as diverse as it is breathtaking.
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The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
