Best Swimming Beaches in Phuket & Not Swimming Beaches 2024

Phuket, Thailand’s shimmering island gem, offers a vibrant tapestry of sandy beaches, each with its own charm. For those seeking the best swimming beaches in Phuket for a refreshing swim, this guide is your compass to the crystal-clear waters of this tropical paradise.

Table of Contents

Kata Beach: A Family Favorite

Location: West Coast of Phuket
Highlights: White sandy beach, less crowded, family-friendly
Accommodations: Diverse, catering to all budgets
Activities: Dining, shopping, nightlife
Ideal for: Families, leisure swimmers

Kata Beach, a beloved spot following Patong, boasts a wide, white sandy beach. The azure waters during high season are irresistible. Less crowded than Patong, Kata offers a variety of dining and shopping options, plus a decent nightlife scene. Accommodations range from budget-friendly to luxury, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.

Kata Noi Beach: The Serene Alternative

Location: South of Kata Beach
Highlights: Crystal blue waters, white sand, great for surfing
Ideal for: Couples, surfers

Kata Noi Beach is a tranquil alternative to its busier neighbor. Nestled in a small cove, it offers surf-friendly waves and serene surroundings, perfect for those seeking a peaceful beach experience.

Bang Tao Beach: Luxury at Its Finest

Location: Northwest Phuket
Highlights: Long stretch of sand, luxurious resorts, sunset views
Accommodations: High-end resorts
Activities: Kayaking, sailing, archery, spas
Ideal for: Luxury seekers, couples

Bang Tao Beach, one of Phuket’s longest, is synonymous with luxury. Home to some of the island’s most opulent resorts, visitors can indulge in a range of activities, from watersports to pampering spa treatments.

Banana Beach: The Hidden Gem

Location: North-West Phuket
Access: Long-tail boat or hike
Highlights: Secluded, turquoise waters
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers

A hidden treasure, Banana Beach is accessible via a steep hike or by boat. This secluded beach offers stunning turquoise waters and a peaceful ambiance, making the journey worthwhile.

Nai Thon Beach: A Secluded Sanctuary

Location: Far from the main road
Highlights: Quiet, nearby restaurants and shops
Ideal for: Solitude seekers, readers

Nai Thon Beach remains one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets. Its remote location ensures tranquility, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Don’t Miss The Best Tours in Phuket

Freedom Beach: A Secluded Paradise

Location: Near Patong
Access: Boat or steep hill descent
Highlights: Soft white sand, clear blue waters
Ideal for: Explorers, tranquility seekers

Freedom Beach, close to the bustling Patong, offers a stark contrast with its serene environment. The beach is accessible through a challenging but rewarding path, ensuring a quiet retreat.

Patong Beach: The Vibrant Heart

Location: West coast of Phuket
Highlights: Busy town, northern end tranquility
Accommodations: Diverse, from luxury to budget
Activities: Restaurants, shops, nightlife
Ideal for: Party-goers, social butterflies

Patong Beach is the pulsating heart of Phuket’s west coast. While the central part buzzes with activity, the northern end offers a quieter beach experience. The area boasts a wide range of accommodations and lively nightlife.

Nai Harn Beach: Popular Yet Peaceful

Location: Southern Phuket
Highlights: Surrounded by greenery, close to expat area
Ideal for: Families, couples

Nai Harn Beach, popular among locals and tourists, maintains a peaceful atmosphere, distinct from the more tourist-centric beaches. Surrounded by lush greenery and near the lively expat area of Rawai, it offers a balanced beach experience.

Kamala Beach: The Tranquil Choice

Location: North-West Phuket
Highlights: Long, wide beach, peaceful
Accommodations: Suitable for all types
Ideal for: Families, couples, friends

Kamala Beach, located just west of Patong, is a tranquil retreat. Its long, wide stretch of beach is perfect for those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere.

Karon Beach: Spacious and Scenic

Location: Second longest beach in Phuket
Highlights: White sand, clear waters
Accommodations: Diverse, with beach access
Activities: Dining, shopping, nightlife
Ideal for: Beach lovers, families

Karon Beach, known for its extensive stretch of white sand, never feels overcrowded. The clear blue waters in high season are a draw for swimmers and beach enthusiasts alike.

Mai Khao Beach: The Untouched Marvel

Location: Northwest coast of Phuket
Highlights: Longest beach on the island, part of Sirinat National Park
Ideal for: Solitude seekers, nature lovers

Mai Khao Beach, the longest beach in Phuket, is a part of Sirinat National Park. Its largely undeveloped landscape makes it an ideal spot for long, peaceful walks and a serene beach experience.

Surin Beach: The Lively Escape

Location: Popular among locals and tourists
Highlights: Natural beauty, beach clubs
Ideal for: Party enthusiasts, beach club lovers

Surin Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant beach clubs. It’s a hotspot for those seeking a lively beach atmosphere with clear waters and fine sand.

Ya Nui Beach: The Quiet Cove

Location: South of Phuket
Highlights: Smaller, quieter, excellent for snorkeling and beach dives
Ideal for: Snorkelers, those seeking a less crowded beach

Ya Nui Beach, nestled between Windmill Viewpoint and Promthep Cape, offers a quieter alternative to the island’s more popular beaches. Its crystal-clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling and beach dives.

