Top 10 Beaches in Phuket to Add to Your Travel Plans this Year

One of the world’s premier travel destinations, Phuket simply has it all. Step off the plane to Phuket; you’ll find natural beauty, adventure, oodles of tourist attractions, and some of the most delicious food you'll ever eat. Naturally, this makes Phuket a dream beach destination for just about anyone. 

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is also one of its most highly visited thanks to the pristine white sand, beaches dotted with tropical trees, and the million-dollar crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea. With over 30 beaches sprinkling Phuket's picturesque coastlines, you’re spoiled for choice. 

Whether you're looking for popular party beaches, a high-end luxury experience, or a serene seaside escape, there’s just about everything for everyone in Phuket. Before you pack your bags, we recommend you visit between November and May for the best beach experience in Phuket, as it’s the monsoon season after that. 

Now, all you have to do is choose the beaches you want to visit, but don't worry; we've narrowed down your choices with our list of the best beaches in Phuket. So pack your swimsuits and get your beach towels ready. Here’s our list of the top 11 beaches to visit in Phuket!

Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach offers a little vintage feel of what Phuket was before its tourism boom. A short, 10-minute ride in a long-tail boat will take you from the hubbub of Patong (on the west coast) to the heart of tranquility at Freedom Beach. A quiet, unspoiled beach (it’s one of the cleanest beaches in Phuket), it’s much less accessible than the majority of beaches in Phuket, as land access requires a little trek through the jungle.

Looking for a bit more of an adventure? Try climbing the cement stairs at the northern side of the beach; you’ll be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of jade-hued water so clear you can see the reefs below. People come to Freedom Beach for a tranquil swim, a few kickabouts with football, bump a volleyball around or try a bit of snorkeling. 

But still, only a few people come here, so you’ll have all the peace to enjoy the clear, turquoise sea, making it one of the top beaches in Phuket.

Patong Beach

The longest beach in Phuket, Patong Beach is undoubtedly the most popular beach on the island. Even though it’s not the most beautiful by Phuket’s high standards, it offers more activities than the other beaches. What Patong Beach is known for is its eclectic nightlife, so if you're looking for a relaxing experience, this isn't the beach for you.

During the day, it gets busy with tourists renting jet skis, riding banana boats, and drinking on the beach. At night, it’s party time. Young tourists love Patong Beach for its party vibe and the nearby neon lights of Bangla Road. In the past, Patong was once one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches before the booming tourist industry. In came along the hotels, restaurants, and luxury resorts.

But on the upside, Patong Beach is the perfect place for you if you’re traveling alone. Picture yourself lounging on the soft sand during the day and meeting new friends in a lively beachside rave at night!

Karon Beach

A favorite of many who come to Phuket, Karon Beach isn’t quite as popular as Patong, but there’s still plenty to do other than sunbathe here. Even though this Phuket beach offers you a quieter, more laid-back experience, there’s still plenty to do, like parasailing, swimming, snorkeling, and jet skiing.

Karon Beach is long, wide, and tucked between Patong Beach to the north and Kata Beach to the south. It's also the third-longest beach in Phuket. The rocky area around the south of the beach is ideal for snorkeling, and you can rent jet skis on the beach, too. 

The waves can get pretty wild during the rainy season, however. Nearby, there are a handful of bars if you’re looking for a bit of a more relaxed nightlife compared to Patong Beach.

Kata Beach

Lined with palm trees, soft, white sand, and plenty of places to drink and dine, it’s easy to see why both tourists and locals love this beach in Phuket. A family favorite, Kata Beach is both calm and beautiful. It's divided into two parts, one being Kata Noi, which is the smaller and less populated, and the larger, Kata Yai, where you'll find family hotels and commerce. 

Both beaches offer aesthetic views of Koh Pu, a small island best photographed during sunset. There are activities available, such as surfing, as well as plenty of shops nearby if you need shopping, as well as resorts if you’re planning on a peaceful retreat. 

The sandy beaches in Kata are one of the best swimming spots in Phuket and a safe place for kids to splash about and try their hands at body surfing while you enjoy a soothing massage on the beach. With an abundance of space and so much going on, it’s ideal for families or those who want a break from the more boisterous beaches in Phuket.

