Lauded for its beautiful beaches with pristine white sand and turquoise blue waters, Phuket is the ideal place for you to spend a day out in the sun or engage in outdoor activities with your companions. With over 30 beaches to choose from, here is our carefully-crafted list of the top 5 beaches you should visit in Phuket. Ranging from quieter to more lively beaches, read on to find out which one suits you best.
#1 Patong Beach
With tourists from all over the world, Patong Beach is one of Phuket’s most popular holiday destinations due to its 3km-long white sandy beach overlooking the glistening turquoise waters. Whether it be swimming, jet skiing or picnicking with loved ones in the cool sea breeze, Patong Beach is always bustling with life. Lined with a myriad of restaurants and cafes that range from Thai to Italian cuisine, tourists are spoiled for choice when choosing a place to eat for their next meal.
Patong Beach also has a reputation of being the undisputed nightlife party town, especially along Bangla Street which becomes even more lively as the sun sets. From chill lounge bars to go-go bars, the neon lights and pulsating music encompassing the lively street undoubtedly sets the scene for a fun night out.
#2 Kata Noi Beach
If you’d prefer a quieter beach away from tourist crowds, Kata Noi Beach is your best bet. Although it is one of Phuket’s smaller beaches, the soft fine sand, coupled with clear shallow waters render it a popular spot for tourists to take stunning pictures of the idyllic view and partake in activities like surfing and snorkelling. With a mixture of reasonably-priced food in local eateries and gourmet food in top-notch restaurants, you’re bound to find a suitable place to satisfy your cravings.
Bordered by a few beach resorts, namely Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale and The Shore, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to watch the sunset from the comfort of your room and wake up to the panoramic view of the beach, illuminated by the sunrise.
#3 Mai Khao Beach
As its name suggests, the Mai Khao Beach, more commonly known as the Airport Beach, is located near the Phuket International Airport runway. With planes passing low overhead every few minutes, visitors can expect to hear the roar of the planes’ jet engines and feel the strong wind as the aircraft prepares to land. Serving as a hotspot for aviation enthusiasts, Mai Khao Beach is a must-visit destination for individuals who would like to experience something new and take close-up shots with a plane.
#4 Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket’s most well-maintained stretches of coastline, tucked between lush green hills and Nai Harn Lake, an astonishing inland freshwater lake which locals often frequent to paddle boat and take a stroll around. Visitors can stop by a beautiful little temple called the Wat Nai Harn, which is about 200 metres away from the lake, to learn more about Thai culture and its traditions.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can travel to the top of the Windmill Viewpoint, which offers a bird’s eye view of the Andaman Sea and its surrounding beaches, thus serving as an ideal spot for picnicking and watching the sunset.
#5 Ao Sane Beach
Deemed as a hidden treasure, Ao Sane Beach is a beautiful rocky beach on Phuket’s south west coast. To get there, you would need to enter through the Nai Harn Resort and follow an 800-metre trail. With its exceptionally calm waters, Ao Sane Beach is the best place for snorkelling and diving even during the rainy season. Don’t worry if you’re new to the sport, as you can rent snorkelling gear and attend your first diving lesson taught by friendly instructors from the scuba diving centre.
To enjoy a delicious meal against the backdrop of the tranquil sea, you can choose to dine in at the Ao Sane restaurant, a modest yet classy place which sells affordable Thai cuisine. If spending a day at the Ao Sane Beach is not enough, you can consider booking an accommodation at the 5-star resort, The Nai Harn, or rent cheaper bungalows on the beach.
We hope you have been inspired to visit Thailand to explore these different beaches in Phuket. For more recommendations on what to do around Thailand, visit https://tourismthailand.sg/ or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.