Phuket Beaches: 21 Beautiful Spots with Hidden Gems

The largest Thai island is a popular destination for many travelers. Phuket’s beaches are highly sought-after, with over 30 to choose from on the island. Some are more frequented, while others are more tranquil. The north tends to be quieter, while the south buzzes with activity. There’s the perfect beach for everyone.

The 21 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket

If you think of paradise beaches with white sand and turquoise seas, you’ll find plenty of them. Visiting the beaches is one of the top things to do in Phuket. Here you can find everything: well-visited beaches with a wide range of activities and secluded, still untouched beaches. We’ll show you 21 of Phuket’s beaches, and you can choose your favorite.

How to get to Phuket

There are many ways to get to Phuket, the most chosen one is the airplane. Phuket airport is approached by several airlines within Thailand, but also by flights from Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and more. All flights as well as duration, connections and prices are best compared on Skyscanner.

Furthermore, you can travel by bus from many different places in Thailand, such as Krabi, Bangkok, Khao Lak etc. or just take the boat to Phuket. There are e.g. ferries from Koh Phi Phi or Koh Yao Yai. You can find more bus and boat connections on 12go.asia. There you can also book tickets directly. A train to Phuket does currently not exist.

Accommodation on Phuket – our hotel tip

The JonoX Phuket Karon Hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Karon Beach. It is a very new and modern hotel with a beautiful rooftop swimming pool. The rooms are equipped with all amenities, and there are also family rooms with an additional bunk bed (ideal for 4 people) available. Furthermore, a simple breakfast buffet is offered, and there is a small room with toys for children at the reception. A great starting point to explore Karon itself without a scooter or car.

Phuket offers a wide range of accommodations for various budgets. If JonoX doesn’t suit you, feel free to check out other hotels here. There will definitely be the right one for you.

1. Patong Beach

Patong Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Phuket. The fine sand and clear water are perfect for swimming. Water sports enthusiasts will also find plenty to do, from jet skiing to parasailing. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can rent loungers and umbrellas on-site (around 200 Baht) and enjoy food and drinks from local vendors.

During the high season, Patong Beach can get quite crowded, especially in the central section, where activity is bustling. However, the southern and northern parts of the beach are more tranquil. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively scene, Patong Beach has something for everyone.

We think that Patong Beach is at its most beautiful in the morning. At that time, there are no sun umbrellas set up and only a few people on the beach. During the day, it can get quite crowded, so we prefer other beaches.

2. Tri Trang Beach

Tri Trang Beach is located in a small, quiet cove south of Patong. Although it’s not far from the bustling Patong Beach, it offers a much more relaxed atmosphere. It is often less crowded, and you can always find a secluded spot in the shade of the trees. The beach features fine, light sand and crystal-clear water, which is ideal for swimming.

At the southern end of Patong Beach Road, there’s a small roundabout. Turn left here, go up the hill, and keep following the road. When you see the Marriott Hotel on your left, you’re almost there. Nearby, you’ll also find other luxury hotels, like Rosewood Phuket. However, the beach is accessible to everyone, and public access is marked by a sign indicating Tri Trang Beach.

At Tri Trang Beach, you can unwind and enjoy the idyllic atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Patong. That’s why this beach definitely makes it onto our list of hidden gems among Phuket’s beaches. Only during low tide you need to walk a bit further out to swim comfortably, but this doesn’t diminish the appeal of the visit.

3. Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach is located a bit further south of Patong on the west coast, somewhat hidden and away from the main roads. You can reach it either by longtail boat from Patong (about 750 Baht per boat) or by scooter or car. After exiting Patong towards Karon, you need to turn right and drive up a hill. There is free parking available at the top.

If you choose the 450-meter jungle path, you’ll save on the entrance fee, but make sure to bring water as the hike can be quite hard. Once you arrive at Freedom Beach, you’ll be greeted by turquoise water and white sand. Despite its seclusion, it can get crowded during the high season, as many beach umbrellas are set up. There is also a beach bar and a food stand that can provide you with snacks and drinks.

On our first visit many years ago, it was still a quiet oasis among Phuket’s beaches. However, from our perspective, a trip to Freedom Beach is not as worthwhile today, especially during the high season. The small beach still looks beautiful with its stunning water, but unfortunately, it is too crowded.

4. Laem Singh Beach

Laem Singh Beach is a hidden gem. While you can easily admire it from the viewpoint, the way there is a bit more challenging. The picturesque beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and is only accessible via a small, hidden path from the coastal road.

Another option is to take a boat for 100 Baht per person from the nearby Surin Beach. Due to its limited accessibility, only a few people visit this beach. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility and seclusion, swim, and fully experience nature. However, don’t forget to bring water and snacks, as there are no amenities on-site.

5. Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach is becoming increasingly popular with visitors to Phuket, and can get quite crowded, especially during the high season. Nonetheless, its atmosphere makes it a great spot for a beach day. You can stroll along the promenade, where you’ll find various restaurants, cafes, and bars, relax in the shade of the palm trees, or swim in the turquoise sea.

Kamala Beach is perfect for a day at the beach with its soft, white sand and a bit less hustle and bustle compared to Patong. Some visitors prefer Kamala Beach over the more famous beaches like Patong, Karon, and Kata, while others enjoy being in the midst of the action. We think Kamala Beach is really great and a fantastic vacation alternative.

6. Hua Beach

Hua Beach in Kamala is a picturesque spot that you can easily reach by car or scooter. There is a small parking area for visitors. This secluded beach is ideal for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist centers. At Hua Beach, you’ll find a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Thai dishes and refreshing drinks. Unfortunately, the seabed is a bit rocky, which makes swimming less suitable, but it’s a perfect place to spend some relaxing hours. For us, it’s still a real hidden gem among the beaches in Phuket.

7. Surin Beach

Surin Beach is a family-friendly beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Surrounded by shade-providing casuarina trees, you can enjoy the natural beauty that Surin Beach has to offer. For entertainment, there are various water sports such as stand-up paddling and windsurfing, as well as beach volleyball.

Right on the beach, you’ll find small mobile food stalls offering refreshing drinks, snacks, and local specialties. If you want to spend the day at the beach, you can also rent umbrellas and lounge chairs. The cost is approximately 200 baht per day.

8. Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao Beach is one of Phuket’s longest beaches, stretching over six kilometers. It is well-known and popular for its relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to its vastness, you’ll always find a quiet spot in the shade, and the beach never feels overcrowded.

A special highlight of Bang Tao Beach are the modern beach clubs along the coast, especially the famous Catch Beach Club, known for its chic ambiance and lively evening events. The beach also features numerous restaurants and luxury resorts, such as the Dusit Thani. Bang Tao Beach is thus perfect for both those seeking tranquility and those looking for entertainment.

9. Banana Beach

Banana Beach is one of our favorite beaches on Phuket. Secluded and paradise-like, it offers an almost idyllic retreat. Surrounded by dense greenery and steep cliffs, you reach this remote beach via a short walking path. There are several access points directly from the coastal road, with some being less steep than others. The beach itself features fine golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, making it perfect for swimming.

The underwater world at Banana Beach is rich with colorful corals and exotic fish, making it a popular spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. Additionally, there is a small restaurant on the beach serving delicious food and drinks. You can take particularly stunning photos from the rocks at the northern end of the beach, which offer a fantastic view over the entire beach.

10. Naithon Beach

Naithon Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand located away from the busy tourist centers. While there are some shaded spots under the trees, there are no loungers or umbrellas like at other beaches in Phuket, giving the beach a more natural feel. Naithon Beach is ideal for swimming, as the sea is usually calm, and the fine sand invites you to linger.

Another advantage is that the beach doesn’t feel overcrowded, even during the high season. Along Beach Road, you’ll find numerous restaurants and bars serving both local and international cuisine. Additionally, some mobile stalls with souvenirs and snacks are set up daily right on the beach. Naithon Beach is thus an ideal spot for a relaxing day at the shore.

11. Naiyang Beach

Naiyang Beach, idyllic and peaceful, is located a bit south of the airport and is surrounded by Sirinath National Park. Here, away from the tourist crowds, the beach maintains its natural beauty. Shady trees and shallow water, suitable for children to swim in, make it particularly appealing. Aside from a few small shops and massage services, there isn’t much hustle and bustle, making Naiyang Beach the perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach.

12. Mai Khao Beach

At 11 kilometers long, Mai Khao Beach is the longest of Phuket’s beaches. This length helps disperse visitors, so it never feels crowded and boasts a serene and relaxed atmosphere. The water is clean and typically deepens gradually, making it excellent for swimming.

Most visitors come to Mai Khao Beach for a special highlight: Phuket International Airport. The beach is located right at the end of the runway, and depending on the wind direction, you can watch planes take off or land. To reach this part of the beach, you’ll need to drive north of the airport. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk for 20 Baht that will take you almost to the airport runway.

13. Sai Kaew Beach

Sai Kaew Beach is located at the northernmost tip of Phuket, just before the Sarasin Bridge that connects the island to the mainland. This secluded beach is a tranquil and unspoiled spot and is considered one of the island’s hidden gems. You’ll find few visitors here, mostly just people making a brief stop before leaving Phuket.

The beach stretches along a long coastal stretch and features soft, golden sand and clear, turquoise water. Sai Kaew Beach is less well-known and therefore less crowded than other beaches in Phuket, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and walking without having to worry about crowds.

