Phuket Beaches

	Natai Beach Technically this 25km stretch of white sands is in Phang Nga province, just off Phuket northern tip, but we like to think of it as Phuket, as it has become a magnet for holidaymakers seeking a quiter beach destination, and also given the number of luxurious new private homes, the moniker of Phukets Hamptons. Head off the Bridge, and after about 4kms take a left and follow it to the beach. The small town of Kok Kloy is the areas centre, with a bakery (on the road out of town to the North), fresh markets and small shops.
	Mai Khao Beach Stretching endlessly North is Phuket’s’ longest and most private beach. Starting at the airport and running through to Phuket’s’ very tip and the Sarasin bridge it is renowned for its nesting Turtles and the strong conservation program and also its low density with only 5 hotels. It’s a back to nature experience with few boats, vendors or people and is a great place to explore. At the Northern end, on the highway but just before the bridge are a myriad of local seafood restaurants on the sand that also offer icy cold coconuts and worth a pit stop.
	Nai Yang Beach Naiyang Beach, arched by tall casuarinas’ trees that form the Sirinath National Park, is relatively quiet except on Thai Public Holidays, where many locals come for their Somtum picnic in the shady beach park. Coral reefs are found on the northern end of this beach, making it an ideal snorkeling area in Phuket. There are a few local seafood restaurants and beach bars just outside the National Park boundary lines, offering the best of both worlds for people looking for peace and a piece of the local scene. When the wind blows this is the best place for kite surfing and wind surfing, both dramatically growing in popularity. A kite surfing school has now setup shop.
	Naithon Beach A beautiful small beach, just 10 minutes from the airport yet a sleepy hollow with fine white sand…the perfect place to go to straight off the plane, have a swim, a coconut, then follow Phuket’s’ equivalent of the “Great Ocean Road” down South.
	Layan Beach Layan and its surrounding National Park is one of Phuket’s’ wonders…it is quiet, largely untouched, green and perfect for families to explore. Opposite, the Island called “Koh Weaw” is one of the best places to snorkel off Phuket and is a magical experience.
	Bangtao Beach Bangtao is always a hive of activity, from the buzz of Laguna and her luxury resorts, to the bustle of fishing boats and water activities. The Reggae bar, a cool beach shack opposite the Banyan Tree in the North is a local favorite for rum coconut and Bob Marley, whilst nearby Lotus serves fresh seafood that is always popular. The southern tip of Bangtao is a local fishing village where nets are tended to and fish stalls offer the catch of the day, from chunky snappers to gleaming barracuda.
	Surin Beach Sun Surf Shop Schmooze! In 1928 King Prajadhipok Rama VII created one of Thailand’s first golf courses, a pitch and putt just off the idyllic beach. Today this beautiful parkland with huge trees frame a majestic beach that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is a favorite residential area and has a well developed beach front with comfortable chairs, good restaurants and regular DJs playing into the night at Stereo Lab. The Amanpuri, built in 1988 and still one of the worlds best hotels sits atop the headland on Surins North, and attracts Hollywood and Royalty! Surin is one of the best places to drop anchor and is one of the few places in Asia where you can spot Billionaires big private boats over 150 ft at play.
	Laem Sing Beach One of the Islands smallest beaches and local spot requires a steep walk and inside knowledge, but once there you could be on another planet. Busy in high season and renowned for its Dec –March Sunday evening beach party with DJs and great cocktails. A hot spot and worth the effort.
	Kamala Beach Kamala beach is tranquil and calm, surrounded by forested hills and undoubtedly is one of the most beautiful in Phuket. Despite rapid development to the village over the last few years, the beach remains unchanged. You won't find high rise hotels, or shopping malls, because things tend to be on a smaller scale here. Instead you'll find lots of small guest houses, restaurants, shops, cafes, and perfect spots to watch the sun go down. There is always excellent seafood and for fine diners, Rockfish has been on the South end since 1988. Newly opened Andara and Cape Sienna Resorts both have excellent restaurants and bars. Nightlife, however is still low key but with Patong Beach only a 10 minute drive away kamala can do without. Kamala has a well known family entertainment venue, Phuket Fantasea, a cultural show with elephants, light show & pyrotechnics.