Laem Singh Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard, then Laem Singh Beach is the beach for you. A tropical paradise greets you here if you’re up for a trek down a steep path to the marvelous Phuket west coast. Located just north of Kamala and south of Surin Beach, this moon-shaped beach is dotted with towering trees that provide much-needed shady breaks. 

Thanks to its long, steep entryway, this pretty spot is less crowded than other area beaches. That said, weekends can get particularly busy, especially during the high season. Making your way here can also be a bit for first-timers. Drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled for beach signs when you're on the road that runs from Kamala to Surin.

Laem Singh Beach also has one of the most scenic bays on the island and is a great place to spend a few hours snorkeling. Inflatables and bodyboards can be rented from nearby restaurants as well. So be sure to appreciate the clear water and explore the world beneath the waves.

Surin Beach

Surin Beach used to be the most hip beach in Phuket for its great restaurants, nightlife, and shops. It was the place to be for the entertainment factor. Now, people come for the peaceful charm, raw beauty, and calm, translucent water, which is perfect for swimming during the high season. 

A beach that the late King Rama IX once visited in the 50s, it’s now a playground for the wealthy, with several luxurious resorts and hotels nearby with top-of-the-line spas, as well as a golf course. It’s not hard to see why it’s still so popular for a reason. Think of soft, white sand giving way to a scenic row of palm trees reflecting on the light blue sea.

However, beware of the sea since the sea here gets deeper than in other bays, so be careful if you’re planning on swimming. Other than that, it’s a pleasant place to be, with nice restaurants and bars only just a few steps away.

Kamala Beach

Located just north of the booming Patong Beach is Kamala Beach. This beach in Phuket is stark opposite to its neighbor. Its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families or those who want a relaxing time in the water. With a fishing village nearby, it retained a sense of localness and authenticity that is becoming rare in this part of Phuket. 

Kamala Beach is extremely quiet in the low season, but once the high season comes around, it picks up a little bit with a few water activities available, it’s still one of the most relaxing and quiet beaches on the island.

While this beach isn't the most spectacular on this list, it's still beautiful and inviting, and it’s one of the cleanest around. While it doesn't boast loud nightlife and thrilling water sports of the bigger Phuket beaches, that's part of its charm. The nearby streets also offer chic cafés, cute shops, and friendly locals who are always up for a chat.

Nai Harn Beach

On the south side of Phuket is Nai Harn Beach, a small bay with powdery-soft sand and sea that changes from calm in the high season to strong currents in the low season, which makes it a popular spot for surfing and kiteboarding nuts. 

With much of the land owned by a monastery, it avoided overdevelopment, unlike some of the more popular beaches on the island. Just behind the beach is a lake, where people come to fish, making for a pleasant change of scenery.

Time your visit between November and May for the best water conditions. After that, you'll be fighting rough waves that can make swimming, snorkeling, and surfing an unsafe challenge. Here, you can find plenty of Thai restaurants and street food just behind the line of trees. With only a few hotels here, Nai Harn Beach still retains its original local charm. So if you’re looking for some authentic, local vibe, this is it!

Banana Beach

Accessible by long-tail boat or by hiring a car, Banana Beach, which is still considered a hidden gem, is a place not to be missed. Trinkled with lush green jungle, the beauty of this pristine beach is a sight to behold. All the stress that you’ve been holding in from everyday life will immediately be washed away once your feet hit the smooth sand of this secluded wonderland.

Also known as Banana Rock Beach, this tropical paradise is located on Koh Hey Island, also known as Coral Island. You'll find plenty of things to do here on Banana Beach, like parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking. When you're feeling parched from all the activities, stop by the beach's only restaurant for a cool drink and the freshest fish you'll ever eat, which is delivered straight from the boat.

Phuket is a worldwide famous holiday destination. Every corner of this tropical island has been explored, invaded, sold, developed, and exploited. Or so you thought! Still, one tiny beach is hiding from the crowd, but it won’t last long. 

But for those who’ve never been to Phuket, it’s never too late! Make your way here to visit the unrivaled beaches, natural beauty, eclectic nightlife, food, and the array of watersports to keep you occupied. 

All of this is possible with the TAGTHAi Phuket Day Pass, which is the only pass you’ll ever need if you plan to travel to Phuket. 

With one single pass, you’ll get to discover all the highly-rated, as well as the hidden gems of Phuket with our comprehensive guide to traveling, and just straight up having fun!