Things To Do in Tri Trang Beach

In Tri Trang, dining out takes place at a handful of restaurants on the hill behind the beach. They’re cheap as chips and serve up great food. Come dinnertime, you’re bound to catch a whiff of tom yum goong simmering away – it’s a sweet-sour combo of lemongrass, shallots, and jumbo prawns.

Small boats carved from the trunks of banana trees are loaded with flowers, candles, and incense during the Loy Krathong Festival. They’re launched on any available stretch of water – from garden ponds to the sea. Legend has it that bad spirits are banished along with the boats, opening the door for good luck. From Tri Trang Beach, the whole bay glitters with flickering candle flames. Paper lanterns are also released into the night sky from temples and sometimes private homes in the hope that misfortune will fly away with them. Hotels take part in this, too, so ask your resort how they’re celebrating.

A 10-minute drive into downtown Patong will take you to the biggest shopping centre in Phuket. Jungceylon Shopping Mall has multi-tiered department stores, candy-coloured games zones, and a museum-shop filled with super-sized seashells. Don’t just stick to the 300-plus shops, either – there’s also a 5-screen cinema, a bowling alley, and a theatre with rides in 4D.

Thailand is no stranger to beautiful beaches, but this one’s even better than most. It’s in a really secluded spot – but still only 10 minutes away from Tri Trang Beach. Since it’s only accessible by water, visitors hop on a long tail boat to get there. The first time you spot its bright white sands, you’ll feel like you’ve uncovered a secret.

You’ll find a handful of restaurants at the southern end of Tri Trang Beach. Just follow the flight of stairs up the grassy hill to reach them. The eateries are unfussy, with thatched rooftops and simple menus. Thanks to their hilltop location, they offer great views, so you can enjoy home-cooked Thai food and cold bottles of Chang as you gaze out towards the Andaman Sea.

Tri Trang is one of 4 beaches anchored on a peninsula south of Patong. It can only be reached via a little dirt road that runs parallel to the Merlin Beach Resort, so it’s easy to miss. Those who find it, are welcomed by a small curve of sand lapped by clear, shallow waves. The sea bottom is fairly rocky, so water shoes are recommended for paddling.

Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s biggest markets, and you’ll find one of the best in Karon, about 20 minutes’ drive from Phuket Tri Trang. The stalls roll in to town on Tuesdays and Sundays, taking over the grounds of the town’s main temple. Visitors hand over cash for junk jewellery, beachwear, silk batik scarves and muay Thai boxing shorts.

If Maya Bay sounds familiar, it’s probably because Leo DiCaprio filmed hit movie The Beach there. Unsurprisingly, most boat trips to the Phi Phi Islands include a visit to this beauty spot. Other voyages tick off the squeaky sands of Bamboo Island, the huge Viking Cave, and Monkey Island, which does exactly what it says on the tin.

Phuket Tri Trang isn’t your usual dance-until-dawn hangout. In fact, it’s totally devoid of flashing lights and dance podiums. To get your nightlife fix, head for Patong, 10 minutes’ drive away. This is Phuket’s nightlife capital, and it’s full of bars, pubs, and multi-floor clubs. You’ll find the most popular venues on Bangla Road, just behind the beach.