The island of Phuket, located off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea is the largest island in the country, and arguably the most famous. At this tropical island, there’s no shortage of gorgeous coastline or near-perfect, unspoiled beaches to enjoy spicy Thai cuisine at, and excellent water activities such as snorkelling and diving. With a variety to choose from, we have put together a list of the best beaches in Phuket. So, get your beach towels ready to relish the soft powdery white sandy beaches of Phuket that attract millions of tourists every year. 

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Kick Back And Relax At The Best Beaches In Phuket

1. Longest Beach In Phuket: Patong Beach

The most popular destination in Phuket, Patong is a resort beach town on Phuket’s west coast. The name refers to the beach and the town. Its crescent 2.5 kilometre-long stretch boasts more activities than any other beach. Patong is also the longest beach in Phuket and offers an unrivalled nightlife scene with countless numbers of restaurants, nightclubs and go-go bars. As the beach is just 15 kms away from Phuket town, it is quite popular with young tourists due to its proximity to a party atmosphere. While water activities such as jet skiing are available, we suggest you try ziplining through the forests.

2. Pearl Of Phuket: Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach in Phuket is located just south of Patong. This 300-metre-long strip of white sand is a quieter, more secluded beach in Phuket. It’s set in a beautiful bay dotted with granite rocks and surrounded by lush green hills full of jungles. The soft white sands and clear blue waters of this beach can only be accessed by the sea via a ten-minute long-tail boat ride. Due to its inaccessibility, it is quiet and unspoiled as compared to the other beaches of Phuket. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the beach, that is bound to leave you in relative peace to enjoy the clear, turquoise sea against a backdrop of thick, green bush. The beach has an area cordoned off for snorkelling, so you can revel in clear blue waters as long as you want. You can also enjoy sunbathing, beach soccer (2 mini-goals are available) and beach volleyball. 

3. Third Longest Beach In Phuket: Karon Beach

One of the longest beaches in Phuket, Karon Beach is wedged between Patong (to the north) and Kata (to the south). This three kms long beach boasts typical soft, golden sand, crystal clear waters, and a good choice of dining and nightlife. Around the south side of the beach, you will find a rocky area which is a well-known spot for snorkelling or diving. Those who want some high octane activity can try jet skiing, parasailing or swimming. The sand of this beach is also known to make a fun squishy sound when walking on it. 

4. One Of The Most Popular Among Phuket Beaches: Kata Beach

Phuket’s Kata Beach comprises distinct locations—Kata Noi (short) and Kata Yai (long). Kata Noi literally translates to Little Kata and is the smaller, less populated of the two. Located in the north of Kata Beach, Kata Noi is about 700 metres long and is much quieter. It also offers the finest white sands, picturesque views of the small island Koh Pu, especially during sunset and a private, relaxed island feel. While it may seem that Kata Noi’s beachfront is dominated by the upmarket Katathani Resort, there are plenty of public areas to enjoy. The beach is ideal for activities like snorkelling, body surfing and surfing as well. Much longer, wider and accessible is Kata Yai Beach which is situated north of Kata Noi Beach. You’ll find most Kata resorts and hotels here, which is why it is crowded compared to its sister beach. Enjoy snorkelling, diving, jet-skiing or even parasailing. 

5. Whitest Sand Beach In Phuket: Nai Harn Beach

The beach is set in a small bay that is located to the south of Phuket. It retains a quiet charm with its feather-soft sand, shallow waters, and incredibly clear blue surf. The beach, tucked between green hills and tiny islands in the south of the island of Phuket is a well-kept secret. It is known for being a spot for Phuket’s surfing, stand up paddleboarding and kiteboarding crowd. As the beach is untouched, it also offers great anchorage for sailing boats and luxury yachts and has always been very popular among expats and locals. It’s quite dangerous to swim here during the high season and therefore, lifeguards are stationed which makes it safer to go with kids as well.

5. Millionaire’s Row: Surin Beach

Known as one of Phuket’s most beautiful and natural spots, Surin Beach is situated on the west coast. As it is lined by a number of high-class resorts and hotels as well as a golf course, Surin beach is nicknamed as Millionaire’s Row. Located about 15 kms north of Patong, the beach is clean and relatively uncrowded. It is about one kilometre long and offers a peaceful charm, raw beauty, and calm, translucent water (perfect for swimming during high season). Enjoy water activities such as parasailing, jet skiing and snorkelling. Due to the number of high-end restaurants and wine bars present there, you may also spot some celebs who tend to flock this beach. 

6. Quiet Stretch Of Shallow Waters: Kamala Beach

This beach is located away from the hustle-bustle of city life, around 9.5 kms north of Patong Beach in Phuket. It is a quiet stretch of sand that features quite a few beach restaurants, funky cafés and eclectic shops in the nearby streets, and several great hotels including some with direct beach access. Pronounced ‘Ga Ma Lar’, Kamala Beach is surrounded by forested hills and provides many on-the-beach dining and drinking experiences. As the water and wave conditions here are usually safe, it makes for a good family beach option. Plus, Kamala Beach doesn’t boast loud water sports, and so it sees fewer visitors and is, therefore, one of the cleanest beaches in Phuket.

7. Haad Hin Gluai: Banana Beach

Beautiful and almost deserted, Banana Beach is located on the north-west coast of Phuket, on Koh Hey Island (also known as Coral Island). The beach hides between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches, and is, therefore, relatively isolated. Sometimes also called Banana Rock Beach, this Thai utopia is backed by lush green jungle and can be accessed by a long-tail boat or by car. This quiet and unspoilt beach offers plenty of things to do—from parasailing to snorkelling and kayaking. So, one can lay back and relax at this secluded paradise while taking in the beauty that surrounds you. 

8. A Different Side Of Phuket: Ya Nui Beach

This charming little cove lying between the famous Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint is one of the cleanest beaches on the island. Situated just south of Nai Harn, the beach may only be 200 metres long, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. Due to its location, it’s a secluded beach and therefore not overcrowded. So, you can enjoy captivating views of the impressive Promthep Cape, one of the best panoramic views on Phuket. This well-sheltered beach also offers excellent snorkelling at Koh Yao Noi (only a short kayak away) and body-boarding, which is quite popular here.

Step Into The Paradise With These Beaches In Phuket

Known as one of Thailand’s top destinations, Phuket is the largest province of Thailand. It is a mountainous island covering 550 square kilometres which is blanketed in forests with gorgeous white-sand beaches. All these pristine beaches offer a variety of fun activities for different travellers. Enjoy the romance, beauty and adventure of the largest island of Thailand with its gorgeous beaches. If we have missed any of your favourites, let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Top 7 Islands In Thailand You Must Visit

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