Phuket is known for its outstanding beaches, probably more than anything else.

With over 30 of them around the island, there’s a wide variety of atmospheres, scenery, facilities and even textures of sand available.

This is not a simple question to answer, and it largely depends on how you judge a ‘good beach’. We chose to combine a number of measurements, from the availability of nearby places to eat and drink to the fineness of the sand and the idyllic-ness of the surroundings. We also gave priority to those beaches with a lifeguard station, so pretty much all of those listed below have at least 1. If you’ve visited before, you might be surprised by some of the places we’ve included, and even more so by some of the places which didn’t make it into the top 10 best beaches in Phuket. Do you agree with our list?

#1 Kata Beach

Kata and Kata Noi are 2 of the best beaches on Phuket’s west coast. Between them, they are a family-friendly paradise of soft sand, fun attractions, great restaurants and first-class hotels. There are even a few little shopping hubs and fun nightlife areas, making it the complete package.

From May to October, surfers flock to catch Kata’s waves and from November to April, the beach is alive with sunseekers. Meanwhile, the hills behind Kata Noi and the viewpoint to the south of the bay are great places to watch the sunset at any time of the year.

#2 Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach in Phuket is a 300-metre-long strip of white sand near Patong. The beach is set in a superb bay dotted with granite rocks and surrounded by hills covered by a thick jungle. Its exclusivity comes from its rather challenging accessibility, but it’s well worth the effort.
Apart from sunbathing, you can enjoy beach soccer (2 mini-goals are available), beach volleyball, and snorkelling in the area. The shallow waters at both ends of the beach are home to superb underwater life. There are no jet-skis or noisy marine leisure activities at Freedom Beach – the only audible engines are those of the long-tail boats in the distance.

#3 Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi Beach is a beautiful little bay along Phuket’s west coast, and one of the best beaches on the island. Located just south of the main Kata Beach, it has lovely soft sand and stunning scenery. It is home to some of Phuket’s most luxurious resorts and restaurants. On the hillside road behind the beach, you’ll find some of the best sunset bars available, with stunning views over the sand and out to the horizon, which you can enjoy with a tasty dinner and a refreshing drink.

The sea off Kata Noi Beach is clear and inviting, providing peaceful swimming during the high season months, from November to April. The rocky headlands at either end of the bay make for good places to go snorkelling, while the rest of the bay is virtually rock-free, meaning there’s nothing to stub your toe on while you’re taking a dip. During the low season (May to October), Kata Noi Beach becomes quite a popular spot for surfers.

#4 Ya Nui Beach

Ya Nui Beach lies in the shadow of Phromthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint, 2 of Phuket’s most popular viewpoints. It’s a charming little cove offering good snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing. The sand is soft and comfortable, with plenty of shells for kids to collect.

The neighbouring island of Ko Kaeo Yai, is around 700 metres out in the sea. When the weather is calm, it’s possible to paddle out to check out corals or to visit Nai Harn. Local fishermen climb the rocky promontory to cast off or simply brave the waves with casting nets during overcast days.

#5 Surin Beach

Naturally beautiful Surin is known as ‘Millionaire’s Row’ due the the top-end celebrity haunts amongst the luxury resorts there, including Amanpuri, Twinpalms and The Surin. They stand alongside the US$ 1 million+ houses that dominate the prime spots on top of the hills overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Although popular with tourists, it’s not a busy resort town and is more like a coastal village. Fine white sand and turquoise water has ensured that the picturesque beach is very popular with tourists and Thais alike. The whole area is awash with high-end hotels and housing which, in turn, has created opportunities for high-end restaurants and wine bars.

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#6 Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in Phuket. Barely 150 metres in length, it’s compact and has a great view right across Patong Bay. There is another small beach between Paradise Beach and the busy Patong Beach. You can access it via a path through the rocks.

Paradise Beach has shade-giving palm trees and tropical almonds. You can also see large granite rocks at both ends of the sand, and a coral reef some 100 metres offshore. Jet skis aren’t allowed to get close to the beach, resulting in a calm, peaceful location. There is a fee to access the beach, which costs around 200 baht.

#7 Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is set in a small bay that retains a quiet charm, being home to only a few hotels, restaurants and shops. It’s also a popular anchorage for boats during the high season. Nai Harn is great for swimming from November to April. Care should be taken in the low season, from May to October, when the calm seas are replaced by strong currents, making it better suited to surfing and kitesurfing. The local restaurants just above the beach make a great place to relax with a sundowner.

Further south is Ya Nui Beach, a sandy cove that attracts snorkelers and divers. Another out-of-the-way spot nearby that’s also great for snorkelling is the tiny beach of Ao Sane.

#8 Bangtao Beach

Choeng Thale (often spelt as Cherngtalay) is a very beautiful part of Phuket’s west coast, incorporating Bangtao, Pansea and Surin beaches. It’s an area of stark contrasts, with a parade of 5-star hotels along the beachfronts just a few minutes’ walk away from the town, where many villagers still make their living as their ancestors did – by fishing, farming and rubber tapping.

Taking up a huge area in the middle of Bangtao Beach, Laguna Phuket is one of Asia’s largest resort complexes. Pansea Beach is as close to a private beach as you’ll find in Thailand, being dominated by just a couple of highly exclusive hotels. In the far north of Cherngtalay, Layan Beach remains undeveloped and showcases natural beach beauty.

#9 Patong Beach

Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, the city is an excellent place to party and play. By night, the town has a bustling nightlife that includes literally hundreds of restaurants, nightclubs and beer bars. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road), but there are quiet parts of town.

The steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to fully enjoying the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of mai pen rai – it roughly translates to ‘it doesn’t matter’ or ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.

#10 Karon Beach

Karon Beach features the third-longest beach on Phuket Island. Located on the west coast, between Patong to the north and Kata to the south, Karon Beach is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Phuket. The beach itself has excellent snorkelling (and even diving) spots at its southern end and is wide enough for beachgoers to never feel crowded.
Karon features 3 main areas, each with their own assets: Karon Centre is a lively spot where you can find a good choice of dining, shopping and nightlife, as well as a beautiful Buddhist temple hosting a bi-weekly market. Karon Beach Road is ideal for evening strolls and is home to several large resorts, as well as restaurants and shops. The third main area of Karon is centred around Luang Poh Chuan Road, towards the southern end of the beach, which hosts excellent restaurants and the most raucous nightlife in Karon.