Laem Singh Beach: The Hidden Gem

Location: Reminiscent of a Caribbean beach
Highlights: Palm trees, secluded, feels like a secret hideaway
Ideal for: Those looking for a secluded beach experience

Laem Singh Beach, with its nostalgic Caribbean feel, is a hidden gem in Phuket. Access to the public was closed in 2017, but it remains a favorite for those seeking a secret beach escape.

Paradise Beach: The Themed Haven

Location: Near Patong
Highlights: Blue sea, powdery sand, entry fee
Ideal for: Visitors looking for a picturesque, theme park-like beach

Paradise Beach, near Patong, offers a stunning beach experience with its blue sea and powdery sand. However, it has evolved into more of a beach theme park, complete with an entry fee.

Free Bus to Paradise Beach from Patong

Free transportation to Paradise Beach from Patong is available via a shuttle bus. It operates from 9 AM to 6 PM, departing every 30 minutes. Look for yellow buses labeled “Paradise Beach,” starting from near Bangla Road (follow the signs for Patong Beach). These buses travel along the primary route before moving onto the secondary route past Big C. You can hail the bus at any point along its route by signaling to the driver.

Ao Sane Beach: The Secluded Trio

Location: Visible from Nai Harn Beach
Highlights: Three small bays, hidden
Ideal for: Explorers, those looking for a quiet beach day

Ao Sane Beach, a hidden beach comprising three small sandy bays, is a tranquil escape for those seeking a quieter beach day away from the crowds.

Nai Yang Beach: The Undisturbed Retreat

Location: A bit off the main road
Highlights: Untouched, welcoming restaurants and bars
Ideal for: Families, couples seeking a peaceful beach experience

Nai Yang Beach, slightly away from the main road, has remained relatively untouched. With welcoming restaurants and bars, it’s a peaceful retreat from the more crowded beaches.

Nui Beach: The Picturesque Hideaway

Location: Hidden in south Phuket’s jungle
Highlights: Small stretch of sand, beautiful water, dive shop
Ideal for: Swimmers, snorkelers, those looking for a quiet beach

Nui Beach, a small beach surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks, is one of Phuket’s prettiest. Managed by a private beach club, it offers a unique and tranquil beach experience.

Khao Lak Beach: The Peaceful Shore

Location: New beach destination, no local population
Highlights: Quiet, ideal for relaxation
Ideal for: Those seeking peace and quiet

Khao Lak Beach, a relatively new beach destination, is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Its peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.

You Can’t Swim on These Beaches in Phuket

Phuket, Thailand’s island paradise, is renowned for its stunning beaches. However, not every picturesque beach is suitable for swimming. This section highlights some beaches in Phuket where swimming might not be ideal but offers unique experiences worth exploring.

Rawai: The Maldivian View

Location: Near Big Buddha and Promthep Cape
Features: Peaceful, picturesque, not for swimming
Nearby Attractions: Yanui Beach for swimming, Rawai Pier, Rawai Seafood Market
Ideal for: Seafood lovers, those seeking tranquility

Rawai Beach, known for its stunning Maldivian-like view, is not a swimming beach. However, it’s an excellent spot for a peaceful retreat. Nearby Yanui Beach offers swimming opportunities, and the Rawai Seafood Market presents a unique culinary experience.

Friendship Beach: Basic Yet Convenient

Location: North of Rawai
Features: Basic beach, poor water quality
Nearby Attractions: Promthep Cape, short drive to Phuket Town
Ideal for: Quick stops, proximity to other attractions

Friendship Beach, with its basic sandy stretch and subpar water quality, is not suitable for swimming. Its allure lies in its location, providing easy access to nearby attractions like Promthep Cape and Phuket Town.

Cape Panwa Beach: The Quiet Escape

Location: Near Phuket Town
Features: Not suitable for swimming or water sports
Ideal for: Those seeking a break from the city, lunch spots
Activities: Boat trips to nearby islands

Cape Panwa Beach offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. While not ideal for swimming, it’s a great spot for a leisurely lunch or a boat trip to explore nearby islands.

Chalong Bay: The Gateway Beach

Location: Close to Phuket Town
Features: No swimming or snorkeling, not tourist-oriented
Ideal for: Boat trips, short stays
Activities: Catching boats to other destinations

Chalong Beach, primarily a gateway to other locations, lacks the charm of a typical Phuket beach. The beach is more functional than scenic, serving as a launch point for boat trips rather than a swimming destination.

Haad Pak Phra Beach: The Local Coast

Location: Local area, not touristy
Features: Dangerous currents, fast-moving water
Ideal for: Those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
Warning: Not recommended for swimming due to safety concerns

Haad Pak Phra Beach is a local beach with strong currents and is not frequented by tourists. Its dangerous swimming conditions make it more suitable for those looking to explore non-touristic, local parts of Phuket.

While these beaches in Phuket may not offer the typical swimming experience, they each hold unique charms and are worth visiting for those who seek more than just a swim in the ocean. Whether it’s for the tranquility, local culture, or scenic views, these beaches provide a different perspective on the diverse beauty of Phuket.

Conclusion: Best Swimming Beaches in Phuket

Each of these beaches in Phuket offers a unique experience, whether you’re looking for vibrant beach clubs, serene shores, or hidden coves. From the untouched beauty of Mai Khao Beach to the lively atmosphere of Surin Beach, Phuket’s beaches cater to every preference, promising unforgettable coastal adventures.