The Phuket Beaches
Sai Kaeo Beach
Located to the north, next to Mai Khao Beach, Hat Sai Kaeo is a long white powdery beach naturally decorated with groves of pines along the shore. Ideal for relaxation, it is Phukets northern most beach.
Mai Khao Beach
Also known as the Airport Beach, the beach is located at the northern end of Phuket Island. As Phukets longest beach, Mai Khao Beach is famous for its tranquility and relaxing ambience. The beach is not recommended for swimming as it slopes steeply. Mai Khao Beach is home to wonderful creatures such as sea cicadas and turtles. In addition, it is an egg-lying ground for sea turtles.
Nai Yang Beach
Located to the south of Mai Khao Beach, Nai Yang Beach is a serene and isolated bay ideal for swimming and family picnics. The beach itself is impressive, as it is fringed by shady pine trees. Nearby coral reefs make explorations into the underwater world worthwhile. In addition, sea turtles are inhabitants in the area. The park headquarters is located here.
Nai Thon Beach
Nestled on the rim of a secluded bay south of the Sirinat National Park is another popular tourist attraction, especially for day trippers. Nai Thon Beach has a unique natural setting with both ends of the beach being protected by granite outcrops that serve as a natural shield making the bay a perfect nursery for both marine life and corals. The beach is suitable for swimming. For those seeking utmost solitude, its not that far. Just walk a few hundred metres to Hin Kruai Bay to savor the moment. Bang Tao
A large open bay that is the location of one of Phukets longest beaches, Ao Bang Thao has a long history related to the economy of the island. Previously a tin mining area, the location has been transformed into an area where Phukets luxurious resorts and golf courses, especially Laguna complex, are located. Additional accommodations outside Laguna at the bays south end are also available.
Surin Beach
Located approximately 24 kilometers from town and only a short distance north of Laem Sing is an enchanting beach lined with casuarinas trees. Isolated and secluded, the beach is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as it has a steep sloping beach and the weather fluctuates during the southwest monsoon. In addition, there is a golf course which was established in the reign of King Rama VII.
Several Muslim fishing communities are located nearby and Mosques are situated to the west of the beach. The local Mosque, Matsayit Mukaram, is worth visiting as it is an elegant whitewashed structure with lacquered wooden doors.
Laem Singh Beach
Located just one kilometer from Surin Beach, Laem Sing is a relatively small quiet beach perfect for a break from the crowd. Laem Sing has a white sandy beach that glitters in the sun and is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks.
Kamala Beach
Located approximately 26 kilometers from Phuket City, Kamala Beach is a relatively secluded 2-kilometer beach that is suitable for total relaxation
Kalim Beach
Located north of Patong Beach is a secluded beach dotted with rocks and coral reefs. Another interesting stopover is Freedom Beach which is located around the head of Laem Ka Sai Rot and is accessible by a chartered long-tailed boat.
Patong Beach
This Beach is the most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment. It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing.
Karon Beach
Located south of Patong Beach, Karon Beah is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beachs signature, drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay opens. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road.
Kata Beach
Located approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for snorkeling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the seas eco-system. Also worth visiting is Ko Pu, a small uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkeling along the islands rich coral reef enjoyable. Diverse beach activities are available on both beaches. Accommodations on Kata Beach are set amidst tropical and cliff settings.
Nai Harn Beach
Located a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometers from town is Nai Han Beach, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude. Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season from May to October. Watch out for the red flag!
Rawai Beach
Located approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded, more peaceful and less commercial with a second-to-none pristine beach. The Beach is home to a well-established community of Phukets Chao Le people (sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands. Laem Kha Beach, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for those wishing to visit Ko Lon, and Ko He. Laem Phromthep, Phukets landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling.
Ao Chalong
This bay, which has the islands largest and most visited pier, is located 11 kilometers south of town. From this pier, visitors can charter boats to nearby islands south of Phuket. The bay area is dotted with dive shops, a few travel agencies and superb seafood restaurants. Although the bay has a stunning setting and relaxing ambience, swimming is not recommended here.
Laem Ka
This Cape is located approximately 16 kilometers from the town center at the extreme southwest end of Chalong Bay. Ideal for swimming, the beach is clean, quite and dotted with rocks.
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