Phuket Beaches and Resorts

One of the most popular destinations in Thailand is Phuket island. Warm, tropical, touching. Often its resorts are associated with beaches, and the choice of a vacation spot relies solely on this factor. And although Phuket’s beaches are very diverse and picturesque, and a large part of the vacation will somehow be spent in their company and surroundings, other features of the area should also be considered. Let’s talk about this.

Phuket Beach Resorts

All the main resorts, and with them the hotels, are located on the western coast of the island. On the eastern side, the tides are too strong, and the seabed is muddy in places, which tourists don’t like at all. There are also many piers here, from which yachts, speedboats, and boats depart with tourists and locals. Of course, there are exceptions to everything, and finding a villa on the eastern coast of Phuket is quite realistic. But still, the most beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and all amenities for visitors are in the west.

Nai Yang Beach

It’s so easy to be charmed by this beach. And it’s no wonder, as here you feel almost completely cut off from civilization. The beach is part of Sirinat National Park, so instead of dense development, there’s a shady grove of casuarina trees reaching right to the water’s edge. Here and there, authentic local cafes hide in their shade, where you can have lunch sitting at a table right on the sand. The entry into the water is gentle, and the sea is very calm, especially during high tide. When the tide recedes, a wide reef is exposed near the shore, where locals collect seafood. But all these advantages pale in comparison to the main one—its proximity to the airport runway. You swim, sunbathe, and planes fly overhead—exhilarating!

Why visit Nai Yang

ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing;
proximity to the airport;
suitable for family holidays.

Naithon Beach

Another beach not far from Phuket Airport. It is cozily nestled in a picturesque bay, surrounded by forested hills. And although a road runs along the beach, this proximity does not spoil Naithon at all, as the beach still belongs to the national park. The sand here is fine and light, and the water in high season is pleasingly clean and clear. The infrastructure is not overly developed: there are a few hotels, restaurants, and massage parlors nearby, but no noisy bars or intrusive vendors. This is an ideal choice for those seeking a serene vacation, a romantic atmosphere, and a connection with nature.

Why visit Naithon

one of the calmest and least crowded beaches;
excellent swimming conditions;
proximity to Phuket Airport;
nearby Sirinat National Park and Ton Sai Waterfall.

Bang Tao Beach

A beach of great contrasts and opportunities. The northern part — Layan Beach — is often deserted, as not all tourists reach it, but the waves acquire a very impressive scale. The depth increases quickly, and the sand is quite coarse. The central part is occupied by the elite five-star Laguna hotel, which is why it is often called Laguna Beach. The complex includes villas, golf courses, and pristine lakes. Logically, an atmosphere of luxury and impeccable service prevails here. This same part also hosts Phuket’s most famous and trendy beach clubs, such as RAVA Beach Club and Xana. However, the southern part of Bang Tao has retained its democratic and simpler character with affordable accommodation, local cafes, and a small fishing village. But during the high season, this stretch of the beach is the most popular: sun loungers are almost right by the water, and it’s best to bring your own shade in the form of an umbrella.

Why visit Bang Tao

one of the longest beaches in Phuket;
many hotels, restaurants, shops, and spas;
Laguna Phuket golf club;
opportunity to engage in water sports.

Surin Beach

Despite its modest size, it has a reputation as one of the most stylish on the island. It was once known as “Millionaire’s Beach” due to the abundance of expensive establishments right by the water. Today, most of them have been removed, restoring the beach’s natural beauty, but the chic atmosphere remains. The water here has an incredible turquoise hue, and the sand is golden and soft. During the low season, Surin gets good waves, attracting bodyboarding and surfing enthusiasts. This is a place for connoisseurs of aesthetics, beautiful photos, and a calm yet prestigious vacation.

Why visit Surin

no noisy parties or large crowds;
you can go snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports;
refined and sophisticated atmosphere;
located approximately a 30-minute drive from Phuket Airport and a 20-minute drive from Phuket Town.

Kamala Beach

Offers an ideal balance between tranquility and civilization. This long and wide bay with a gentle entry into the sea is extremely popular with families with children and Europeans who come for the winter. The pace of life here is much more relaxed than on the lively southern beaches. A series of cozy restaurants stretches along the promenade, and there is a small pedestrian street in the southern part of the beach. It is in the Kamala area that the famous FantaSea show and one of the best beach clubs, Cafe Del Mar, are located.

Why visit Kamala

many playgrounds, swimming pools, and other entertainment for young children;
wide selection of accommodation for any budget;
lifeguards are usually on duty at the beach;
beautiful nature and picturesque views.

