Sugar-white sand. Azure waters. Sunsets. Parties. Surfing and SUP. Phuket’s beaches have it all.
Aussie travellers have long made the pilgrimage to Phuket. Whether a serene tropical escape, partying on the sand or an unforgettable family trip, Thailand’s largest island caters to everything. The beaches are always worth it too.
Discover your favorite beach in Phuket
The sands of Thailand are calling
In Australia you’ve either been to Phuket, know someone who has or are planning a trip yourself. And there’s no shame in that. Thailand’s biggest island is a true beach paradise. Phuket rightly holds a place among the finest beach destinations in the world, with its fine white sand, nodding palms and inviting waters.
And whatever your beach love, you’ll find it right here. You can party, snorkel, enjoy water sports or simply hide from the world. Let’s dive into Phuket’s best beaches.
What to expect on the beach in Phuket
Sunsets, swimming, serenity, and parties too
You’ll never be stuck for things to do in Phuket. If you want water sports by day and a party atmosphere by night, hit up the most popular beach in Phuket – Patong Beach. You’ll be covered for Phuket accommodation too, whether you want 5-star luxury or budget backpackers.
To take a break from the party atmosphere, make the jungle trek or boat trip to Freedom Beach for a taste of Thai heaven. Paradise Beach brings all the seclusion and dreamy feels too, whilst Kata Beach is the ideal location for the whole family.
It wouldn’t be Thailand without a spectacular sunset to finish your day on the beach and Phuket doesn’t disappoint. Wait until the light starts to dim and the sun begins to drop for spectacular scenes on Kamala Beach. And for surfing and SUP make your way to the waters of Surin Beach.
Before you leave, remember to look after this tropical treasure. Leave no evidence of your visit to the beach and say no to plastic straws, plastic bags, and plastic cups.
8 of the best beaches in Phuket
Ready for a beach day in Phuket? Check out our eight favourite beaches.
Patong Beach
Party time
40km from Phuket Airport
The busiest beach in Phuket. It’s not the prettiest beach by the island’s high standards, but it’s the place to go for some action (day and night). During the day, the 2.5km stretch of sand is packed with travellers renting jet-skis, jumping on banana boats, and enjoying a beer on the beach. At night, it’s party time on nearby Bangla Road.
Freedom Beach
You’ll never want to leave
45km from Phuket Airport (including longtail from Patong)
Freedom! You did it. You broke away from the crowds to find a slice of heaven on your trip to Phuket. While we’re not talking complete isolation, Freedom Beach is a lot more secluded than many beaches in Phuket. The sand is golden, the jungle is lush, and the water is azure. The trek through the jungle is worth it while the boat ride to get here is a little less taxing.
Kata Beach
Ideal for families
48km from Phuket Airport
Popular with locals, families, and couples, this 1.5km-long beach gets busy but never overcrowded. Throw down your towel, dig your feet into soft white sand and lie under the shade of a palm. The water is calm (although there is the chance to surf) and there are shops close by.
Karon Beach
Squeaky sand
45km from Phuket Airport
Step onto the fine and soft sand at Karon Beach and listen to it squeak underfoot. The quirky squeaky sand aside, this 3.3km beach might not be as busy as Patong but there’s still plenty going on. Snorkel in the rocky area around the south of the beach, join a game of beach volleyball on the sand or hire a jet-ski. Or simply stroll along the shore and take in the sunset.
Kamala Beach
Peaceful and calm
25km from Phuket Airport
Just north of Patong Beach, this peaceful spot feels a world away from the party atmosphere of Phuket. Travelling in Phuket with little ones? Spend your days here enjoying the calm waters and stretching out on the sand. The local fishing village brings an authentic Thai atmosphere, and the sunsets are always spectacular.
Paradise Beach
Pure paradise
45km from Phuket Airport
Lie out on the sand, dip in the ocean, and drink it all in. Yes, you’re in paradise. This small cove with its 200m beach is pure heaven on earth. The waters are calm and the seabed is soft, making it ideal for swimming. The palm trees and sugar-white sand are the stuff of holiday dreams. And the Paradise Beach Club offers all the amenities you need right at hand. Plus, the beach parties get lively too.
Nai Harn Beach
Secluded treasure
60km from Phuket Airport
Once an off-the-beaten-track treasure, Nai Harn Beach has well and truly been “discovered” by the tourist crowd. Yet with much of the land owned by the local monastery and a lake directly behind, it’s avoided overdevelopment. Still retaining its quiet charm, it’s the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. The strong currents in the low season ensure its popularity with surfers and kiteboarders.
Surin Beach
Laid-back and lovely
20km from Phuket Airport
Once the playground of the rich and famous, today Surin Beach has a raw natural beauty and a laid-back atmosphere. There are still some exclusive hotels, bars, and restaurants along the 800m-long beach. The sea gets deep quickly, so be careful when swimming. It’s also the place for SUP and surfing with consistent waves.
Top tips:
Sample delicious Thai dishes like Pad Thai, fresh seafood, and green curry.
Taxis, tuk tuks and songthaews are everywhere. Rent a scooter for more flexibility.
Phuket enjoys warm weather year-round; May-October is the rainy season and November-April are the driest months.
White sand. Tropical waters. Swaying palms. Pumping parties. Laid-back vibes. Phuket’s beaches have it all. Looks like it’s time to book your next trip.