Beaches
1. Patong Beach
More a tropical playground than a hideaway, Patong is the epicenter of activity on Phuket, and its beach is no exception. With rows of lounge chairs and sun umbrellas stretching down the entire length of sand, Patong Beach is a bustling extension of the town. Jet-skis, parasailing, banana boats, and vendors of every kind all vie for attention.
2. Kata Beach
The seashore here has two separate beaches, Kata Yai and Kata Noi, which are divided by a rocky cliff. Kata Yai is the larger, and busier, of the two. Once a haven for backpackers and hippies, Kata Beach today caters to an increasingly upscale crowd, and is very popular for its stunning beauty.
3. Karon Beach
This large beach offers plenty of space for sunbathers who want a little privacy. With more than 3 miles (5 km) of powdery white sand lapped by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Karon Beach is often less crowded than its busier neighbors in Patong and Kata. The magnificent coral reef at its southern end is perfect for snorkeling.
4. Long Beach
With some of the best beach-access snorkeling on Ko Phi Phi and with breathtaking views of Ko Phi Phi Ley, Long Beach is both secluded and scenic. During the afternoon, it caters almost exclusively to travelers here; nights are blissfully quiet.
5. Maya Bay
Perhaps the world’s most famous beach after its role in the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the beautiful Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Ley has almost single-handedly inspired travelers worldwide to visit southern Thailand. With its sparkling turquoise waters and exquisite white sand – not to mention the near total absence of development – perhaps Maya Bay truly is paradise.
6. Bang Tao Beach
Home to annual international windsurfing competitions, Bang Tao is one of Phuket’s best places to catch a wave. The upscale Laguna Phuket Resort complex occupies the middle of the beach, while the northern end is undeveloped, offering a respite from the crowds. You can ride horses – or better yet, elephants – on the soft golden sand here.
7. Surin Beach
Populated by numerous high-end resorts, and with expensive private homes on the surrounding hillside, Surin Beach is sometimes referred to as Millionaire’s Row. The beach is very popular with locals, who appreciate the area’s excellent seafood. The water is calm and clear from November to April, but be cautious about undertows during the low season.
8. Naiharn Beach
A quiet beach on Phuket’s southwestern tip, Naiharn is framed by rolling green hills and emerald waters, and offers a perfect hideaway far from the crowds. The calm, warm water is ideal for swimming, and because there is just one resort property here – the unimposing Royal Phuket Yacht Club Hotel – travelers feel as if they’ve stumbled upon a well-kept secret (for further details see Naiharn Beach).
9. Mai Khao Beach
Protected as part of Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Beach does not look like a standard Phuket tourist beach. The undulating sand, lined with wonderful old screw pines, slopes down to the sea. There are no private watercraft and most of the buildings along Mai Khao are luxury resorts, none of which infringe on the area’s natural beauty.
10. Loh Dalum Beach
This picture-postcard beach, outlined by green hills and craggy cliffs, is understandably one of Ko Phi Phi’s most popular destinations. Swimmers can wade into its turquoise waters, which, even at a distance from the shore, are only waist deep. In the distance, the colored cliffs of Nui Bay rise up like paintings on the sky.
