It is no surprise that Phuket is considered the Ultimate Beach destination of Asia – with the island consisting of around 30 beaches, including many hidden. When you have so many beaches in one place, it almost seems like you have multiple vacations in one. The best thing about the beaches in Phuket is how each one offers a vision of its own.
We divide Phuket beaches into three standards – Phuket quiet beaches, Phuket snorkeling beaches, and Phuket’s most beautiful beaches – like those with turquoise seas hosted by powder-soft sands and shaded by nodding palms and breathtaking cliffs.
As locals, we believe that Phuket’s best beaches are Banana Beach (quiet), Ao Sane Beach (snorkeling), and Nai Harn Beach (most beautiful). With more terrific and secret beaches, we see little wonder why Phuket island has attracted perhaps more celebrities than any other single beach destination in Thailand.
Most beautiful beach in Phuket
Nai Harn Beach tops our list of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. It was enjoyed the most by those who were able to go there when the area was still largely undiscovered and developed, but the second-best time to go there is now. Located in Phuket’s south, Nai Harn is a 660-meter long beach that now attracts some crowds. But the scenic beauty of the bay adds unparalleled charm to this faraway location. Nai Harn Beach is famed for the best surfing in Phuket that ironically happens during the monsoon season of June to September. Take the lake sitting quietly at the back of the beach into a note, and you have one of the most beautiful areas on all of Phuket island.
Phuket snorkeling beaches
Ya Nui Beach is among the best snorkeling beaches on Phuket island. You will find a tiny Ya Nui Beach in the shadow of two of Phuket’s loveliest viewpoints – Promthep Cape and the Windmill. Located in the most southern part of Phuket, Ya Nui Beach is an alluring little cove suitable for world-class kayaking. From here, you can paddle out to explore the colorful coral reefs, a small uninhabited island, and even go fishing. Snorkeling from the beach at Ya Nui will not disappoint, and it is very family-friendly. Found close to Nai Harn, Ya Nui Beach complements it on the first spot of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches.
Ao Sane Beach is another of Phuket hidden beaches nearby Nai Harn. The snorkeling off the beach at this tranquil haven is exemplary. With trees lining its perimeters, Ao Sane Beach enjoys the shelter from the sun at all times but also promising enough sand space for sun-lovers too. The sand is amazingly soft and perfect for strolling around while collecting shells or just basking in the palms shade. Most travelers would be attracted by the rugged and raw nature of this place, providing an excellent destination for those who want to experience a panoramic view over Nai Harn Beach.
Phuket quiet beaches
Banana Beach is an exclusive gem on Phuket’s west coast surrounded by hills and dotted with granite rocks covered by lush jungle. This hidden beach does not just have the aura of a deserted beach to it but also brings with it a sense of calm and relaxation you might not find elsewhere. It is undoubtedly among the best quiet beaches in Phuket for those vacationers staying in Bang Tao and Laguna areas.
Freedom Beach is another notable destination among Phuket quiet beaches. Ironic to its name, the hidden Freedom Beach might be a tricky location to get to, but the 300-meter strip of land holds its well when you do get there. The shallow waters host fascinating flora and fauna on both sides of this quiet beach, making it a perfect place for relaxation and beautiful sightseeing for couples and honeymooners.
Other best beaches in Phuket
The best beaches in Phuket are not only the ones that bring you experiences of romantic scenery, great snorkeling off the beach, or a sense of seclusion. With 30 beaches to choose from in Phuket island, there is always a mix to suit more diverse tastes.
Karon Beach area is an excellent choice for upscale venues like glamorous beach clubs spread on a long powdery stretch. The 9 kilometers long Bang Tao Beach is perfect for a family vacation, featuring luxury beach resorts and villas, and a relaxed vibe on a relatively quiet beach. Young people who’re looking for never-ending nightlife, electronic music, and beaches equipped for water sports shouldn’t miss Patong Beach. But if you are looking for a place that blends a decent nightlife, relaxing atmosphere, hiking trails, and stunning scenery, Kata Noi Beach is the place to be.
Finally, Phuket’s surrounding islands are easy to explore on a private boat tour and feature many renowned beaches as well. Leonardo Di Carpio once inhabited ‘The Beach’ on Koh Phi Phi, while James Bond was conquering Koh Tapu in Phang Nga Bay. The Hollywood stars are frequent visitors on white-sand beaches of Similan Islands and Racha Islands that offer spectacular diving and snorkeling sites direct from the beach.
