Some of Thailand’s loveliest beaches, with honey-hued sand and sea so bright you’d swear it’s been Photoshopped, can be found right here on its largest island. And handily, there’s a beach for every type of traveller on Phuket.
You may love a virtually empty swathe of sand, and the sound of gentle waves rolling into the shore, or perhaps you prefer loud music and chatter, with access to every watersport under the sun.
Beaches often empty out in the late afternoon, but if I had one tip it would be to stick around for golden hour, when the sky and sea turn an unforgettable shade of coral.
All our recommendations have been hand-selected and tested by our destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in Phuket. Find out more below or for more inspiration, see our guides to the island’s best hotels, things to do, restaurants, and bars and nightlife.
Mai Khao
This blissful 10km stretch of beach is free from jet skis and crowds, and you’ll have just a handful of people around you (most guests of the luxury hotels close to here stick to the pool). On some days, the sea can be rough – in a fun, wave-jumping way. Hold onto your sunglasses.
Insider tip: If you like plane spotting, this is your place. Stay to catch the sunset, then head to Kin Dee for supper.
How to get there: Mai Khao is located on the west coast just north of the airport; book a Grab taxi to get there.
Nai Harn Beach
The lack of through-road access makes this one of the quieter beaches in the south of the island – and it’s all the better for it. The sand is pristine, and the water clear; though the sea is wavy on some days (careful if you’re with kids), it is often flat and idyllic on others.
Insider tip: Nai Harn is best early in the morning and at golden hour in the evening; peak daytime can feel a little hectic.
How to get there: While it is possible to take a bus from Phuket Old Town, a Grab taxi is a quicker, more comfortable option.
Banana Beach, Koh Hey
There are two Banana beaches in the region. This one, on Koh Hey, off the Rawai coast, is consistently considered one of the best in the world. It’s classic beach-in-brochure stuff: idyllic turquoise water, dazzling white sand and boats bobbing in the distance.
Insider tip: To have it to (almost) yourself, book a private early-morning long-tail boat trip.
How to get there: It’s a 20-minute speedboat from Chalong Pier.
Banana Beach, Phuket
The second Banana Beach is located between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches on the western coast. It’s one of the more relaxed and rustic options on Phuket; look for the wooden sign (nailed to a tree) from the road and wander down the hill through the dense greenery to the 150m-long sweep of sand.
Insider tip: This is another good spot to end the day, so stick around for golden hour when the sky turns peach.
How to get there: You can reach the beach as part of a longtail boat trip. By car or taxi, it’s around 35 minutes from Phuket Old Town.
Pansea Beach
With honey-coloured sand and vibrant azure water, Pansea Beach is the very definition of beach perfection. The only snag? While beaches in Thailand are public, two luxury hotels are located on the seafront here, making it trickier to access.
Insider tip: Consider a stay during the UK summer, as prices are more affordable and even if it rains, you won’t feel disappointed with your suite or cottage.
How to get there: The easiest way is to stay at The Surin hotel, which occupies a spot on the bay. A private boat trip, dropping anchor in the bay, is another option.
Yanui Beach
There’s a peaceful, laid-back vibe at this small beach, located between Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint in the south of the island. There are rocks around the outer edges, which makes it a great snorkelling spot, and kayaks to rent to explore nearby bays. The views from Windmill Viewpoint are spectacular if you’re up for the short walk.
Insider tip: Bring a beach umbrella if you think you’ll need it, as there are only a handful to rent once here.
How to get there: A local bus from Phuket Old Town will only get you as far as Rawai Beach; arriving by car or Grab taxi is easier.
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao, on the west coast, is a fun and lively option to spend a few hours. Rent a jet ski to zip across the water, or settle into a bar for a beer or two – there are plenty to choose from on this stretch. If you’re keen to see a famous fire show, this beach has several after dark.
Insider tip: Great live rock bands play at Beach Pig in the evenings, covering everything from Led Zeppelin to INXS.
How to get there: The Phuket Smart Bus connects many of the tourist areas along the west coast from Rawai to the airport, including Bang Tao (disembark at Laguna).
Surin Beach
This longer palm-fringed stretch of beach isn’t dissimilar to Pansea Beach (it’s just along the bay) but it is somewhat livelier, with loungers and umbrellas to rent in high season. There are plenty of vendors at the back of the beach for impromptu pad thai or coconuts on the go.
Insider tip: Nearby Millionaire Burgers will satisfy any post-beach cravings.
How to get there: The Phuket Smart Bus stops at Surin Beach, or you can book a taxi via the Grab app.
South Natai Beach
Strictly speaking, South Natai isn’t in Phuket – it’s located to the north, past the airport, in Phang Nga – but if you’re looking for Thailand beaches the way they once were (empty, aside from a friendly stray dog or two), then head here.
Insider tip: If you choose to stay in this region, you’ll get more for your money, with access to Phuket by car.
How to get there: Around a 50-minute drive north of Phuket Old Town, the beach is best accessed by car or Grab taxi.
Patong Beach
This beach won’t win any awards for peace and quiet: Patong is one of the most famous areas in Phuket for nightlife and even during the day, the beach hums with energy. If you’re looking for thumping music and every watersport under the sun, this is the place.
Insider tip: If you’ve never paraglided before, try it here. Ko Ko 7 is a good outfitter on the beach.
How to get there: The Phuket Smart Bus is a cheap, convenient option for those staying on the west coast; otherwise, book a Grab taxi.
How we choose
Every beach in this curated list has been chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser known corners – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Hannah Louise Summers
Hannah is Telegraph Travel’s Phuket expert. She’s been exploring the country’s cities, countryside and islands for two decades –initially as a backpacker, and more recently as a solo traveller or with her young kids. She loves a cheap street food feast as much as a multi-course menu at a luxury hotel.