Beaches for every taste


Many people think of Phuket as an overcrowded, stressful island. It’s true that parts of the island were packed before COVID. But that’s not true of every part. Patong is crowded and noisy. The water isn’t especially clear, and in high season the beach is packed and loud. Aggressive vendors hassle many beachgoers who are just looking to sunbathe and enjoy a relaxing swim. Jet skis show little regard for swimmers and are incredibly noisy. And in the evening, noisy Bangla Road comes alive with beer bars, go-go bars and everything else some people love—and others hate.

But there are also quieter spots in the south of the island around Rawai and Nai Harn. Thankfully, places like Kata, Karon and Surin have yet to see these excesses either.

Phuket’s dream beaches

Everyone can find “their” beach in Phuket, whether you’re after drinks and a party by the beach or prefer a quiet spot with a beautiful backdrop. One thing I definitely recommend: don’t just stay at your “home beach”—visit a few others too. Each has its own character!

From Ao Sane to Banana Beach

There are quieter beaches (compared with Patong) and truly peaceful spots for a relaxing afternoon by the water. However, if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll need a tuk-tuk or a rental scooter. But it’s worth it!
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Kata Beach—a peaceful beach

Kata Beach consists of two parts: Kata Noi and Kata Yai. Kata is about 12 km south of Patong, roughly half an hour by motorbike or tuk-tuk. There are plenty of hotels behind the beach, separated from it by a road. You’ll find bars here too, but unlike Patong, there are no go-go bars or anything like that.

Ko Pu

Quiet beaches

Kata has two beaches: 1.2-km-long Kata Yai, the main beach, and Kata Noi Beach, which is just 500 m long. Kata Yai stands out for its fine white sand, wide shoreline and good snorkeling. Kata Noi is less crowded because its entrance is tucked away, making it perfect for a peaceful afternoon.  

Kata Yai – the northern end

Since Club Med is the only resort in this part of the beach, it’s much quieter here than in the south. I prefer swimming here in peace, and especially snorkeling! The rocky coral formations begin about 250 m from the two beach restaurants in the direction of Ko Pu Island, at a depth of around 3–5 m.
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Surin Beach

Fine sandy beach, crystal-clear water!

Surin is more of a family beach destination, unlike party capital Patong (where the water is also a suspicious color...). Here, between the airport and Kamala, you can really relax. If you want to party in the evening, you’ll have to take one of the overpriced tuk-tuks to Patong.

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Worthwhile day trips

The Big Buddha

 

The 45-metre-tall Buddha has become one of the island’s most important landmarks. It stands halfway between Kata / Karon and Chalong Bay. Funded by donations, construction began in 2004. It is clad in slabs of Burmese marble. The views are fantastic at sunrise over Chalong Bay and at sunset from the Kata side, looking towards the south of the island. In 2010, I took footage here showing how the huge Buddha statues often seen around the country are made.

 

More about the Big Buddha