Phuket Island, the largest in Thailand, beckons tourists with magnificent resort areas, unique culture and diverse entertainment. Its picturesque beaches and turquoise waters allow you to feel yourself in a tropical paradise and forget about the cold winter.
Activities – snorkeling, diving, surfing and excursions to nearby islands – can be combined with shopping and shrine visits, and as evening falls, enjoy the clubs and shows.
The island has a rich historical heritage combining Thai, Chinese and Malay traditions. Its temples, such as Wat Chalong and Big Buddha, are true monuments of architecture.
Ao Yon Beach
A cozy and peaceful place in the south of Phuket in the Panwa area with white sand and crystal clear water.
One of the main features of the beach is the lack of big waves, making it ideal for swimming at any time of the year.
Ao Yon consists of two parts separated by a headland, each with its own charms
Prices for renting sunbeds and umbrellas can vary, but are usually around 100-200 baht. Around the beach you will find cozy cafes and restaurants offering a variety of Thai and international cuisine.
Bang Tao Beach
A paradise place on Phuket Island, surrounded by rainforests and waterfalls.
The conditions here are great not only for beach vacations but also for hiking
Bang Tao also offers a choice of accommodation. Hotel prices range from 1000 to 5000 baht per day, renting a villa or house can be more expensive.
Service here is at the highest level. Many hotels offer childcare, massages and a variety of activities.
Karon Beach
One of the longest and most picturesque beaches on the island. It attracts tourists with its soft white sand. There are fewer people here than, for example, in Patong, as well as clean sea and calm waves in the rainy season. It is an ideal place for family vacations and romantic trips.
Plus, the beach is free, which certainly adds to its appeal.
Kata Beach
One of the most picturesque and popular vacation destinations. It is divided into two parts: Kata Yai (Big Kata) and Kata Noi (Little Kata), each with its own unique features.
Kata Beach is the perfect place for those looking for a combination of relaxing vacation and active fun.
Stretching for 1.5 kilometers, Kata Beach welcomes tourists with soft white sand and crystal clear water
Along the shore are cafes and restaurants serving Thai and European cuisine. Food prices range from 100 to 500 baht.
The place is also famous for its picturesque sunsets, and there are interesting attractions in the vicinity, such as the Big Buddha statue and the Kata Karon panoramic site, which offers a magnificent view of the west coast.
Layan Beach
A surprisingly quiet and picturesque place, created for those who seek solitude: there is no mass tourism and you can enjoy nature alone or in the company of loved ones.
One of the main features of Layan Beach is its picturesque landscape: here you will find palm trees, tropical vegetation and magnificent sunsets. The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling, and in some places you can see coral reefs with marine life.
Mai Khao Beach
The longest beach on the island, stretching for 11 kilometers. Located near Phuket Airport, you can dive into the warm, gentle sea just half an hour after getting off your flight.
There are several small restaurants and cafes on the beach serving Thai food and fresh seafood.
In addition to chic resorts with a high level of service, there are also camping spots: you can spend the night under the stars to the sound of the surf.
Nai Harn Beach
It is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque on the island. It is about 700 meters long and 50 meters wide: even on a crowded day, there is room to spare.
There are several cafes and restaurants along the beach where you can try Thai cuisine and fresh seafood. Scooters and cars are also available for rent.
Nearby you will find a freshwater lake with tennis courts and yoga facilities. Nearby is the Buddhist temple of Wat Nai Harn, which is worth a visit to experience the local culture.
Paradise Beach
A true tropical paradise with soft sand and clear water.
Here you can enjoy sunsets and silence, have a photo set or a romantic date.
Patong Beach
One of the most famous and crowded beaches on the island, attracting tourists from all over the world with its vibrancy and variety of activities.
Restaurants, bars, stores and massage parlors are located along the shoreline. Prices range from affordable to higher depending on the establishment. For example, lunch at a café can cost from 150 to 500 baht.
Patong stretches for three kilometers, and there are both lively places and quiet corners along its length
In addition to the usual cabs and tuk-tuks, there are Smart Bus buses to Patong. They depart regularly, are air-conditioned, and the fare is only about 170 baht.
Rawai Beach
Not quite a typical beach in this selection, as it is not suitable for swimming due to the rocky bottom and frequent low tides. However, it has stunning nature and scenic views, ideal for photo shoots.
The beach is located near the town of the same name. Across the road you will find supermarkets, cafes and souvenir stores
Tri Trang Beach
A great place suitable for those who crave privacy and serenity away from the noisy tourist areas. The picturesque coastline stretches for about 700 meters.
Tri Trang has a relaxed atmosphere and is especially popular with tourists in the low season when other beaches are raging with waves. The cove protects the shore from winds, so it is safe to vacation here with children. However, it is worth considering that at low tide the water can go far from the shore, exposing the rocky bottom and shells.
The infrastructure here is modest: there is a small tent with drinks and snacks, where you can buy beer or coconut for 99 and 59 baht respectively. For lovers of outdoor activities, jet skis are available – renting one costs about 1,500 baht for half an hour.
Nearby, Windsurf Restaurant with beautiful sea views serves Thai and international cuisine.
Yanui Beach
A small but cozy nook just under 100 meters long, accessed by a scenic mountain road.
Yanui is surrounded by hills. As a bonus to the magnificent views, they offer protection from strong winds
The beach has a relaxing atmosphere. It is particularly popular with locals who picnic and celebrate important events.
There is a small rocky hill on the south side and can be explored at low tide
The infrastructure on the beach is quite modest: a few small cafes and restaurants.
What you need to know
1. From the airport, you can get to almost all the beaches in the selection by public transportation. A bus ticket costs about 200 baht, a cab is more expensive – in the range of 800-1000 baht.
2. The sun is scorching in Thailand, and you can really burn in just half an hour. Do not neglect hats, SPF creams and choose beaches where you can rent an umbrella.
3. It is important to respect the traditions of the local population. There is no loud arguing, no disrespectful comments about the royal family (or even, for example, crumpling and tearing banknotes: since they bear the King’s picture, this can be considered an insult).
4. The most convenient and cost-effective way to rent a scooter on the island is to avoid traffic jams on the way to the beaches. Get an international driver’s license before traveling.
