Phuket’s Lesser-known Beaches & Where to Stay

On Phuket’s west coast, Bang Tao beach is one of the longest and most family-friendly beaches on the island and is home to the Laguna area. To the north of the beach is the more laid-back Layan Beach which offers a chilled-out vibe that hasn’t changed much over the years. Here you can enjoy peaceful and inexpensive local restaurants and bamboo bars in the shade of immense trees. The beach ends with a small island and a river harbouring local fishing boats. Paragliding, waterskiing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides are available in Bangtao during the high season (November to April).

Close to Bang Tao Beach is the Blue Tree Phuket Water Park where kids (and adults) can enjoy a vast array of water activities, water slides, zip lines and paddleboards. There’s also a shopping village, trapeze training and a skating rink.

Recommended Hotel:

With a variety of accommodation options including spacious suites, two-bedroom pool lofts and three-bedroom pool villas, The Pavilions Phuket perfectly caters for families. The resort can also arrange boat tours to offshore islands and days out to adventure parks, an elephant sanctuary, ATV rides and horse riding – to name just a few!

Off-the-beaten-track, Nai Yang Beach is a lovely stretch of beach in the north of the island. This casuarina-lined shore lacks the commercial feel of some of Phuket’s busier beaches and attracts locals, families and couples looking for nature and tranquility. The sea is shallow and the nearby coral reef provides excellent snorkelling opportunities. Water sports enthusiasts are also well catered for with SUP boards, kayaking and kitesurfing. Located not too far from the airport, this is also a great place for plane spotting!

Continue north from Nai Yang and you will reach Mai Khao Beach, while further south you will find Nai Thon Beach. All three beaches are part of the Sirinat National Park. The northern end of the park is a mangrove forest with saltwater swamps supporting a unique ecosystem. There’s an 800-metre wooden walkway with signs pointing out the types of plants and animals living in the forest.

Recommended Hotel:

Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, The Slate combines industrial elements with raw beauty. Spoil yourself and book a treatment in the spectacular woven Tree Nest which hangs from an age-old Banyan tree at the resort’s COQOON Spa.

Located at the very southern part of the island, Nai Harn Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is tucked between green hills. This laidback beach has remained relatively untouched with just a handful of restaurants, shops and hotels. Behind the beach is a tree-fringed freshwater lake where you can walk, jog and rent paddle boats – great fun for kids!  Nearby is the secret Ao Sane Beach – a beautiful sheltered haven.

In addition to the beach itself, visitors can explore several viewpoints, most notably Promthep Cape which is famous for its sunsets. If you’re up for a climb, head to Black Rock Viewpoint for rewarding far-reaching views. Do set aside some time to explore the beautiful Buddhist monastery of Wat Nai Harn. Early morning, the locals come to make merit by offering alms to the monks in the temple.

Recommended Hotel:

As Phuket’s only member of Leading Hotels of the World, The Nai Harn is the obvious choice! The resort’s beautiful Rock Salt restaurant is the ideal place for lunch with a view. For dinner, head up to the rooftop to dine on fresh sushi and sashimi in Hansha, and then recline into the plush, sunken seating at the sprawling infinity-edged rooftop bar.

Kamala, on the west coast of the island approximately 9.5 km north of of Patong, consists of two villages – the original sleepy Muslim town and the tourist part which is built along the beach. There is an interesting fresh market most days on the main road, but the main attraction in Kamala is the beach. The two-kilometre-long tranquil beach is ideal for families and couples wanting a quieter holiday. A winding road leads to the beach where you will find local restaurants and hawker stalls.

There’s a choice of snorkelling spots near the beach, as well as other watersports such as parasailing. Surfers often head to this beach during May and October when large waves can build up. Long tailed boats at the southern end of the beach will take you to the neighbouring beaches of Laem Singh and Surin – the latter being known for its endless shopping and entertainment options. Kamala is also home to the Millionaire’s Mile, a strip that features some of the best luxury hotels and private villas in Thailand.

Recommended hotel:

Located at the furthest end of Millionaire’s Mile is Paresa Resort. Perched on the seaside slopes amid tropical forests and looking out over azure blue waters, Paresa is an oasis of tranquility and unrivalled luxury. Talung Thai Restaurant offers breathtaking views from its clifftop setting with great food to accompany.

Although not technically in Phuket, Natai Beach still deserves a mention. It is located just six kilometres north of Phuket in Phang Nga province on the west coast of Thailand. This untouched strip of pristine beach stretches for 10 kilometres and boasts crystal clear waters and soft white sand. Flanked by towering casuarina and palm trees, Natai Beach can often feel deserted – and you can literally walk for hours. The colourful coral reefs attract people looking to swim, snorkel and dive. In the late afternoon, head down to the pier where local fishermen pull up in brightly coloured long tail boats showcasing the freshest catches of the day.

Not far from the beach lies Phang Nga National Park, famous for towering limestone karsts that rise from the emerald water. Filled with caves and small islands, the bay is a wonderful place to experience sea kayaking. North of Natai Beach is the impressive Khao Sok National Park, home to a variety of endangered species and lush bio-diversity which can be explored via hiking trails.

Recommended Hotel:

With constant views of the sparkling Andaman Sea, Aleenta Phuket – Phang Nga Resort & Spa is the perfect place to focus on your personal health and wellness. The resort’s retreats and visiting wellness practitioners will help you knead away the stresses of daily life and emerge rejuvenated and refreshed.

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