There are three most famous beaches on Phuket Island, all located on the west side of the island. They are arranged from north to south as follows: Patong Beach, Karen Beach and Kata Beach.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the area on Phuket Island where tourists are most concentrated, the development is most complete, and there are the most dining, entertainment and leisure activities. The famous Patong Bar Street, Simon’s Ladyboy Show, Banzan Fresh Seafood Market, Jiangxi Cold Market and so on are all concentrated in Patong Beach.
Here, hotels stand in rows, and restaurants, bars and small shops are everywhere. The beach is 3 kilometers long, with gentle sand and soft waves. All kinds of water activities are available on the beach, such as parasailing, rubber boats, sailboats, surfing and jet skis, allowing you to fully enjoy the tropical island atmosphere.
However, Patong Beach has the largest number of tourists and is relatively noisy. The water quality is not as good as that of other beaches. Tourists who prefer quietness should choose carefully.
Karen Beach
Compared with Patong Beach, Karen Beach has bluer water, finer sand and a more laid-back seaside atmosphere. Due to its large waves, it is also a gathering place for surfers. In the evening, many tourists and locals take a stroll on the beach, waiting for the beautiful sunset.
There is an observation deck at Karen Beach, from which you can overlook the three major beaches of Patong, Karen and Kata below from the mountain. On the other side of Karen Beach, there is an art community where many studios and galleries built by Thai painters are gathered.
It should be noted that during the rainy season (May to October) every year, the waves at Karen Beach are particularly strong. It is recommended that tourists who are not good at swimming do not go swimming there.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is the second most popular beach on Phuket Island after Patong Beach. It has two beautiful bays and is shaped like a W. It is locally known as Big Kata and Little Kata.
During the day, Kata attracts many tourists who enjoy tranquility with its calm waters, clear waters, and suitability for leisure and diving. To the north of Kata Beach, there is also a small coral reef, which is very suitable for diving.
At the top of Kata Beach, on a clear day, you can take in the views of the three bays of Kata, Kata and Kalong. This is also a famous postcard scene of Phuket Island, where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset at dusk.
Kata Beach is not only the beach with the most pleasant sea view among the three major beaches, but also has very convenient living facilities in the surrounding area. It is not far from the seafood market of Rawai Beach, Karen Observation Deck and the Peninsula of God. It is a great place to stay on Phuket Island.
Phuket Island has numerous beaches, each with its own unique style. In addition to the above three well-known beaches, Phuket also has some other off-the-beaten-path beaches. If you are not visiting Phuket for the first time or want to avoid the hustle and bustle, these beaches are also good choices.
Micao Beach – the longest beach occupied by sea turtles
Mai Kao Beach is 40 kilometers away from the city center and is located in the northern part of the west coast of Phuket Island. The beach is about 9 kilometers long and is the longest beach on Phuket Island. It is also a place with fewer vacationers.
“Sea turtles laying eggs” is the most attractive and unique sight at Micao Beach. From November to February of the following year, groups of sea turtles come here to lay eggs. However, as there are always backwaves at Micao Beach throughout the year, one needs to be extremely cautious when swimming here.
Kamala Beach – a simple and unadorned fishing village life
Unlike other beaches, Kamala Beach is still in a relatively undeveloped state. It is the only major beach on Phuket Island that retains the original appearance of a fishing village and the only one with a walking path.
There are restaurants and shops on both sides of the street. Tourists can enjoy the pleasure of strolling along the seaside here and experience the simple and honest life of the local villagers. Kamala Beach is close to Phuket Phantomi Theme Park. Tourists with children can head to Phantomi after sunbathing here.
Xinxia Beach – A beautiful beach exclusively enjoyed by the locals
Xinxia Beach is hidden among thick woods, and one has to walk 300 meters down the slope to enjoy the white sandy beach and the beautiful rocky cape.
Most of the people here are familiar locals or tourists led by locals. There are the best restaurants, beer bars and cafes. From November to January of the following year, the sea is calm and the climate is dry, which is the best time for diving and various water sports. At the same time, this is also one of the few places on Phuket’s beaches where you can go fishing.
Nai Han Beach – with an excellent view
Nai Han Beach is a crescent-shaped white sandy beach with green and transparent water and lush trees. Due to the relatively stable sea level, many yachts especially like to stay here.
Lawai Beach – a hub for seafood delicacies
Rawai Beach is located on the southern coast of Phuket Island. The sand here is fine, soft and white, with waves cascading in layers. Moreover, many fishermen live here. The sea water here is relatively shallow and there are many coral rocks, so there are few tourists and it is very quiet.
There is a well-known seafood market on Lawai Beach. The food is fresh but the prices are not cheap. Be sure to bargain.