You’ll also find a few small local restaurants or street vendors at Sai Kaew Beach, but there are no large hotel complexes or similar amenities here. The beach remains quite natural, so at certain times of the year, it can be less clean due to debris washed ashore from the sea.

14. Karon Beach

On Phuket’s west coast, you’ll find the 8-kilometer-long Karon Beach. It’s one of the island’s most popular beaches, offering a wide range of activities such as beach volleyball, banana boat rides, paragliding, and jet skiing. You’ll find plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as some shaded spots under the plants and palm trees in the second row.

Directly on the beach, there are no shops or restaurants, except for the Tann Terrace Beach Club at the southern end. However, you can easily find what you need by crossing the Beach Road, where you’ll find many shops and restaurants. At the northern section, there are also some mobile stands selling snacks and drinks.

Tip: Karon Beach has a great location for watching the sunset. Many people come to the beach specifically for this, and on a clear day, it’s definitely worth it.

15. Kata Beach

The 1.5-kilometer-long Kata Beach invites visitors with its beautiful sandy shore and crystal-clear blue sea. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Phuket’s west coast. You can access the beach from either the south or north, as most of the beach is occupied by the luxury hotel Club Med Phuket. The best access is through the Kata Community Park, where you can also find parking.

Along the beachfront promenade, you’ll find a few shops, but most restaurants are located on Kata Beach Road, which is a short distance inland. On the beach itself, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are also food and drink options available. Although Kata Beach is often busy, its length ensures that you’ll always find a free spot.

16. Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi Beach is located on the southern west coast of Phuket. Its name means “the small beach of Kata.” While it isn’t the largest or most secluded beach, it is still beautiful. The bright sand and turquoise water make it ideal for swimming and perfect for families. However, a downside is the lack of shaded areas, unless you’re willing to rent a sunbed with an umbrella.

In the southern part of the beach, there’s a small restaurant right at the entrance, where you can enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks in the shade. Kata Noi Beach is lined with numerous resorts, which means it’s often quite busy. During the off-season, it’s less crowded, but the water can be a bit rougher, attracting surfers.

17. Naiharn Beach

In the south of Phuket lies Naiharn Beach, which is equally popular with locals and tourists. It offers plenty of parking, some food stalls near the beach where you can buy snacks and meals, and, most importantly, plenty of space. The beach is about 670 meters long, so it never feels crowded.

You’ll find fewer loungers and umbrellas on the beach. You can spread out your towel on the sand, relax, and go for a swim. A particularly popular photo spot is the 5-star hotel The Nai Harn at the northern end, as it’s a prominent feature of the bay.

18. Ao Sane Beach

The small bay of Ao Sane Beach is located a short distance along the coast from Naiharn Beach. This small beach section is especially popular with visitors who want to snorkel, as you can rent equipment on-site, but it also attracts those seeking tranquility.

At the beach, there are a few lounge chairs available for rent at 200 Baht per day. Additionally, there are some shady trees and a restaurant that provides food and drinks. The beach is often overlooked by many tourists, as you need to pass through the 5-star hotel The Nai Harn to get there. However, you’ll be rewarded with a truly beautiful beach and usually a lot of tranquility.

19. Ya Nui Beach

The small, idyllic Ya Nui Beach is situated between Promthep Cape and Windmill Hill. From the latter, you can enjoy a great view of the beach. However, during the high season, it can get quite busy. The beach offers loungers, umbrellas, and some beach vendors, while restaurants can be found on the opposite side of the road. Thanks to its sheltered location and the nearby island Koh Man, Ya Nui Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming.

20. Ao Yon Beach

Compared to other beaches in Phuket, Ao Yon Beach remains a very quiet spot. Located in the southeastern part of the island near Cape Panwa, it is less frequented by most tourists. The clear turquoise water and soft white sand make Ao Yon Beach a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

A special feature of Ao Yon Beach is its authentic local atmosphere. As a visitor, you’ll find charming restaurants and cafés serving delicious Thai dishes and fresh seafood. The area remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Nearby, there are also several accommodations and luxury resorts, such as the Panwaburi Beachfront. Ao Yon Beach is definitely still one of Phuket’s hidden gems.

21. Kalim Beach

Kalim Beach is a small beach located right on the coastal road. At low tide, the rocky seabed becomes exposed, making it less suitable for swimming. However, during the off-season, the beach attracts local surfers as the waves here are suitable for beginners.

Besides surfing, you can relax on the beach, take a walk, or enjoy the food from the Kalim Market while watching the sunset. The beach also offers a nice view of Patong Beach, which is why we always enjoy stopping by here.

Phuket: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Phuket in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Phuket.

Which is your favorite of the Phuket beaches? What can you recommend? Share your experiences in the comments!