Phuket Beaches

Phuket beaches boast an abundance of soft sand beaches fringing translucent water along Thailand’s beautiful Andaman Coast. Phuket is the largest island on the west peninsular region, and one that draws thousands of annual visitors. Beaches dominate the island’s west side with only a few bays and such on the east. Coastal roads traverse the west island side offer access to some of the finest Thailand beaches. Both solitude and excitement, and everything in between can easily be found around Phuket.

Peak season spans November through April, with May through October bringing in some unpredictable weather but all in all, this time of year is a great time to visit Phuket beaches, and inexpensive as well, with only short bouts of rain happening intermittently for the most part. Getting there is easy, and is possible by bus, flight, or ferry. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge so getting across by ferry isn’t necessary unless arriving from other islands such as Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta.

Bang Tao Beach

Filled with contrasts, Bang Tao offers a look at a background comprised of complete opposites: there are luxury resorts and hotels and then a historic fishing village where residents reside, relying on farming and fishing to survive. The north end is scarcely developed, a place to find some solace. Six large resorts comprise a resort complex in the center of the beach. Still, there are Thai temples, local markets, and cheap eats all within walking distance at this northwest island beach.

Kamala Beach

Just south of Bang Tao is Kamala Beach, which is another top choice in Phuket beaches for families or simply a place to relish in the beauty without the advanced development seen on the most popular beaches. Kamala’s bay gently curves into a slight half-moon, backed by small hotels, resorts, and bungalows, with dive shops, restaurants, beach bars, and more situated at the south end. The thumping of Patong’s music-filled streets is a fifteen-minute drive south.

Patong Beach

Patong is the next in line heading south. It is the largest and most popular of all Phuket beaches. Patong has a lot to offer, including shopping, beach activities, and water sports but the main draw is the high-charged party atmosphere. Patong represents the classic party beach, featuring hundreds of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs centered on Bangla Road, or Soi Bangla.

Karon Beach

Just a few miles down the way, Karon Beach is Patong’s opposite. Karon is quiet, relaxed, and free of crowds, with golden sand spanning almost two miles, separated from the main road by pretty sand dunes. Three main areas comprise the beach; the north end features a large hotel, restaurants, bars, and handicraft shops based around Aroona Plaza while the central area is dominated mostly by a large hotel and one sprawling resort. Finally, southern-based Karon Plaza is home to restaurants, bars, and small guesthouses, and central Karon, mostly eclipsed by a massive resort and hotel complex.  The Karon Beach also includes a network of  side streets off the main road, one of which houses a rising art community centered around several small restaurants, pubs, and galleries. This area is perfect for exploring by foot.

Kata Beach

The atmosphere of Kata Beach’s is somewhere between Karon and Patong, lively but not overbearing. The bay of Kata is enchanting, lined by palms, golden sand, and clear water. A family favorite, the beach entices a crowd who enjoy excellent restaurants, a variety of accommodation options, and great weather between November and May. A kid’s Dino Park, lookout point, and Buddhist Temple are main attractions.