Phuket’s got beautiful beaches for days. It’s Thailand’s largest island, so they mostly come in mile-long stretches rather than pocket-sized coves. As standard, you can expect the dreamiest white sweeps lined with curvy palms, colourful long-tail boats bobbing in the shallows, and sun-warmed water that feels like a bath.
The prettiest picks are on the west coast, which is where you’ll get those unreal sunset scenes over the Andaman Sea. No two beaches are the same, though – each sandy slice has its own vibe, from mellow and low-key to bold and buzzy. To help you pick your perfect match, we’ll introduce you to the best beaches in Phuket.
The buzzy one – Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the life of the party. Its Patong postcode places it in Phuket’s liveliest resort, so you’re only a few streets over from Bangla Road’s booming bars and clubs. The beach itself’s just as buzzy, with a thriving watersports scene and bars, food shacks and little shops right on the sand. Rent a jet-ski and zoom about in the waves, join a game of volleyball or hire a lounger and soak up the vibes from the shore. If you like being in the centre of the action, Patong’s the pick for you.
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The family-friendly one – Kata Beach
Closer to the southern tip, Kata Beach dials back on the energy for a more laidback feel. It’s a popular pick with families thanks to its solid line-up of fun activities, minus the bars and crowds. It’s split into two parts – Kata Noi is the smaller beach, and it backs onto peaceful beachfront hotels, so it’s super convenient if you’re staying nearby.
On the other end, Kata Yai’s a go-to for watersports. Find out if surfing really is as easy as it looks (spoiler – it’s not), and kayak or paddleboard your way around the coastline. You can take a water taxi over to Ko Pu, a limestone island 400 metres from the shore. Go snorkelling in its coral reefs filled with tropical fish or have your mermaid moment with a scuba diving lesson. If windsurfing is more your thing, Karon Beach – the next bay over – is one of the best spots for it in Thailand.
The mysterious one – Freedom Beach
This pick’s different from the other beaches. 20 minutes’ drive south of Patong, Freedom Beach is far enough off the beaten track that you can’t get to it without a steep 10-minute trek through the jungle – but it’s worth it, trust us. The bay is on the smaller side compared to Phuket’s other beaches, and it’s backed by lush mountains all the way round to the sea, giving it that hidden-away vibe. You’ll get one or two locals selling ice-cold Chang beer and fresh pad thai from a portable wok, so you’re all set for the best beach day ever.
The mellow one – Bang Tao Beach
At four miles long, Bang Tao’s got that big beach energy. There’s so much space that it doesn’t feel crowded, but it’s got shops, bars and restaurants dotted along it so you’re never too far from anything. For au-naturel looks, find a secluded spot near the national park at the top end. Or if you like watching the world go by, set your stuff down near the more built-up bits close to the middle or down the other end. Some of Thailand’s boujiest beach resorts are along here, so it’s a good place for some subtle celeb spotting, too.
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Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 28/06/2024
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