Sun Bathing on the Best Beaches in Phuket

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Ok, so I don’t sunbathe, but Phuket, Thailand, has some fantastic beaches, some that might even tempt me. Each one offers its unique charm just a short distance away from the heart of the island. Whether you’re looking to explore the lively Patong Beach, only 5 km away, or venture further to the serene Phi Phi Ley Beach & Maya Cove, 48 km from Phuket, there’s something for everyone. Picture this: soft, white sand, clear blue water, and lush green surroundings. Each beach here has its vibe – some are perfect for parties or couples enjoying the peaceful and quiet. Whether you’re into water sports, chilling out, or watching stunning sunsets, Phuket’s beaches are like stepping into paradise!

Table of Contents

• Beaches, Beaches Everywhere!
• Patong Beach (5 km from Phuket)
• Freedom Beach (7 km from Phuket)
• Kamala Beach (9 km from Phuket)
• Karon Beach (10 km from Phuket)
• Surin Beach (15 km from Phuket)
• Kata Noi Beach (17 km from Phuket)
• Nai Harn Beach (18 km from Phuket)
• Nai Thon Beach (24 km from Phuket)
• Rawai Beach (25 km from Phuket)
• Mai Khao Beach (37 km from Phuket)
• Phi Phi Ley Beach & Maya Cove (48 km from Phuket)
• John Gray Sea Canoe
• Tour East Thailand

Beaches, Beaches Everywhere!

We visited in the first week of December, and the weather was phenomenal—sunny skies, warm breezes, and just the right temperature for lounging on the beach or shopping in a cool mall. It was the perfect escape from the chilly winter back in South Korea, where the cold was starting to set in. In Phuket, however, it felt like summer never ended. Surprisingly, despite it being such an ideal time to visit, the beaches weren’t as crowded as we expected. It was as if the secret hadn’t gotten out yet, allowing us to enjoy the pristine shores and crystal-clear waters in relative peace. The timing couldn’t have been better for a beach getaway.

Getting Around

Many beaches can be accessed by taxi or tuk-tuk, but you’ll have to hitch a ride on a boat for others. That being said, more than 1,000 tour groups have been to the beaches in Phuket, Thailand. Do some research and book with one of the 100 tour operators who are respectful and licensed to operate on fragile waters. Trust me, you can tell them from the ones that aren’t. Tons of buskers sell tours to the far reaches of South Thailand. For more information, go to Phuket Tourist Association for their list.

Patong Beach (5 km from Phuket)

Patong Beach is not known as one of the most beautiful beaches, but it is definitely one of the liveliest. It’s like Honolulu. Everyone has heard of it, and now that you’re here, you’ve got to be able to say, “I was there.” It’s also the pulsating heartbeat of Phuket Island. What makes it popular to some is often what other people complain about. It’s big, bold, crowded, bright, and loud, yet people flock to it like flies on mango. Unlike many of the other beaches, most people come to Patong for the nightlife on and around Bangla Road.

• Patong Beach

Freedom Beach (7 km from Phuket)

Freedom Beach is one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets. To get there, you have to take a boat or hike down a steep path through the jungle, but the effort is worth it. The first time I visited, I felt like I had stumbled upon a hidden paradise. The water was a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, and the beach was almost deserted. I spent hours swimming in the clear waters and lying on the soft sand, with nothing but the sound of the waves and the occasional birdcall to keep me company. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for tranquility away from the crowds.

• Freedom Beach

Kamala Beach (9 km from Phuket)

After the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s more crowded spots, Kamala Beach was a breath of fresh air. I spent an afternoon here, lying on the soft sand, listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves. The beach affected me, making me forget about the outside world. As the sun set, I found a little family-run restaurant where I enjoyed the freshest grilled fish I’ve ever tasted. The simplicity of that meal, paired with the stunning sunset, made it one of my favorite beach experiences.

Kamala Beach is a favorite spot for those who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere. I loved how peaceful it felt compared to the hustle and bustle of Patong. The beach has a village vibe with small, family-run restaurants lining the shore.

• Kamala Beach

Karon Beach (10 km from Phuket)

Karon Beach is Phuket’s second-longest beach. It enjoys a vast stretch of superb white sand and a decent choice of dining and nightlife. Yet, it never seems to draw crowds of tourists (aside from those staying at the big resorts on the beach), which might be a good thing.

Karon Beach was my go-to spot for a quiet morning stroll. One day, I decided to get up early and was rewarded with a stunning sunrise. The sky was painted with shades of pink and orange, and the beach was completely deserted except for a few local fishermen casting their nets. I took off my sandals and let the cool, soft sand slip through my toes as I walked along the shore, feeling completely at peace. It was the perfect way to start the day.

• Karon Beach

Surin Beach (15 km from Phuket)

Surin Beach was a delightful discovery I made accidentally while heading to Bang Tao. I knew I’d found something special when I stepped onto Surin’s soft sand. Apparently, one of the more upscale beaches was almost empty, with just a few locals relaxing under the shade of the trees. I spent a few hours there, lying on the sand, reading a book, and occasionally dipping into the crystal-clear water to cool off. A hidden section behind rocks adds to its charm, giving it a secluded and serene atmosphere. Local bars are available nearby, perfect for grabbing a drink or a light meal while enjoying the view. Surin Beach is highly rated on TripAdvisor and Google Maps, for good reason, as one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket.

