Being the largest among the numerous islands in the country, Phuket is locally known and referred to as the ‘Pearl of the South’ and as such is the perfect place for beach lovers and divers at heart. Seemingly heaven-sent, this 540-square-km island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and offers numerous excellent sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Hence, it seems to be a logical choice for many travelers looking for a memorable holiday destination.

But when it comes to choosing the right beach destination, what do you really consider? Do you find it difficult to make a decision between a secluded beach and a popular one?

That would probably really depend on your preference. Are you the type who enjoys being in a quiet place or do you prefer beaches that exude vibrant and dynamic ambiance?

A secluded beach may be for you as it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing of time in solitude. A beach that is not teeming with tourists and is not busy with various beach activities or water sports is ideally a secluded paradise in itself. On the other hand, popular beaches are buzzing with beach and water activities – from jet skiing to parasailing. The restaurants are packed with people quenching their thirst with refreshing drinks and savoring a local dish. These facilities are usually not available in secluded beach destinations.

After making a decision on your preference, the next step is to choose one from the innumerable lineup of marvelous and popular beaches, and the isolated and secluded retreat beaches on the one hand. To help you decide, the list below includes some of the most popular and some of the secluded beaches found in Phuket.

Top Secluded Beaches

Let’s begin with the list of the top secluded beaches in Phuket.

1.Pansea Beach

Pansea Beach is a very peaceful beach defined by the soft sand and amazing color of the ocean. Many agree that it is one the beautiful beaches if not the most beautiful beach in Phuket not just for its tropical look but by the quiet ambiance it radiates. Occupied by the Amanpuri Phuket hotels, Pansea Beach is located just north of the extremely popular Surin Beach on Phuket’s west coast. Pansea is 14.4 km away from Phuket International Airport and is a 25-minute drive north from Patong.

Once there, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the local shack, get a rejuvenating beach massage, and spend time idly on the resort’s two beach bars fitted with sun loungers and beach umbrellas.

2.Paradise Beach

It is one of Phuket’s beaches that is hard to find. The beach stretches some 150 meters in length and offers an excellent view right across Patong Bay.

Located on a private land just about five kilometres southwest of Patong, access to this beach is quite a challenge. And because it is not that easy to reach, you can expect the pristine and isolated beach. If you want to bask under the sun, you need to shell out 100 THB for sun loungers available in front of the restaurant. However, Paradise Beach offers numerous activities including scuba diving, sea kayaking, snorkeling and body boarding.

3.Ya Nui Beach

This is a small, charming beach enclosed between two of Phuket’s captivating viewpoints – Phrom Thep Cape in the very south of Phuket Island and the Windmill Viewpoint.

It is accessible from Nai Harn or from the island using the road that leads to Rawai or by descending the north side of Phrom Thep.

The beach features two restaurants and vendors passing by selling snacks, drinks and fruits.  Snorkeling gears or a kayak are available for rent. During high or peak season, Ya Nui Beach can be fairly busy.

4.Banana Beach

Hiding from the crowd, Banana Beach is almost deserted. It may as well be Phuket’s last hidden beach. Banana Beach is not easy to find, but it has nice and soft sand fringed with palm trees and clear seawater. It is located between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches, near Phuket Airport which is about 500 meters north of Trisara Villas.

There is only one seafood restaurant that only opens during high or peak season. Parasols and sun loungers are available for rent. For a rejuvenating activity, a good and relaxing massage is available as there is a lot of masseuse offering their services onsite. At Banana Beach, swimming is only recommended between November and May when the water is clear.

5.Panwa Beach

Also known as Khao Kat Beach, Panwa is not the ideal place for swimming. While it managed to remain exactly the same as it has been for many years – calm and peaceful, the beach located on the east coast of the Cape facing the West has its whole area occupied by some luxury resorts and villas.

At Panwa Beach, there are a lot of luxury accommodation options, bars and restaurants within the luxury properties. You can hire a longtail boat to visit Koh Lone, which is situated nearby as this is also a good way to enjoy your stay at Panwa Beach.

If the above-secluded beaches are not what you are searching for, you might want to consider the beaches listed below, which offers a more vibrant and lively experience.

Top Popular Beaches

1.Patong Beach

Undoubtedly, the most popular beach of Phuket, Patong Beach is also considered as the most vibrant beach on the island where it never sleeps – day or night time. Located on the west coast of the island, Patong Beach has an almost 3-km strip of golden sand. During the monsoon season, surfers will surely enjoy chasing the challenging waves in Patong.

There is an abundance of restaurants, bars, cafes and even international fast food chains in Patong Beach. Beach activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing and many more can be enjoyed here.

2.Karon Beach

Ranked as the third most popular beach in Phuket, Karon is the second longest beach with 5 km of superb white sand and crystal clear waters from November to April.

Karon is located some 3 km from the south of Patong and directly north of Kata Beach. It offers decent dining options, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of beach activities like snorkeling, water sports – jet skiing and parasailing, and traditional Thai massage.

3. Kata Beach

Kata, by ranking, is the second most popular beach in Phuket just after Patong. It has a 1.5 km stretch of perfect white beach along an incredibly clear blue sea. Kata Beach is the perfect combination of nature, lively activities, and modern facilities that visitors usually look for in their holiday destination.

Situated south of Patong Beach, Kata is definitely a great place for family, couples or even surfers. It offers a plethora of dining options, shopping outlets, and beach activities aside from the many surfing shops and school.

4.Surin Beach

Surin Beach is a 25-minute drive north from Patong. This pristine beach has fine, thick sand with crystal clear seawater. Surin is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
There are plenty of dining venues offering the best selection of food. Visitors can engage in a wide variety of water sports and other fun beach activities.

5.Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach is surprisingly calm and tranquil – an absolute indication of a nice beach with thick sand and crystal clear waters during the high or peak season.

The best way to access it is by heading north out of Patong Beach through the beach road and pass through Kalim Bay.

There are several restaurants that serve a variety of authentic Thai and international dishes. Watersports are also available on Kamala Beach and numerous shops selling beachwear, accessories and snacks are conveniently situated nearby.

One thing for sure about Phuket is the island has a plethora of beaches for vacationers to enjoy. So make the right decision on which beach you will land, whether it is a private-like beach or the vibrant popular beach of Phuket.

Image sources: phuket.as, phukettravelandtours.com, colorodyssey.wordpress.com, regenthotels.com, theroompatong.com, phuket.com, sgtravel.com, hootholidays.com.au