Beaches in Phuket
Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars, GoGo Bars and of course discos. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town.
Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East might not find it here, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of 'mai pen rai' - which translates roughly to 'It doesn't matter' or 'Don't worry, be happy'.
Karon features the third longest beach on Phuket Island. Located on the west coast, between Patong to the north and Kata (with which it shares a common municipality) to the south, Karon Beach is the second favourite holiday destination in Phuket. The beach itself has excellent snorkelling (and even diving) spots at its southern end and is wide enough for beachgoers to never feel crowded. It features three main areas, each with their own assets: Karon Centre is a lively small city in which visitors can find a good choice of dining, shopping, and nightlife entertainment opportunities as well as a beautiful Buddhist temple hosting a weekly market. Karon Beach road is ideal for taking an evening stroll and is mostly occupied by large resorts interrupted by restaurants and shops (including the popular Karon Bazaar). The third main area of Karon is centred around Luang Poh Chuan Road, towards the southern end of the beach, which houses excellent restaurants and the ‘hottest’ nightlife spot of the resort town.
The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers. Kata is split into two focal areas: Kata Centre, which is at the northern end close to Karon and Kata South, home to several resorts. Visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7-Elevens and local mini-marts, to name-brand fashion stores.
Bangtao is a study in contrasts, with the luxurious resorts and villas along its six km (four mile) stretch of beach just a few minutes' away from the town of Cherng Talay, where many villagers still make their living as their ancestors did - by fishing, farming and rubber tapping. The northern tip of the beach, so far untouched by development, is still an area where visitors might find that they have the beach to themselves. Apart from going to the beach and a few bars and restaurants there's not much that you need to leave your resort for. Taking up a huge area in the middle of Bangtao beach, Laguna Phuket, one of Asia's largest resort complexes, comprises Angsana Laguna Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach, Laguna Holiday Club and Banyan Tree Phuket resorts, and some are open to outside visitors as well.
Naturally beautiful Surin is known as 'Millionaire's Row' due the the top-end celebrity haunts amongst the luxury resorts there, including Amanpuri, Twinpalms and The Surin. They stand alongside the US$ 1 million+ houses that dominate the prime spots on top of the hills overlooking the Andaman Sea. Although popular with tourists, it's not a busy resort town and is more like a coastal village. Fine white sand and turquoise water has ensured that the picturesque beach is very popular with tourists and Thais alike. The whole area is awash with high-end hotels and housing which, in turn, has created opportunities for high-end restaurants and wine bars.
Tranquil and calm, the pretty white sands of Kamala beckon most people by day, but if you're seeking more than sunbathing on a perfect beach, there are other options such as snorkeling at the north end of the beach. There aren't any waves from November to April (NE monsoon) and the water is crystal clear and calm. From May to October (SW monsoon) at times there can be large waves caused by ocean swell, however most of the time swimming is perfectly safe on Kamala beach, take note when the red flags are flying. Head north out of Patong Beach on the beach road and pass through Kalim, or alternatively head due south out of Surin Beach.
Sunbeds are available from vendors at the southern end of the beach close to the main part of town and the beachfront hotels also have them for use by their guests. In the far north part of the beach there's a small bar that has some sunbeds, and sells snacks and drinks. The rest of Kamala beach is mostly devoid of sunbeds. There are no public toilets on Kamala Beach but the many beachfront hotels have facilities.
The main source of lunch towards the south end of Kamala beach is the many beachfront hotels, that serve mainly Thai and International dishes. There are also a few local restaurants a short walk away. At the north end there's an area with many hawker stalls selling all kinds of Thai delights from different areas of the country. You'll usually find chicken satay, spicy Thai salads, Phad Thai and Thai curries amongst other dishes and all kinds of sweet deserts.
There's not really any snorkeling close to the shore on Kamala Beach, although there is some good scuba diving however it's not from the beach. Dive shops will be able to arrange this for you. Jetskiing and parasailing is available in high season and often in low season. If unsure ask at the beachfront hotels. Beware when jetskiing, most jetskis have 'no insurance' stickers on the front of them! Or why not go for a longtail boat ride?
Surfing: This north end of Kamala's northernmost beach is a beach break with stable sandbanks, due to the reefs. Here, there are consistent waves of up to three metres and they build up the closer to shore you get. Variable winds with swell up to three metres. There is a point break for experienced surfers
There's not too much happening on Kamala beach although jetskiing and parasailing is available. Sunbathing and reading a good book are the most popular activities here. November to April some good snorkeling can be found by the rocks at the north end of the beach, equipment can be rented on the beach easily. Renting a longtail boat to explore the neighbouring beaches of Laem Singh or Surin Beach is a very nice way to spend the afternoon.
The beach vendors found on Kamala Beach are polite folk who smile broadly as they hawk their wares. If you don't wish to look a polite 'no thank you' is all that's required to ensure they pass you by, however the ice cream sellers are usually most welcome. Should you wish to look at something on offer you're not obliged to make a purchase. When actually buying something you'll need to use your bargaining skills. To obtain a good price, negotiations should always be conducted in a warm friendly manner with a smile.
Mai Khao Beach is situated on the northwest coast of Phuket. This 11km-long straight beach is still blessedly undeveloped as it is part of the Sirinat National Park. The only significant constructions along it are the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Phuket International Airport near Nai Yang Beach. The sand of Mai Khao Beach - the name of which translates as "white wood" - is possibly the coarsest of any on Phuket, but is also practically deserted a lot of the time, making it possible to walk for kilometres without seeing a single other person. A short distance out into the water, there is a sharp drop off into the Andaman Sea, making swimming dangerous from May to November.
Nai Harn is one of the island's most popular places with in-the-know locals. This relatively tranquil place has only a few hotels including the The Royal Phuket Yacht Club and is a popular anchorage for boats during the high season. Great for swimming from November to April, care should be take in the low season (May-October) when there can be strong undertows. The local restaurants just above the beach make a great place to relax with a sundowner. Further south is Ya Nui, a sandy cove that attracts snorkelers and divers. Another out-of-the way spot nearby is the tiny beach of Ao Sane, a great spot for snorkeling, reached by taking the road that starts at The Royal Phuket Yacht Club car park.
