Phuket Guide
Phuket beaches: our guide from Kamala
Phuket has more than thirty beaches, and they are not all alike. Some are wide and lively, some are tiny coves reached by steep steps, and a few are better for the view than for a swim. This is the guide we would give you over breakfast: which beaches suit which kind of day, roughly how far they are from Kamala, and what to know before you go.
On our doorstep
Kamala Beach, below the estate’s headland.
Nearest neighbours
Laem Singh and Surin, about 10 minutes north by car.
Best for swimming
November to April, when the west coast is usually calm.
Quietest
The long northern beaches, around Mai Khao and Nai Yang.
Close to the estate
Kamala and its neighbours
Kamala Beach is the one you will use most: a long, gently curving bay with calm water in the dry season, a quiet northern end and a more local southern end. Read our Kamala Beach guide.
Laem Singh is tucked between Kamala and Surin: soft golden sand, clear water and a green backdrop. It feels secluded, with no shops directly on the beach, so bring what you need.
Surin Beach, about 5 km and 10 minutes north, mixes relaxation with a little more life, and is popular with locals as well as visitors.
Pansea Beach, next to Surin, is one of the most exclusive beaches on the island, fronted by two luxury resorts and very peaceful. Around 15 minutes by car.
Hua Beach, about 10 minutes south, is a small, peaceful cove for a quiet hour rather than a swim.
North along the west coast
Longer, quieter beaches
Bang Tao (around 20 minutes) is a long bay in the Cherngtalay area, with room for long, peaceful walks.
Layan (around 40 minutes) has soft sand, clear, calm water in season and lush surroundings. It is ideal for swimming when the sea is calm.
Trisara is one of Phuket’s most private beaches, reached only through the resort or by a strenuous hike from Layan.
Naithon, Banana Beach and White Beach (around 45 minutes) are small, relaxed and good for an unhurried day away from the busier resort areas.
Nai Yang, Mai Khao and Sai Kaew (1 hour 10 to 1 hour 15 minutes) are long, natural and peaceful, for walks and solitude. At the very northern tip, Haad Pak Phra is a fishing village with views across the strait to the mainland.
South of Kamala
From Patong to Kata
Kalim, just north of Patong, is rocky rather than sandy, with clear water for snorkelling, surf in season and good street food.
Patong is Phuket’s most famous and busiest beach: nightlife, dining and water sports. Worth an evening; not the place for quiet.
Tri Trang (around 25 minutes) and Merlin Beach (around 15 minutes, reached by a path beside the resort) are calm and scenic, though shallow water and a rocky seabed make them better for relaxing than swimming.
Paradise Beach is reached through a beach club, with paid entry. Freedom Beach, one of the island’s finest, is reached by longtail boat from Patong or down a long flight of steep steps.
Karon and Kata are long, golden and easy, with a park-like strip between road and sand at Karon. Kata Noi next door is smaller, with powdery sand and very clear water.
The far south
Coves, lagoons and sunset
Nai Harn (around 45 minutes, about 30 km) sits between green hills and a freshwater lagoon. It is a favourite of Phuket residents, with clear water and a relaxed atmosphere.
Nui Beach is one of the island’s most hidden and hardest-to-reach beaches, and all the lovelier for it.
Yanui and Ao Sane are small and rocky, with good snorkelling close to shore. Yanui is close to Promthep Cape, so combine the two and stay for sunset. See our day trips.
Yae and Rayee are rocky little coves with good views, but the rocks and shallow water make them unsuitable for swimming.
Before you go
A few practical notes
Drive times are approximate and depend heavily on traffic, especially around Patong. Taxis and private transfers are available from the estate; ask the team about the best time to leave.
From May to October the west coast can have strong currents. Always respect the red flags, and if in doubt, do not swim.
Shade is limited on many beaches. Bring sun protection, water and a hat, and take your rubbish home with you.
Kamala Beach
The bay below the estate: where to swim, eat and watch the sunset. Read the guide →
Islands and day trips
Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and the viewpoints worth an early start. Plan a day out →
Weather and seasons
When the sea is calm, when it rains, and how to plan around it. See the seasons →
Stay in Kamala
Your base for the west coast
Spacious one- and two-bedroom holiday apartments in a quiet tropical seaside estate in Kamala, with the rest of Phuket within easy reach.
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