Top Five Beaches in Phuket
The island of Phuket has some of the most famous, fantastic beaches in Thailand. Although lush forests and mountains cover the majority of Phuket island, the most popular attraction is the many beaches where visitors go to snorkel, dive, party, and just soak up the Thai sun.
The list of Phuket beaches is long, and everyone has their favorites depending on their tastes and moods. The beaches of Phuket cover the entire spectrum, from high-traffic beach party scenes like Patong to the quiet and remote beaches of the north, such as Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, and Bang Tao Beach. Karon beach and Kata beach are also popular well-rounded choices. There really is a Phuket beach to meet anyone's idea of sun and sand.
We've chosen five of our favorite Phuket beaches based on some of our favorite Phuket hotels, guesthouses, and lodges that can be found on each one.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is Phuket's main travel destination. The advantage of this highly developed area is that it is a the centre for pretty much everything, including shopping.The many discos, bars and nightclubs of Patong Beach make for a vivid nightlife. Patong Beach is not the best beach for those looking for something quiet and remote.
For those spending a few days on this beach, we can recommend some great Patong Beach hotels that offer the best of both worlds of nightlife and tranquility. The Seaview Patong Hotel is located on the southern end of the bay, just a few meters from the beach itself. It is in a quieter area of Patong, but all the nightlife is accessible by foot just a few minutes down the road.
Bangtao Beach
To get away from the high traffic of Patong Beach, the Bangtao Beach toward the north of Phuket is a worthwhile respite. The southern and middle stretches are built up with large resorts, but if you continue on to the northern tip of Bangtao's six km stretch, there is plenty of space and no crowds.
Bangtao is a place of natural luxury and indulgence, spoiled by a perfect sunset every night. It is no wonder that this beach features some of Phuket's finest and most high-end resorts and accommodations. For those who want to splurge on a good hotel on Bangtao Beach, we recommend the Sunwing Resort and Spa. Everything you want to do on Bangtao Beach can be done within the comfort of the resort, and it is family-friendly. Children will have as much fun in the kids' activities as adults will have in the wellness center or spa.
Kamala Beach
Kamala a Phuket Beach with its own distinct flavor. North of Patong and south of Bangtao, it is somewhere between the two in character as well. Like Bangtao, it is calm and less crowded. Like Patong, it has budget options for travelers in any price range. The main activity on this beach is peaceful lounging, although some snorkeling can be found on the northernmost end.
Our favorite Kamala Beach hotel in Phuket is the Ice Kamala Beach Hotel. This unique hotel was fully renovated and reopened recently in 2010. The new installations are geared toward energy conservation, such as keycard-enabled power and lights. It is a small but popular headquarters for a relaxing stay on Kamala Beach, Phuket.
Karon Beach
Karon beach is just south of Patong beach, on the west side of the island. You'll find you'll have a little more breathing room on the famously white sands of Karon Beach, as the beach furniture is spaced more generously throughout this long stretch of beach. Daily life and the night scene are toned down from Patong, and there is an eclectic variety of restaurants and shops, and markets to choose from.
The hotels in Karon beach also run the range from budget to high-end. For those who are seeking a good deal, check out J & J Inn which has internet and a nice central location. For those wanting a taste Karon Beach luxury, there's the Secret Cliff Resort, a hidden treasure set back into the fringes of Phuket's rainforest
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is Karon Beach's neighbor to the south, sharing the same qualities of long stretches of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Nightlife here is not as pulsating as Patong, but some lively late-night hangouts can be found. This beach caters more to families and to surfers during the May to October season.
Hotels in Kata Beach range from middle to high end. A nice choice for affordability is the Outdoor Inn Hotel whose restaurant on top has a diverse menu for every palette. The best upscale option on Kata Beach would be the Malisa Villa Suites, which offers ultimate comfort with spa facilities, and tasteful contemporary design.
