Not sure what are the best beaches in Phuket?
Are you thinking, I can’t go to Phuket, Thailand and miss out on Patong? Well, first of all, let me tell you a little secret.
“There are better Phuket beaches than PATONG!”
Who knew?
Not me, apparently, considering it took me three visits to Phuket to get out of Patong.
Having just returned home from my third visit to Phuket, over a ten day period, I’m happy to say I didn’t set one foot in Patong.
By all means, if you’re looking for tourism on steroids including a packed beach, jet ski city, tons of accommodation, loads of shopping and restaurants, endless bars and nightlife, Patong is where it’s at!
On my previous two visits to Phuket in 1999 and 2002 it was all about Patong – I was younger then and looking to party – but this time as a family we were looking for something much different.
Which Phuket Beaches Did We Like?
Our pick for the four best beaches in Phuket were Layan Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, and Surin Beach.
Personal photos and tips on these Phuket beaches are down below, but firstly, how much does a day at a Phuket beach cost?
Lets start with the essentials:
2 Beach chairs, umbrella and table = 200 Baht ($6.70) per day!
Singa Beer = 80 Baht ($2.70)
Fresh Coconut = 50 Baht ($1.70)
Bottle of water = 20 Baht (65 cents)
1 Hour Massage = 300 – 400 Baht ($10 – $13)
Lunch (Pad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Yum Goong) = 120 – 150 Baht ($4 – $5)
Looking for some water sports action?
- 30 Minute Jet Ski Hire = from 800 Baht ($27)
- 5 Minute Parasailing = from 800 Baht
Now, let’s get back to our four best beaches in Phuket.
Layan Beach, Phuket
In our eyes, Layan is the best beach in Phuket, and we stumbled on it almost by accident.
It was our first stop on our Phuket beaches discovery drive with Mr Dam. We were in the Bangtao Bay area, and if we didn’t ask for a coffee stop, we may have never visited Layan Beach.
We pulled up at the end of a narrow beach road, stepped out of the car, and there in front of us was our Thai bliss.
Easily the quietest and most beautiful beach we visited in Phuket.
I can’t believe we almost had this piece of paradise all to ourselves, in peak season! No jet skis, no touts, the water was crystal clear, the sand soft and white, and a super chilled vibe.
Layan Beach is just north of Bang Tao Beach and we were at the southern end of Layan. We picked a spot in front of a hand full of quiet restaurants, such as Sabays, and this location was PERFECT for our family.
We had access to all the essentials: good food, beach chairs, beer, coconuts and a fresh water shower. This beach made our Phuket holiday! The best beach in Phuket for families for sure!
Karon Beach, Phuket
We spent the most amount of time at Karon, as we were staying across the road at the Hilton Phuket
We enjoyed Karon Beach. The water and sand is nice, and it’s a long beach which is great for walks. Although there is quite a few resort developments, and plenty of restaurant options, it’s nowhere near as developed as Patong!
On most days we could be found enjoying a sunset beer, or a cocktail, and the vibe is great for families, couples, or a solo traveller.
If you’re standing in front of the Phuket Hilton, head left or right and you will discover plenty of eating options.
The Night Temple markets were a hit, and we loved the location as far as exploring the rest of Phuket.
You can walk to Kata Beach, and if you need the crazy mental party scene of Patong, it’s in close proximity.
Kata Beach, Phuket
Kata is one beach further south from Karon, and probably a bit more scenic as it’s more of a cove shaped beach.
And whilst it was busier than Karon, it didn’t feel like it and still had a nice relaxed vibe, again, perfect for families.
We liked the tree-lined street running adjacent to the beach which also provided some nice shady spots on the sand – it’s HOT in Thailand – even under big beach umbrellas!
After a day on Kata we recommend you head up the hill for a sunset drink at the “After Beach Bar”. Just don’t do what we did and choose the cloudiest day of your trip to watch the sunset.
Surin Beach, Phuket
On arrival I didn’t take to Surin much, but it grew on me. It’s the smallest of the four best beaches in Phuket and whilst full of beach chairs and umbrellas, it’s quite scenic actually with lots of colours going on.
We ended up spending a whole day at Surin swimming in the ocean, chilling on the beach chairs, getting a great Thai massage (400 baht), and grabbing a delicious cheap lunch from the street carts nearby.
In the early evening we found a nice restaurant on the beach, Pla Seafood, and enjoyed a good quality, reasonably priced dinner, whilst watching an amazing sunset.
Looking for a place to stay on Phuket, Thailand?
For more information on where to stay in Phuket, Thailand check out a range of hostels, hotels and guesthouses with our partner Booking.com. Choose from the largest range of accommodation with free cancellation on most rooms, and in most cases you only pay when you stay.
We recommend the following two booking sites (it’s the ones we use the most)
- Phuket accommodation on Booking.com (includes apartments, villas, hotels)
- Apartment and home rentals on Airbnb
Are you a beach person? Which of these Phuket beaches do you like best?
More posts to help with planning a Thailand trip
Disclaimer: We travelled to Thailand courtesy of Tourism Thaialnd
Our favorite was Mai Khao beach in the northwest of Phuket. Depending on the season, it’s less of a swimming beach, as there’s a steep drop off, but it’s gorgeous, not developed and you can have the place virtually to yourself.
