If you think Phuket is all about noise, crowds, bright lights, and Patong Beach – think again. Phuket is home to some magical deserted beaches where you can feel the stress melt away. Sure, you can find the nightlife and the beach sports in Phuket, but you can also discover tranquility and gorgeous scenery.
Some best beaches in Phuket are quiet because they are semi-private, accessible only to people staying at certain resorts. But others are accessible to anyone who makes an effort to get there. Here are a few of our favorite Phuket beaches for relaxing in peace.
1. Mai Khao Beach
You won’t find much on this small, secluded beach that is only 11km long. Mai Khao Beach is part of a National Park, so it remains untainted by a lot of development, although there are some resorts close to the beach. You will undoubtedly find peace here; the water is perfect for swimming.
There are no facilities unless you go to the section of the beach where Nai Yang connects to Mai Khao Beach. The beach is a little set apart from the other tourist areas of Phuket.
2. Panwa Beach
This west-coast beauty is a lovely beach to escape the crowds with a gorgeous setting fringed by coconut trees and clear waters. You can’t swim because there are too many rocks but the sand is good, and there are a few places to buy food.
3. Banana Beach
Banana Beach is difficult to reach, so it doesn’t attract crowds. You’ll find it here if you’re looking for peace and quiet. The beach is beautiful – and deserted – outside of peak season. There are one restaurant and some beach chairs but not much else in terms of facilities.
4. Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is so close to Patong that it is surprisingly not busier. However, the only way to reach it is by longtail boat, and the boat ride is not the cheapest, restricting its popularity. If you can afford it, visit this perfect peaceful beach during the high season. The sand and the swimming are unique, and you will undoubtedly find space for yourself.
5. Haad Sai Kaew Beach
Travel to the far north of the island; right before you come across the Sarasin Bridge, you will find Haad Sai Kaew Beach. The beach is easy to access, although its location in the north puts it far from most resorts. The beach has some food stalls and restaurants – ideal for sampling good local food – and swimming is good from this beach.
6. Ao Sane Beach
The Ao Sane beach is next to Nai Harn beach, which is much more widespread – to reach Ao Sane, you have to go around the Phuket Yacht Club. Ao Sane is small and lovely, with areas for snorkeling and some restaurants. A good place for families and also for swimming.
7. Ao Yon Beach
Maybe not be the prettiest beach in all of Phuket, but the central section is excellent, and the beach is indeed peaceful. The sand condition is not the best, but swimming is OK, and there are a few restaurants if you want to eat.
8. Layan Beach
Layan Beach is not so peaceful since the opening of the Nikki Beach Club, but it still makes for a good escape from other more crowded locations and is suitable for swimming and sitting on the sand. Many small restaurants provide the refreshments you need after a busy day soaking up the sun.
9. Tri Trang Beach
The entrance to this beach is not immediately apparent, and Tri Trang is often mistaken for the neighboring beach of Tri Tra. Tri Trang is where the Merlin Beach Resort is located, and it is not busy, with good sand and some restaurants.
10. Haad Pak Phra Beach
The last Phuket beach before you reach the bridge to the mainland, Haad Pak Phra, is not the greatest, but it is very peaceful, and you will often find yourself completely alone. There are no facilities here, but you can stop off at the beach while you make your way to Tanoon Seafood on the Thai mainland.
11. Laem Ka Beach
If you are east of Phuket, Laem Ka is the only natural beach option. In the low season, this beach is deserted. High season can still be tranquil, with food and drink stalls and beach stores.
12. Hua Beach
Difficult to find so that you will have this place to yourself. Swimming is not possible, but the place is like a deserted island. You can relax and chill out at your leisure.
Best Beaches in Phuket – Final Words
Escape the hustle and bustle and find your own slice of paradise with our guide to the 12 best beaches in Phuket for peace. Plan your next tranquil getaway today.
