Patong Beach

The most famous town in Phuket is Patong, the largest of all the beach towns on the island. Covering a 2 mile stretch of beach that runs the entire length of Patong`s west side facing the Andaman Sea on Phuket`s west coast. The resort town is a tourist Mecca and the heart of Phuket`s nightlife centered in two main areas, Bangla Road and Paradise Complex featuring go-go bars, nightclubs, massage parlors and cabarets. Filled with markets day and night and featuring the large shopping mall Jungceylon, lots of restaurants and hotels.

Karon Beach

Karon Beach is a big, wide, 2 mile stretch of beach located on the west coast of Phuket, south of Patong, and north of Kata. It is the second largest beach on the island next to Patong, there is a fine coral reef that stretches toward Kata and Bu Island, located at the southern end of the beach. The area features the largest beach side park at the north end with walking and cycling paths, along with restaurants, shops, markets and nightlife. The palm tree lined beach is beautiful with golden white sand and clear blue waters.

Kata Beach

Kata Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket, directly south of Karon Beach and about 12 miles from town. The beautiful palm lined, white sand beach, with clear blue waters is a scenic gem filled with great restaurants, shops and bars. The area is surrounded by hills and the picturesque island of Pu sits off shore with a coral reef. From May to October surfers flock to the area to catch the Kata waves.

Surin Beach

Surin Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket about 10 miles north of Patong, commonly referred to as Millionaires Row, it is surrounded by million dollar houses in the hills with villas and luxury resorts for the rich and famous. This naturally beautiful beach area features fine white sands and turquoise blue waters; the beach is lined with casuarinas trees, small Thai style restaurants and wine bars. This small town is a highly exclusive area with some high end shops and boutiques as well as dining options right at the edge of the sand.

Bang Thao Bay

Bang Thao Bay is a large bay with one of the longest beaches in Phuket, located north of Patong on the scenic coast. The area is mostly made up by the Laguna Complex, a luxury resort set on 1000 acres of land connected by lagoons; it includes the prestigious Banyan Tree and Angsana establishments and the Laguna Phuket Golf Club. The north end is a smaller bay almost completely enclosed with some fine coral; the area is pretty undeveloped other than a few five star properties nestled in the verdant hills. Bang Thao is a very quiet area with excellent restaurants and exclusive beach clubs.

Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach a popular beach village with a small town feel, located on the west coast of Phuket, just north of Patong and immediately south of Surin Beach. A quiet stretch of sand and a much favored beach destination for tourists looking for a tropical escape. Situated in a well enclosed bay this fishing village is surrounded by forested hills and is one of the most beautiful areas in Phuket. Featuring restaurants, small bars and market stalls with a small village feel.

Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao is the longest beach in Phuket, a 7 mile long straight beach located on the northwestern side of the island, it is also known as the airport beach as the planes fly in right over the beach to land at Phuket International Airport. A deserted beach fringed with pine and palm trees, it is part of the Sirinat National Park and is the perfect setting for long walks on the beach, nature and relaxing. The sand of Mai Khao Beach which translates to `white wood` is some of the coarsest sand in Phuket but the beach is also practically deserted at times. The seas can be dangerous between November and February with a sharp drop off into the Andaman Sea.

Panwa Beach

Panwa Beach also known as Khao Kat Beach is located on the east coast about 5 miles from Phuket Town, located on the east coast of Cape Panwa facing west. The area is decorated with luxury villas, resorts and a few restaurants, with a tranquil setting away from the crowded spots of the west coast. The good old `Beach Bar` is featured here with snacks and drinks available along with a great views over Chalong Bay. The water is shallow so it is not a swimming beach and the sands can be quite rough. The Panwa View Point offers 360 degree views of the surrounding islands.

Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach is a seafront village, located at the southern tip of Phuket, the beach stretches from east to west with a cape at both ends. This area has retained its local charm with a tranquil atmosphere, you can find many long tail fishing boats moored along the 1 ½ miles of shoreline, as the area is a working beach. It is not a swimming or sunbathing beach, and the area only offers a few shops, restaurants and nightlife options, with a daily seafood market, set up in the Sea Gypsy Village, located at the east end. Promthep Cape is located just west of Rawai a popular peninsula providing a great viewpoint for spectacular sunsets over the ocean.

Nai Yang

Nai Yang is just south of the airport, about an hour away from Patong, a very popular area with Thai locals who gather in the large shaded picnic areas next to the beach on the weekends. Many food vendors also occupy this area and prepare all types of classic Thai dishes. A laid back area, with fine white sandy beaches, fringed with casuarinas trees, clear blue warm waters and massage parlors providing the epitome of relaxation. The northern end is situated on parts of the Sirinath National Park and includes 2 coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.

Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is located at the southernmost tip of Phuket, near Phromthep Cape about 11 miles from Phuket town. It is the longest beach on this island bordering the most amazing lagoon. A very secluded area home to the many local expat residents; it is becoming one of the more popular destinations and home to The Nai Harn Resort and a Buddhist monastery which is centered here. A spotless beach, with thin soft sand, and gorgeous clear blue waters, nestled between grassy hills and tiny islands, with a very laid back atmosphere. Featuring food, shops and snorkeling spots and The Royal Phuket Yacht Club where sailboats and luxury yachts anchor.

Nai Thon Beach

Nai Thon Beach is adjacent to Nai Yang a little known beach on the west coast of Phuket nestled at the foot of high hills with a long, wide strip of sand with shaded tall trees with small rock formations, there are only a few restaurants and hotels here, it is a quiet bay with a laid back atmosphere. The sand is smooth here and great for swimming.