Hi Tamara,
That’s one we are unfamiliar with, so thanks for bringing it to our attention. Always good to learn about new spots. Cheer!
Hey Craig,
Nice job dude. I really liked the Layan Beach. We have been planning a vacation. So it might be any of these..
Patong has never appealed to me so I have written Phuket off as a destination. Not any more – now I have seen the variety of other beaches available.
Layan seems the most appealing to me.
If I’m at the beach I like it to be as quiet an calming as possible!
I hear ya Lee!!
They are all so beautiful! LOVE your tans and smiles!!!
Always HAPPY to be in Thailand 🙂
Wow, what some amazing beaches you’ve picked. Has totally rekindled my desire to go back to Phuket – amazing photos.
Thanks Johanna,
yeah, there some gems, away from Patong! 🙂
My sister and I are going to Phuket next month so this is very helpful – thanks! Do you have any recommendations for places to snorkel? We’re going to be staying on Coconut Island and prefer calm to crazy (we provide the crazy).
Hi Craig,
I’ve been going to Phuket for a few years now and our favorite beach is Nai Harn at the very south (west) of Phuket in Rawai. Gorgeous cove and pretty quiet compare to Kata and Karon. Really nice to have a cold beer at the end of the day watching all the little lights from the hotel on the hill. Some little restaurants nearby. Enjoy the rest of your trip, I’m counting the days to my next trip in Phuket next April. Bye!
Hey Annaig, thanks for the tip on Nai Harn 🙂
Hi what the best beach to lesson surf?
I am not really sure there are any good beaches for surfing in Phuket. We didn’t see any or hear of any surfing there
Hey,
the beaches at phuket are really nice but nowadays it becomes difficult to find a quiet place. So we decided to try one of the small islands around and found a very nice one. Its called Koh Yao Noi and we stayed at http://www.hillhouse-kohyaonoi.com It fells like in adiffernt world, clocks are ticking slower and everyone is freindly. Check it out. We will go there again for sure.
We are going to Thailand in the Spring. We are going to be staying at the Hilton at Karon Beach so it was nice to see a picture of it. Where are the other beaches in relation to Karon? We are going to rent a car so we can drive. Thanks!
They are not far from each other, about an hour from one end to the other. All on the west coast
Hi Sherry,
Kata beach is the next beach south from Karon, you can actually walk if need be, so very close. Surin and Layan beaches are to the north, not too far away, depending on traffic, but you will need a car.
P.S. judging by your email address I’m guessing you’re from North Carolina?? We used to live in Raleigh 🙂
Kata Beach is pretty but the water is not clear or clean. In fact the sea is no cleaner than at Patong Beach. Too many plastic bottles, bags and crisp packets floating around.
If we were interested in water activities (jet ski, parasailing, scuba diving or snorkelling), which Phuket beach would you recommend?
Surin
Patong, Karon and Kata are all good. Patong is cheaper because there is more competition.
Amazing sunset, and the Beach looks really pretty, seems like you guys had lots of fun! 🙂
My husband and I are going on vacation there in August. We are not sure if we are beach people or not LOL…we have never really stayed on a beach before. We really like a quiet and relaxed feeling but don’t want to miss out on the Jet Ski’s and other fun things….so I am not sure where we will stay.
I would go Surin Beach. It has the jet skis but a more quieter relaxed feel.
Looks amazing!!! Can you recommend a good place for an elephant safari in Phuket?
That’s very helpful man..i just wanna ask if I live in some resort or hotel in kata beach, whould I be able to reach to these beaches u listed easily? or should I reserve in every beach? its my first visit to Phuket..help help 😀
Those picture of the Phuket beaches are so beautiful, we are going to take a visit this fall for sure. Love how you found a bottle from far far away like a pirate bottle haha 🙂
Hi, we are travelling to Phuket on 22nd Feb and staying at Pantong, we were looking at your website and loved the photos of Layan Beach. Is it difficult to get there from Pantong, and what is the best way. We are a bit nervous driving there.
Not really. By memory it’s about a 20 minute drive. You could get a taxi or one of those tuk tuk taxis that have the bench seats in the back.
Hi Craig, thanks for the reading. I live in Phuket and i agree, there is many other lovely beaches than the one in Patong. My personal favorite is Nai Harn Beach in the south area. I go there almost every day for a walk. Im also running around the lake nearby, its a great 2km track.
Enjoy your day 🙂
Best regards,
Dallemand
My favorite beach is the Laem Singh Beach. This Beach is right in the neighborhood from Surin Beach. About 20 minutes from Patong Beach direction north. This beach has a good restaurant and clean water. The view towards the ozean is gorgeous and you look at many bays of Phuket. While in the background is an original forest of palms. With favorable winds can be found here the highest waves.
Thanks for sharing your experience, I found it very helpful!
Freedom Beach is one of the least accessible of all the Phuket beaches. Unless you are in the mood to trek a kilometer through thick jungle over private land, the beach is only accessible by boat. But if you enjoy spending a day in the sunny Phuket weather relaxing on a lounger, Freedom Beach is a good choice.
Thank you so much for sharing this great information with lots of detailed pictures. This was tons of help!!!