Top 3: Phuket’s Best and Most Beautiful Beaches

Last updated: March 27th, 2024 | in Phuket | Southern Thailand | Traveling

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations and the major reason for that is because of its countless beautiful beaches – and there are so many of them.

It’s not just a difficult decision where to book your hotel in Phuket but also what beaches to check out during your trip.

By far the best way doing so is to rent a motorcycle and drive all around Phuket island, exploring some of the more and some of the less commercial and crowded beaches by yourself.

I have done just that three times already, so I can tell you which are the best and most beautiful beaches in Phuket that you shouldn’t miss out visiting.

To serve all tastes I have included each one entertaining, picturesque and absolutely quiet and calm beach. I have also included the locations of each beach on the map.

Patong Beach – Nightlife Capital

Patong Beach is Phuket’s party and nightlife capital and most developed area and that’s why it’s also by far the most crowded beach on the island. However, the beach as such is the most beautiful in Phuket in my opinion, just imagine Phuket 50 years ago and the locals making the decision which beach to build the first hotels, restaurants and beer bars at. They chose Patong Beach because it’s long, has white sand and a beautiful half-moon shape with lush green hills dramatically arising on both ends.

Sure it’s full of people today but that makes it also a lot of fun to hang out and meet new people. Patong Beach obviously also has the widest range of water sports activities, beach chairs, short trips to islands and street vendors and its neighbor beach at Karon 15 minutes down the road catches up with new hotels, bars, restaurants and shops every year.

Karon Beach – Picturesque

Popular for its crystal clear turquoise water and fine white sand, Karon is maybe Phuket’s most picturesque beach. Going by motorbike from neighboring Patong it’s a relaxed 15-20 minute drive south up and down the hills along the beautiful coastline.

Even though a lot more quiet than the party beach, Karon Beach has the highest concentration of Luxury Hotels in Phuket but still keeps its fairly calm coastal village vibe with some of the island’s best international restaurants and wine bars.

Surin Beach – Off the Beaten Track

As I got off my motorbike and walked along Surin Beach there was only one group of young local boys and girls around, drinking Thai whiskey and as they took notice of me they invited me to join, hang out and drink with them.

That doesn’t usually happen down south in Patong or Kata I thought and indeed, during the two hours I spent on calm Surin Beach I was the only foreigner around. Just as I left there were a few other people (mostly couples) who were looking for a nice place to enjoy the sunset.

Not too far from Phuket International Airport on the northwest coast, Surin Beach can basically only be reached with your own means of transport (or taxi) and if you come from Phuket Town it takes about 45 minutes, or 30 minutes from Patong Beach. If you’re out for a relaxed afternoon before heading back to Phuket’s great nightlife spots you will love Surin Beach.

Map of the Best Beaches in Phuket

I know Phuket has so many more beautiful beaches and it’s quite hard to make the choices with this kind of list, but I think there’s something for everyone – depending if you want it loud and bustling, picturesque or just quiet and relaxed.