	Kalim Beach Renowned as a surf beach, this rocky fringed small bay just North of Patong has generally the best waves on the Island during May – November. It has some good restaurants with sensational night views and plays host to the Ripcurl Surf Comp in June.
	Patong Beach Patong has come a long way from the early 80s of swaying coconuts and backpackers yet despite it becoming the heart of the Phuket dragon its beach charm continues and is these days a hotspot of beach soccer, families building sandcastles and joggers. The shopping, dining and general Patong experience has become more polished and is now a family destination. It has a gentle slope to the beach making it also quite safe.
	Karon Beach Karon Beach is a large, wide and somewhat unusual beach in that it has almost no buildings or hotels along its stretch. Its size ensures that it usually very quiet and surprisingly private.
	Kata Beach Is one of Thailand’s most recognized and well known beaches. It is fringed by coconuts, has some excellent family accommodation and is a hive of activity along its wide beach. Its southern end is protected and a favorite for families and also good for intermediate surfers during May – November.
	Kata Noi Beach A tiny beach hidden from most people, with some of the Islands best surfing waves. It’s a very quiet place and an escape from the action packed bigger brother Kata Beach.
	Nai Harn Beach Located at the southern end of Phuket, Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket’s quieter places. It is very popular amongst locals and as it borders a National Park and is kept free of most commercial operations: jet skis, longtail boats and most vendors. The water quality is exceptional with good snorkeling at the North end of the beach. From the beach you can enjoy beautiful views towards the Promthep Sunset Viewpoint, one of the “must see” destinations in South of Phuket Island. There is a large fresh water reservoir behind the beach with a river flowing into the south end. Under the shade of the large casuarina trees is a popular place to savor delicious local Thai dishes.
	Ya Nui Beach One of Phuket's Best Kept Secrets Ya Nui is a quiet and small beach hidden away in the shadow of two of Phuket Island's loveliest viewpoints. Considering its close proximity to other Island hotels, the beach still remains one of Phuket's best kept secrets. It is a charming and quaint little cove featuring good kayaking, fishing and snorkeling amongst other things. During high season, a line of sun loungers are available for hire as well as stands that rent out fins, masks, body boards and kayaks for very reasonable prices. A small reef is located here that is good for snorkeling. The island Koh Keyao Noi stands over 700 meters out into the sea and when calm weather permits it, yachts moor off the coast or one can hire a kayak to paddle out to visit neighboring beaches and snorkel to explore the coral reefs. In rougher weather though, local fishermen climb the rocky headland to simply brave the waves and cast off their casting nets. The sand is white and powder-soft; children love to walk around and collect shells on this shoreline. People from all over the world come here to enjoy the unique and picturesque sunset on this beach – truly a beautiful and inspiring moment.
	Promthep Cape With superb birds eye views and probably the best sunset spot it is popular with tourists and locals. Local vendors serve spicy food and are a good spot to enjoy a cold drink and watch the day disappear.
	Rawai Beach Nestled amidst local restaurants Rawai beach is a pretty local beach and has always a happy feel, with families picnicking and kids playing in the shallows. This a quiet part of the Island and feels like a lick back to a largely lost era, when Phuket was a small town destination.
	Chalong Bay As a jumping point to Phi Phi and the southern islands from the Chalong pier, Chalong is a safe haven for yachts and always has a buzz about it. There are many dive centres and sea kayaking operations that make a day on the water a day not to forget. Kan Eang restaurant next to the pier offers early breakfasts through fresh seafood dinners, and not to be missed if your down this way.
	Cape Panwa Largely private with the Cape Panwa Hotel this small white sanded beach is a good antidote to the hustle and bustle of many of Phuket waterfronts, with a drink in hand the views out towards Phi Phi are very pretty.
	Cape Yamu Tucked away on the east coast, Cape Yamu offers some beautiful, little-known beaches. On the south side of the cape they have expansive views west, across Sapam Bay to Phuket Town, while on the north side the sand stretches almost the length of the peninsula and looks out at the spectacular islands of Phang Nga Bay. The sun sets over Phuket Island and lights up the islands of the bay and her mountains in rainbow colours.