• Surin Beach

Kata Noi Beach (17 km from Phuket)

Kata Noi Beach is a beautiful little bay with few beaches. But if you want to be near its big sister, Kata Beach action, stay away from the crowds of the usual suspects. This lovely wide strand of white sand has obvious blue waters during the high season, and fortunately, its out-of-the-way location keeps it relatively quiet. Not much is happening around the beach, making you think you’ve got your slice of paradise.

• Kata Noi Beach

Nai Harn Beach (18 km from Phuket)

Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket’s most beloved beaches in the southern part of the island. This beach perfectly blends natural beauty and tranquility with its soft, white sand and clear, blue waters. It’s less crowded compared to other popular beaches, making it an ideal spot for a little peace and quiet. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, and a few local restaurants and shops are nearby, adding to its charm. Whether you want to swim, have a beach picnic, or just relax in the sun, Nai Harn Beach is a peaceful getaway not far from Phuket.

Nai Thon Beach (24 km from Phuket)

Nai Thon Beach is a hidden gem on Phuket’s northwest coast. The drive to get there is scenic, winding through lush hills and offering glimpses of the ocean. The approach to the beach is lined with coconut and palm trees, adding to its picturesque beauty. When I arrived, I found a peaceful, uncrowded beach with golden sand and clear water. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day without seeing more than a handful of other people. I loved the simplicity of Nai Thon—just me, the sea, and a good book. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to unwind and disconnect from the world.

• Nai Thon Beach

Rawai Beach (25 km from Phuket)

Rawai Beach is located at the south end of Phuket Island. You can’t swim there, but you can enjoy a beautiful view of the many nearby islands. It’s also known as the best beach for a great seafood dinner and an excellent spot to do a little island hopping. Interestingly, Rawai Beach is also home to the “Sea Gypsies” (Chao Leh), an indigenous community with a unique culture and way of life. Their local market offers fresh seafood and handmade crafts, giving visitors a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle. It’s a fascinating place to explore if you’re interested in the cultural side of Phuket.

• Rawai Beach

Mai Khao Beach (37 km from Phuket)

Mai Khao Beach is a haven for those who appreciate nature. As Phuket’s longest beach, it stretches for miles and is part of a national park. When I visited Mai Khao, I was struck by its raw, untouched beauty. There are no big resorts or loud music here—just endless stretches of sand and the sound of the waves. During my visit, I even saw sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, a truly magical experience. Mai Khao Beach is also a great, slightly dangerous place to take a picture with an airplane landing nearby, as it’s right next to the airport. The experience of watching planes soar just overhead is both thrilling and surreal.

• Mai Khao Beach

Phi Phi Ley Beach & Maya Cove (48 km from Phuket)

Phi Phi Ley Beach & Maya Cove is perhaps the prettiest beach in a secluded cove that I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some beautiful beaches all over Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean. It makes sense that this beach has been the location of many movies, including Leo DiCaprio’s The Beach. The one drawback is that everyone else knows it too, and they all want to walk in Leo’s footsteps.

Koh Phi Phi Beach is one of the only inhabited islands located southeast of Phuket. There are a lot of hotels, restaurants, shops, and a few hidden-away spaces for fun under the sun. The beach is still beautiful, and the water is crystal clear, but with more than 5,000 people visiting the cluster of islands, many of the coral reefs are dead or dying.

• Phi Phi Ley Beach & Maya Cove
• Maya Bay

John Gray Sea Canoe

John Gray Sea Canoe has been a staple in Phuket’s eco-tourism scene since 1983, earning a reputation for its commitment to preserving the natural environment while offering unforgettable experiences. During our tour, we were impressed by their environmentally conscious practices. They emphasized using recycled water bottles and provided a detailed briefing on the importance of wildlife conservation, the delicate balance of nature, and the impact of trash on these pristine environments.

One of the highlights of the tour was the evening ritual, where we participated in a traditional offering ceremony. We created a small offering, typically made of natural materials like flowers and leaves, and floated it out on the water. However, in this case, our offering had nails in it instead of bamboo, which are not biodegradable. Recognizing this, the guides made sure to retrieve it afterward, demonstrating their dedication to minimizing environmental impact. This attention to detail and respect for the environment made the experience not only enjoyable but also deeply meaningful. It was clear that John Gray Sea Canoe goes above and beyond to ensure that their tours are not just about seeing beautiful places but also about preserving them for future generations.

Tour East Thailand

Tour East Thailand has been a trusted name in Phuket’s tourism industry since 1982, and it is known for its thoughtful approach to sustainable travel. During our tour, the guides took time to educate us about the delicate balance between man and nature, emphasizing the importance of protecting the fragile ecosystems we were visiting.

What stood out to me was their flexibility and commitment to conservation. At one point, we were scheduled to visit a popular spot, but when our guides noticed it was overcrowded, they quickly adjusted our itinerary. They explained that too many boats in the area could damage the shallow coral reefs, which are vital to the marine ecosystem. By making this change, they ensured that our experience was both enjoyable and environmentally responsible, demonstrating their dedication to preserving Phuket’s natural beauty for future visitors. Check out this video for some relaxing inspiration before you get to Phuket, Thailand.

Like it? Pin it!

_{This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own.}

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!