Patong Beach

The epicenter of Phuket’s vibrant and bustling life. This place never sleeps and lives at its own rhythm. During the day, the beach is filled with holidaymakers, offering every imaginable water activity: from jet skis and parasailing to “banana boats” and water skiing. The beach itself is not known for its exceptional cleanliness, and a small river flows into it from the south. As the sun sets, life moves to the legendary Bangla Road — a street that glows with neon and booms with music from hundreds of bars, discos, and nightclubs. Patong is the choice for those seeking non-stop fun, shopping at the huge Jungceylon mall, and maximum variety of entertainment.

Why visit Patong

restaurants and cafes with cuisine from almost all countries of the world;
hotels for any budget, shopping centers, markets, banks, pharmacies, hospitals, and much more;
you can go parasailing, scuba diving, or take a boat trip;
shopping for every taste;
easy to find a taxi, tuk-tuk, or rent a motorbike to get to any point on the island.

Karon Beach

One of the longest and widest sandy strips on the island. Its main hallmark is the light, fine quartz sand that emits a characteristic “squeak” or “crunch” underfoot, earning it the nickname “singing sand.” Thanks to its size, Karon never feels overcrowded. Here you can always find a spot for a secluded rest, and the long promenade is ideal for morning jogs and evening strolls. Important: dangerous rip currents can occur here during the low season.

Why visit Karon

one of Phuket’s longest beaches with a wide strip of soft sand;
has everything necessary for relaxation and lacks bustling nightlife or large crowds;
hotels and guesthouses for every taste;
a good place for family holidays;
located near other interesting places in Phuket, such as the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong temple, and Karon View Point.

Kata Beach

For many, Kata is the epitome of an ideal beach. It’s smaller than Karon but more picturesque and cozy. The perfect semicircular bay, protected from strong winds, and the small island of Koh Pu opposite create a postcard-perfect landscape. The infrastructure here is excellent: many restaurants for every taste, bars, surf schools (during the low season, Kata becomes a mecca for beginner surfers), and shops. Kata is, perhaps, a universal beach that suits absolutely everyone. If you choose a hotel between Kata and Karon, you can get the best of both worlds, and in the evenings, drive over a small pass to Patong for entertainment.

Why visit Kata

the beach is regularly cleaned, so it’s always pleasant to be here;
calmer and quieter than Patong;
opportunity for snorkeling.

Kata Noi Beach

Behind a small rocky headland hides Kata’s younger sibling — Kata Noi, which translates to “Little Kata.” This is a small bay surrounded by greenery, creating a sense of privacy and exclusivity. Most of the beach is occupied by the Katathani hotel, but access is open to everyone. The sand here is especially fine and white, and the water is crystal clear. Kata Noi is an excellent choice for a peaceful, respectable, and romantic getaway.

Why visit Kata Noi

luxury hotels offering a high level of service and comfort are located here;
in the southern part of the beach, there are small coral reefs where you can go snorkeling;
proximity to other attractions;
stunning views of the sea and surroundings.

Nai Harn Beach

At the southern tip of the island is Nai Harn Beach, which regularly ranks among the world’s most beautiful beaches. It is unique in its location: the bay is surrounded by green hills on three sides, and a freshwater lake adjoins it on the fourth. The landscape is complemented by white yachts and catamarans that often drop anchor here. The beach is very popular among tourists, expats, and locals, yet it maintains its relaxed atmosphere. The famous Promthep Cape viewpoint is nearby.

Why visit Nai Harn

located near the Yacht Club;
in high season, the sea is calm and clear; in low season — waves for surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts;
a beautiful lake is nearby, where you can stroll and go boating;
a Buddhist monastery is located on the hill next to the beach.

Rawai Beach

Our journey concludes with Rawai Beach, which is fundamentally different from all the previous ones. It’s important to understand that this is not a swimming spot due to the large number of fishing and excursion boats. Rawai is, first and foremost, a colorful port and a gastronomic hub. Its main attraction is the famous Sea Gypsy market. Here you can buy the freshest, just-caught seafood — from shrimp and fish to lobsters — and then take them to one of the small restaurants opposite, where they will cook them for you in any chosen way for a small fee. This is a must-visit place for all gourmets, so choosing a hotel in the Rawai area of Phuket should be done with this purpose in mind.

Why visit Rawai

starting point for excursions to nearby islands;
freshest seafood at very competitive prices;
you can see local temples, interact with locals, and learn more about Thai culture;
suitable for long-term stays.

Have great weather in Phuket!