What’s Here?
Patong Beach
Mai Khao Beach
Karon Beach
Kata Beach
Nai Harn Beach
Phuket is one of the world’s leading holiday destinations, and rightly so. From the friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere to the breathtaking coastline and non-stop entertainment, Phuket has something for everyone.
But perhaps the main reason people visit Phuket is the beaches. To be honest, there aren’t any bad beaches in Phuket, so wherever you go will be a winner – but here are five of the best beaches that should make it onto your travel itinerary.
Patong Beach
The famous Patong Beach is the busiest and most popular beach in Phuket – but don’t let that put you off. Patong Beach has a 24/7 party atmosphere – picture dozens of beachfront bars serving colourful cocktails, market stalls lining the streets and of course the famous white sand that Phuket is famous for.
Most tourists base themselves around Patong Beach as this is the party centre of the island – with hundreds of bars, nightclubs and great shopping.
Mai Khao Beach
Looking for somewhere quieter and more secluded? The beautiful Mai Khao Beach in north-west Phuket won’t disappoint. Offering 11km of largely untouched beach – Mai Khao is part of the Sirinat National Park, meaning no development is allowed.
Although the sand at Mai Khao is some of the coarsest on the island, Mai Khao’s beauty is in it’s isolation – you can often walk for several kilometers before seeing another person.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is a popular choice for visitors looking for somewhere less busy than Patong Beach but without losing any of the excitement and charm. Karon Beach is famous for its long beach lined with restaurants, unique shopping boutiques and artists galleries.
The nightlife at Karon Beach is much more relaxed than at Patong Beach, but still offers a wide range of places to choose from. Accommodation around Karon Beach is mostly small and medium-sized hotels – many of which are very trendy and luxurious.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach offers the sort of views you see on postcards – idyllic white sands and crystal clear water. The beach is lined with dozens of palm trees and a great range of cafes and restaurants to keep you going through the day.
Kata Beach is the perfect beach for those looking for a good mix of relaxation and entertainment. It is also just a short drive from Patong so ideal for a day trip.
Nai Harn Beach
Want the ultimate seclusion? Try Nai Harn Beach on the south-coast of Phuket. This exquisite beach is slightly off the beaten track, so only those in the know tend to find their way there.
There are only a few hotels in the area, which also helps keep it relatively quiet all year round. It is also a popular spot for boats to anchor themselves during the peak season.
Between November and April the beach is ideal for swimming, but the rest of the year the undercurrent can be quite strong – so swim with care.
If you want even further seclusion, travel slightly south to Ya Nui, a sandy cove that is a haven for snorkellers.