10 Best Beaches in Phuket You Can’t Miss

Despite being located in the often crazy and crowded Patong, Freedom beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket - a slice of heaven amongst the chaos, which is often quite quiet and relaxing. The reason this beach is rarely crowded is that it is only accessible via a short but steep hike down a hill or by long-tail boat transfer during high season. It is worth the effort.

Tucked secretly away between Karon and Patong, two very popular tourist destinations within Phuket, Karon Noi beach is easily described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. It is home to the fantastic Le Meridien Resort Phuket and is a relatively quiet beach. The combination of Karon Noi’s soft white sand paired with its crystal blue waters makes it a haven for anyone who opts to visit it. Unfortunately, due to the hotel being built around this beach, the only way to enjoy it is by being a guest or requesting a day pass.

Located in the South of Phuket, Ya Nui is a popular favourite if you are searching for a smaller and quieter beach to common touristic ones like Nai Harn. Tucked secretly between the Windmill Viewpoint and Promthep Cape, Ya Nui beach is perfect for both beach dives and snorkelling with it’s crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere. You can also catch the sunset over the magnificent Promthep Cape from this beach which is something not to be missed.

Kata Noi Beach is a much quieter and relaxed alternative to the main Kata Beach. Located just slightly further on from Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach is situated in a small cove with crystal blue waters; white sand and waves ideal for surfing - a perfect beach location you can’t miss.

Bang Tao Beach is one of the longest in Phuket, as well as one of the best to capture a stunning sunset. This beautiful stretch of sand has become home to some of Phuket’s most luxurious resorts - and for good reason. If you are lucky enough to stay here you will be able to enjoy the many activities on offer from the beachfront resorts - from kayaking and sailing, to archery and enjoying their amazing spas. Bang Tao Beach is definitely a beach that you can’t miss.

Another Phuket beach favourite that you cannot miss. Banana Beach is located in North-West Phuket, towards the airport. This beach is a hidden treasure in Phuket, and very similar to Freedom Beach in the fact that it is accessible via long-tail boat or a steep (but short) hike down to it from a roadside. The views of the beach’s turquoise waters as you emerge through the palm trees will make the extra effort completely worth it.

This beach will be of particular interest to instagram lovers as Mai Khao Beach is renown for being one of the best places on the island for “plane spotting”. During high season you can watch planes taking off over the beach and capture that perfect photo for your instagram profile.

Nai Thon Beach is another of Phuket’s secret safe haven’s. As it is located quite far from the main road, this beach tends to remain quite quiet, due to the extra effort required to get there.

If you are in search of a quiet place to relax and read a book, with a number of restaurants and shops located nearby for convenience - then this is the beach for you. Even the drive to this beach is stunning.

Nai Harn Beach is an incredibly popular beach on the island. Located in the South of the island, surrounded by beautiful greenery and not far from the fun and busy expat-area of Rawai, Nai Harn beach is a beach that you can’t miss. Although Nai Harn is a popular beach destination on the island and one which is top-rated, it holds a completely different atmosphere than the main tourist beaches of Patong, Karon and Kamala.

Located in North-West Phuket, just West of the popular Patong, Kamala beach is one tranquil beach in Phuket that you certainly can’t miss out on. Kamala beach is a great option for all types of holiday-makers - friends, couples and families are all sure to enjoy their time on this beautiful, long and wide stretch of perfect beach.