Phuket… A mere whisper of the word conjures up images of spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and crystal clear waters teeming with marine life. Asia’s most popular beach destination, this fun island welcomes visitors for total enjoyment all year round. Phuket’s great advantage is that there’s always something to do on and off the island, whether it’s raining or shining.
The beaches in Phuket are perhaps the island’s star attraction and a major reason why so many holidaymakers prefer this jewel in the Andaman Sea. There are so many beaches to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the perfect one. But keep in mind that whether you want the entire beach to yourself or prefer a more lively atmosphere, Phuket has surely a beach for you. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular beaches in Phuket that never fail to entice locals and international tourists alike.
Patong Beach
A stunning 3 kilometers long sparkling sandy stretch located on the west coast of Phuket, the charming Patong Beach is perhaps Phuket’s most popular and well-developed beach and the busiest tourist spot on the island with much to offer action seekers and nightlife enthusiasts alike. Shopping enthusiasts will find Banana Walk – Patong’s newest shopping center, while families will surely appreciate Patong Go-Kart Speedway at the feet of Patong Hilll’s Kathu side. The beach is filled with everything you can imagine: a variety of amazing hotels, guest houses and high-end resorts; hundreds of sun beds with umbrellas, chairs and tables; some small restaurants of all kinds just across the Beach Road, as well as a couple of toilets. Every evening it seems that Patong turns into an amazing nightlife venue, with such hotspots as Simon Cabaret, Jungceylon, Patong Boxing Stadium and Wat Patong among many others. Do not miss out the sweeping views of the ocean.
Kata Beach
1.5 kilometers long and fringed with trees, Kata is another inviting beach in Phuket that is largely popular due to its stunning location, clear waters and diverse beach activities. Beach facilities are also abundant in Kata, and range from beach chairs and tables, to umbrellas and hammocks. Swimming is safe at Kata Beach with a lifeguard present adding to the sense of security, especially for families with kids. Jet skiing, body boarding, diving, snorkeling and surfing are also among the popular activities of the beach. Those who want something different than water-sports can indulge in jogging, especially in the early morning and evening, or else play football games that take place each afternoon.
Kamala Beach
North of Patong, Kamala Beach is a quieter stretch of sand with a more relaxed feel. A favorite spot for retirees and other longer-term visitors staying in small hotels, Kamala is an ideal place for those who want to spend their holidays away from the crowds. Before it was a small Muslim village but today it’s a bustling little town. Small-to-medium-size hotels situated in close proximity to the beach offer visitors a memorable stay, while the beach’s many attractions and endless variety of activities await for active vacationers. Foodies will find Kamala a great place to sample delicious seafood, as well as local and international cuisine in casual settings. Though Kamala enjoys a reputation as a relatively quiet and peaceful beach, it’s in fact situated nearby to one of the biggest tourist attractions of Phuket – Phuket Pantasea Park, boasting an enormous show with elephants, acrobats and more.
Surin Beach
Another attractive getaway that rarely becomes crowded is Surin Beach, with a more cosmopolitan vibe than Phuket’s other beaches. The beach is famous for its crystal clear turquoise water, something you won’t see in Patong. There are many things you can at Surin Beach, from indulging in a myriad of water sports to simply lazing out and relaxing to sampling Thai favorites in one of the many reasonably priced restaurants in the area. The whole area of Surin is awash with high-end hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. The beach is characterized by two seasons: November to April, when the sea is tranquil and the swimming is great and from May to October, when the swells pick up around the coast, making it an ideal spot for surfing.
