Must-Visit Beaches in Phuket With The Best Views

Phuket is among the most popular beach destinations around the world. In fact, this Southern island is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. If you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches to visit in Phuket, read our list to find out which ones you can’t miss!

Ten Best Beaches in Phuket

Phuket is an island surrounded by numerous beautiful sandy beaches. You really can’t go wrong with any beaches in Phuket, but we’ll list the most popular beaches to visit during your next Phuket holiday.

1. Patong Beach

Patong Beach is on Phuket’s west coast. It’s the prime destination in Phuket as there are many attractions, such as the famous nightlife at Bangla Street, shopping, and watersports activities. The most pleasant time to spend your holiday on Patong Beach is from December to April (June to November is the rainy season). However, it can be crowded and the water quality is not the best because it can become polluted as a result.

2. Karon Beach

Karon Beach is Phuket’s longest and cleanest beach and one of its most beautiful. It’s located on the west coast of the island between Patong Beach and Kata Beach. Karon Beach is a popular destination among tourists who want to enjoy a relaxing family vacation or find a good restaurant along the beachfront. You’ll find a variety of restaurants offering everything from traditional Thai cuisine to international dishes. The dining experience is enhanced by the stunning sea views. There are also numerous parking spaces along the street, making a visit hassle-free!

Karon Beach is a fantastic location for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, and jet-skiing. The beach’s length and the clarity of its waters make it perfect for swimming and paddleboarding as well. For those looking to relax, the expansive beach offers plenty of space to sunbathe and unwind.

3. Kata Beach

Kata Beach is a nice bay with white sand and clear blue waters, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach. It is located in the southwest of Phuket. Clean beaches, split into Kata Yai and Kata Noi Beaches, make up the entirety of Kata Beach. In the low season, Kata Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Phuket for surfing, and you can find numerous surfing schools along the beach.

4. Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach is a beautiful beach located in the village of Kamala on the west coast of Phuket. The beach is easily accessible by car or motor scooter. Kamala Beach is a relaxing, comfortable, and spacious sandy beach surrounded by forested hills in one of the most beautiful places on the island. There are many luxury resorts with great views in Kamala Bay, and there is an idyllic private beach hidden in Kamala Beach that we call Nakalay Beach.

5. Surin Beach

Surin Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket and is about 20 minutes away from Phuket Airport. You will find a beautiful beach of white sand and clear water, lined with palm trees and a background of greenery. You can indulge in surfing, bathing and snorkeling on Surin Beach.

6. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is a tranquil beach located in the southern part of Phuket. It’s less touristy and known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sands. The 660-meter beach is a popular anchorage for boats during the high season and offers excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also an excellent spot for kitesurfing on windy days.

7. Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao Beach is one of the longest beaches in Phuket, stretching 6 kilometers. It is perfect for long, peaceful walks and features a mix of high-end resorts and more modest local establishments, offering something for every budget.

8. Mai Khao Beach

Part of the Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Beach is 11 kilometers long, making it Phuket’s longest beach. It's best known for its annual sea turtle release, sponsored by the local conservation groups. The beach offers a stark contrast to the bustling tourist spots, providing a quiet place to relax and connect with nature.

9. Freedom Beach

Accessible only by boat or a 30-minute downhill trek, Freedom Beach offers an escape from the crowds. Its seclusion makes it one of Phuket’s most pristine beaches, with excellent snorkeling opportunities in its clear, calm waters surrounded by thick jungle.

10. Banana Beach

Banana Beach, sometimes called Banana Rock Beach, is between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches. This 180-meter-long beach in a hidden cove is one of the few remaining undeveloped beaches in Phuket. The beach has a rustic feel offering a peaceful retreat, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Choosing the Best Beach in Phuket

While the choice of the best beach in Phuket will vary from person to person, depending on your needs and desired activities, there is one beach that provides excellent all-around features: Karon Beach. The third longest on the island, Karon Beach has plenty of space to enjoy some peace and quiet, but the town itself has a modest nightlife and a good choice of restaurants, with the attractions of smaller and busier Kata to the south or Patong to the north, both easily reached. Being a southern beach, the sand is also fine and soft—our definition of perfection.

Affordable Luxury Beach Resorts in Phuket

You do not see the words “luxury” and “affordable” together very often, especially when it’s about the popular beaches in Phuket. You might ask, “Is there such a thing as an affordable Phuket luxury resort?” We’re here to tell you that there is! 

However, take caution when searching for affordable luxury hotels located on the best beaches in Phuket. Certain hotels advertise themselves as “affordable luxury resorts” but really are 3-star properties with 5-star prices. Always check a hotel’s TripAdvisor review before booking! Here are a few genuinely affordable Phuket luxury resorts!

1. Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa

Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa, located on Nakalay Beach near Kamala Beach, is one of the most high-value-for-money luxury resorts in Phuket, and even Thailand. Where on earth can you get luxury rooms that are only 20 steps from the beach for below $100/night? Furthermore, the resort is located on a private beach, but at the same time, only a 10-minute drive from the most famous beaches in Phuket, Patong Beach or Kamala Beach. This is the best of both worlds! Check out the different room types available, and be prepared to be impressed!

2. The Vijit Resort

This resort has 50 rooms, a mixture of villas and deluxe rooms, featuring beautiful Thai-style architecture placed well apart for extra privacy. The best part of this resort is the private beach in Rawai, one of the most beautiful private beaches in Phuket. Being in a secluded location, prices are much lower than expected, with reasonably priced meals and rooms.

3. Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort is located right in the heart of Karon Beach, one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. It has beautiful colonial-style rooms, five large swimming pools, and a sprawling 25 acres of landscaped grounds, yet still feels secluded and private. With rooms offered for approximately $100/night, we are one of the most affordable and best priced luxury beach hotel brands in Phuket. To view our hotel offerings, go here.

In the hotel industry, the price determinant of many hotels is the brand. If you prefer accommodation that offers the best value on price, service, and luxury similar to what international hotel chains offer, check out local independent hotels that offer equivalent or even better facilities and amenities for much cheaper. Be sure to check the hotel’s TripAdvisor ratings before booking!