Phuket is blessed with beautiful beaches, a fantastic climate and plenty of atmospheres. But if you only go to Patong beach when you’re staying in Phuket, you’re missing out. Phuket is much more than Patong. If you want to escape the crowds and the lines of sun loungers, head a little further off the beaten track. With a little effort and an adventurous spirit, you will be rewarded with some of the best-hidden beaches in Asia. Here are six of our favorites. (Sssssh, don’t tell everyone…)
1. Hua Beach
If you want to be alone, one of the best places to try is Hua Beach. This tiny beach has a rocky shoreline and is not especially good for swimming, but you are almost certain to find the solitude you crave. To reach this beach, go south in the direction of Cape Sienna from Kamala Beach. There is a small concrete road running down to the beach.
2. Banana Beach
At Naithon Beach go south. You will go past the Andaman White Beach Resort and find a car stop a little further down the road. The beach is marked with a sign and you need to walk down to the sand – the walk is a little steep but it’s worth it to reach this crescent-shaped beach. Go when the sea is calm and you’ll understand what “tranquil” means.
3. Ao Sane
If you want to spend a happy afternoon in the water, or lounging on the sand in relative peace, then head to Ao Sane beach. The beach is actually three mini-beaches surrounded by high rocks. The sand is not the smoothest but the snorkeling is excellent in high season. Yachts moor next to the beach through November to May. You’ll also find a beachfront restaurant and simple facilities. To get to Ao Sane, go in the direction of the Royal Phuket Yacht Club at the northern edge of Nai Harn Beach. Continue along the road until you reach the “hidden” beach.
4. Siam Beach
For swimming and snorkeling, it is hard to beat the hidden Siam Beach. The beach has a wall of rocks which surrounds a sheltered natural swimming pool – great for snorkeling. The beach is peaceful and lovely to look at. You’ll have to walk down some steep steps but it is worth the trek. Find the beach by going down the small road that leads from the Kata Viewpoint. You can park at a bar before paying some money at the restaurant to head down the steps to the beach.
5. Ao Yon
Ao Yan is a truly gorgeous beach with pure
white sand and lapping waves. The beach gets filled with people at the weekends when locals come to have a picnic but during the week it is quiet and chilled. This beach is set between Cape Panwa and the hotel Novotel Cape Panwa. You can access the beach from the hilltop by walking down the path.
6. Yae Beach
This beach is not the most peaceful or secluded but it does give a good combination of the “best of both worlds” – quiet yet still providing some good amenities like sun loungers and a beach café and bar. When the tide is out you can’t swim because there are rocks in the water near to the shore, but what the beach lacks in swimming facilities it makes up for in character. This beach is close to Patong – north from the main Patong Beach around five kilometers. You go past the Thavorn Beach Village and Spa, then you take a left up to the hill. Once at the top you then take a dirt track down to Yae Beach. It’s a little difficult to get back up the track, but don’t let that put you off visiting this spot.
