Bangtao Beach:
Bang Tao is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. The 8km long beach never feels crowded, especially at its northern end.The Laguna Phuket complex, containing five luxury hotels and an 18-hole golf course, dominates a large area.The nearby town of Cherng Talay has a few shops as well as a fresh market. Canal Village within Laguna Phuket comprises about 30 shops, mostly selling handicrafts and clothing items.There is an huge array of facilities available at the Laguna Resort available to guests staying at any of the five hotels
Karon Beach:
Karon Beach is one of Phuket's longest beach. Although there are a few large resorts and hotels, they are spread out and the area feels very relaxed. As in Patong beach, the hotels are separated from the beach by a road. However, unlike Patong, the beach is always fairly quiet. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island. The narrow road between Kata beach and Karon beach has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.
Kata Beach:
The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon beach or Patong beach. Kata is divided into Kata Yai and Kata Noi. Both beaches offer stunning scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
Kata Yai Beach: This is the larger of the two beaches. The bay is very picturesque with Koh Pu (Pu Island) at the northern end. Half of the beach is bordered by a road, while the southern half has a few resorts right on the beach.The sea here is safer than Karon beach in the rainy season, although you should check for red warning flags. There is a fair amount of development, especially behind the beach between Kata Yai and Kata Noi, with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. Kata beach is perhaps the best compromise between the hectic pace of Patong beach and some of the quieter beaches on Phuket island.
Kata Noi Beach: Kata Noi only has a few hotels and is dominated by the Kata Thani Hotel. The beach is lovely and there has only been a little development.To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata
Patong Beach:
Phuket's busiest resort area, Patong has the greatest concentration of bars, restaurant and shops on the island. Patong is where you will find the best selection of hotels in Phuket. From cheap and simple guesthouses to resort-style four and five-star hotels, and everything in between. There are even a few hotels right on the beach. The beauty of staying in Patong is that everything is only a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away.Patong's lively nightlife scene is what draws many people to the island. All the action is centred around Bangla road.There are stalls along the beach road (Thaweewong Rd.) all day, but it is in the evening that it really gets going. You can buy all kinds of clothes, souvenirs, sunglasses, CDs and much more.
Kamala Beach:
A beautiful and serene beach, Kamala beach is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and laid back beach.Kamala is only a few minutes drive from the bustle of Patong and a great place for those wanting a quiet and relaxing holiday. The main attraction in Kamala is the Phuket Fantasea at the northern end of Kamala, where you can enjoy a buffet dinner as well as an evening of lively cultural entertainment
Mai Khao Beach:
Located just north of the airport is Mai Kao beach, an incredibly long and deserted stretch of sand. Mai Kao is part of the Sirinath National Park, which also includes Nai Yang and Nai Thon, the next beaches along to the south. The area was declared a national park in 1981 to protect the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles that lay their eggs here from November to February. It is also home to what the Thais call a sea cicada, which is a form of marine life. To get there go to the northern tip of Phuket; the beach lies along the road's length.
Nai Harn Beach:
One of the loveliest beaches in Phuket island, Nai Harn is relatively undeveloped thanks to the Samnak Song Nai Harn monastery which occupies a large portion of the beachfront land. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape. There isn't a lot of accommodation here but the beach is easy to get to from Kata and Karon.
Nai Thon Beach:
Nai Thon beach lies about 15km south of the airport. The beach is still quite undeveloped and is a nice quiet place to sit in the sun or take in a swim.Located between Bang Thao Bay and Nai Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach can be reached by taking Thep Krasatri Rd. Turn at the first traffic light north of Thalang Town to Nai Yang Rd. Look for signs indicating the turn-off to Nai Thon. Nai Thon is part of the Sirinath Marine National Park, which also includes Mai Kao and Nai Yang, the next beaches along to the north. There are a few places to stay, including some bungalows and guesthouses.
Nai yang Beach:
The beach is on a long curving bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnicker. The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February. First class accommodations are available and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers. Camping is allowed on the beach and the park authority also rents out bungalows. There are a few other privately run bungalow operations as well as a couple of resorts. To get there take the Nai Yang Rd., and look for signs indicating the park entrance
Rawai Beach:
In the days before Phuket island became a popular holiday destination, Rawai Beach was where locals from Phuket Town would come to enjoy the sea.There is a small market where you can buy handicrafts and assorted Thai snacks. There is also a sea-gypsy village at the eastern end of Rawai. The nearby viewpoint at Laem Phrom Thep, the southernmost tip of the island, is particularly popular at sunset. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle. Rawai is a centre for chartering boats for fishing and diving trips as well as for trips to the nearby islands such as Koh Lon, Koh Kaew, Koh Aeo, Coral Island and Koh Racha. There is also good snorkelling and diving round Laem Phrom Thep which is a short boat ride away.
Sai Kaew Beach:
Is just the north portion of Mai Khao Beach and has much the same character. Located west of the bridges spanning the channel between Phuket and Phang–nga provinces.
Sing Cape:
The name means Lion's Point in English. The beach is in a small, curving bay with rocky headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs and is among Phuket's most beautiful spots. Located about 1 km. south of the entrance to Surin Beach. Look for signs indicating the path down to the beach
Surin Beach:
Surin is a great place to enjoy some local seafood or traditional muslim cuisine.Surin Beach, curving bay beneath the foothills north of Kamala. Surin is not overdeveloped although there are a few hotels as well as guesthouses at the southern end. Surin is quite popular with Thais who frequent the seafood stalls and restaurants that line the beach under the shade of the casuarina trees.The steep incline of the beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin a dangerous place to swim during the rainy season. Located at the end of Sri Sunthon Rd., the road running west from the Two Heroines Monument, 24 kms. from Phuket Town. Inland from the beach is Surin Village, the main muslim area of Phuket. There is a small market here and small restaurants where you can sample the delicious Masaman curry.
Kalim Beach:
Kalim Bay is located just to the north of Patong. This area is much quieter than Patong although the beach is not as good for swimming as there are a few rocks and a coral reef. The reef is exposed at low tide and locals can be seen collecting crabs and shrimp.
Chalong Bay:
Chalong is a large bay with a pier that is the main departing point for diving and fishing trips. The pier is a good place to charter boats for fishing, diving or snorkelling trips to nearby islands. Just inland is Chalong traffic circle. This area is popular among expats living in Phuket and there are some good restaurants and bars nearby.Just south of Chalong, there are several low-key and peaceful bungalows at Friendship beach, also known as Mittrapap beach. The beach is is very picturesque but not for swimming. The views of Phang Nga Bay are lovely however, and Friendship beach is a favourite spot to sip cocktails as the sun goes down.
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