City Guide: Top 5 beaches to visit in Phuket

Stock photo via Flickr

One of the best things about visiting Thailand is, indeed, its beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. Phuket, in Thailand’s south, is clearly one of the most popular areas to be a beach bum. Located off the Andaman Sea, its islands surrounding it provide day trips galore. But, a few of those beaches seem to provide visitors with the most eye-catching views.

From snorkeling trips to soft, powdery white sand, Phuket’s beaches definitely don’t disappoint. Depending on what you are looking for in a beachside holiday, the Andaman islands certainly can provide an unforgettable experience. Moreover, we have done the work for you by listing some of the top beaches to visit in Phuket for those looking to have some fun in the sun.

5 Best Beaches to visit in Phuket

Best of Phuket’s beaches, listed below.

1. Freedom Beach

Looking for an off the beaten path type of beach? Look no further than Freedom Beach, where a jungle trek or boat ride is the only way to visit the hidden jewel. A quiet, and unspoiled beach, the beach is indicative of its name. Boasting 300 metres, this beach is surely to catch your eye as it offers a serene and tranquil beach going experience.

Moreover, Freedom features turquoise waters against a backdrop of the jungle. It’s clear that making the effort to visit this extraordinary beach can be considered well-worth your time. Visitors can relax all day here without feeling like too many people are around. And, its calming background offers a unique photo op for those looking to capture its beauty.

Location: Srisoonthorn Road, Tambon Patong, Chang Wat Phuket, 83100, Thailand

Freedom Beach Phuket - Free photo on Pixabay
Freedom Beach

2. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn beach is another idyllic location in the south of Phuket that features white, powdery sand. If you are looking for a good beach to go surfing or kiteboarding, this is your place. In the low season, the currents are strong, while in the high season they are calmer. Those who stay in Phuket year-round would definitely enjoy the added pleasure of surfing the waves in solitude.

Samnak Song Monastery owns much of the beach, which is how it has avoided being overdeveloped. In addition to the beachside, a lake is located just behind it where people can fish or ride in a swan-shaped boat. Certainly, a fun place to take the family as it offers more than the average beach-going experience with its sporty leisure activities and boat rides for all.

Location: Nai Harn Beach, Rawai, Phuket, Thailand

City Guide: Top 5 beaches to visit in Phuket | News by Thaiger
Nai Harn Beach

3. Kata Beach

Kata is one of the larger beaches in Phuket, proving most popular with tourists and locals alike. If you are looking to do a bit of socialising against the backdrop of a palm tree-lined shore, this is your place. The 1.5 km stretch of white sand features plenty of socialising activities including beach bars and restaurants. And, if you are looking to do a few water sports, Kata has it all.

The beach features plenty of shops and some amazing resorts in which to stay if you are planning a true beachside vacay. Moreover, the large size of the beach will never make you feel too crowded, as there is always space for soaking up the sun. Popular also with families, the beach is more of a chilled out destination than some of the other more party-centred beaches in Phuket.

Location: Karon, Phuket, 83100, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand | Kata Beach | Jeff Gunn | Flickr
Kata Beach

4. Kamala Beach

Despite being located just a bit north of the party beach of Patong, Kamala sits in stark contrast. It’s shallow and tranquil waters, make it a serene place for families to visit without running into loads of tourists. The beach has also kept some of its local authenticity as it features a fishing village nearby. Thus, visiting this beach can be a breath of fresh air from the normal, more bustling and built-up beaches nearby.

In low season, the beach is very quiet, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of the island. Still, it offers water activities during high season, offering a nice combination of relaxation and good old-fashioned fun. Attracting a more mild-mannered crowd, the beach is quite popular with those looking to get away from tourist-laden resort areas. Regardless of your intentions, Kamala is almost certainly one of the best beaches to visit for a relaxing and more chilled out vibe.

Location: Kamala, Phuket, 83120, Thailand

Kamala Beach | Jules Antonio | Flickr
Kamala Beach

5. Surin Beach

Surin offers, perhaps, the most upscale type of beach-going experience as it is quite popular with the high-so crowd. Known as the beach that the late King Rama IX once visited, many first-class resorts can be found on its sands. In addition to the resorts, a golf course is also featured nearby, for those wanting to brush up on their game. Lined with palm trees, its soft white sand gives way to light and dark blue waters.

The waters drop off pretty close to the beach, offering a deep-sea swimming experience near the sand. Therefore, many boats may seem a bit closer than normal, giving spectators a close up of some of the higher-end yachts that grace the waters. For those that are looking for a more glamourous holiday, Surin Beach offers just that, with opportunities to wine and dine with those in more exclusive circles.

Location: Choeng Thale, Phuket, 83110, Thailand

0803_Phuket_002 | Afternoon in Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand… | Mark Leo | Flickr
Surin Beach

Phuket clearly offers some of the most relaxing and eye-catching beaches in Thailand. And, with the nearby surrounding islands, one’s dream of exploring untouched beaches is certainly within reach. Tourists to Phuket can expect to find almost any type of beach for their liking. From party beaches to serene and tranquil sands, a trip to the Andaman Sea side of Thailand can certainly come full circle.


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Ann Carter

Ann Carter is an award-winning journalist from the United States with over 12 years experience in print and broadcast news. Her work has been featured in America, China and Thailand as she has worked internationally at major news stations as a writer and producer. Carter graduated from the Walter Williams Missouri School of Journalism in the USA.

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