Joanna James
Phuket is the place where the bustling streets of the city meet the placid sea. After spending all those hectic, lively nights in Bangkok, this island gives the perfect escape. Sand stretches for every kind of surfer, family, adventure, and every shore has its flavour. Here are the top five beaches that every traveller should not miss experiencing.
Kata Beach is where golden sands meet the soft touch of turquoise waters. While most surfers flock here during the monsoon season, the waves are gentle and smooth enough for the greenhorns. Apart from the surf, there exist many joints from plain local food stalls to casual waterfront dining. Every night, there is a soft hum of life, with little bars and live music; it feels lively, albeit not overwhelming. It's on the south side of Phuket's popular landmarks, making it convenient to adapt relaxation with exploration. This beach is perfect for people who would like the thrill of waves without frequenting the jam-packed, busier areas.
Next to Kata Beach lies Kata Noi, a peaceful and often overlooked spot. Soft sand and clear water make it perfect for swimming or a leisurely walk along the shore. Guests of Layan Residences by Anantara will find it an ideal retreat, with gentle beginner waves and options for snorkelling or tubing for those craving a bit of adventure. With almost no nightlife, the beach remains calm well into the evening. From nearby viewpoints, visitors can enjoy a painting-like panorama of Kata Noi and its neighbouring beaches—a true highlight among Phuket best things to do. Kata Noi is the perfect destination for travellers seeking serenity without feeling entirely cut off.
Surin Beach is small but charming, with its tranquil stretches and shorefront eateries. Families and friends bask in the sunny, shallow waters, which are gentle and calm for swimming or floating. Up and down the beach, palm trees have been planted to give some shade and at least a feeling of some bit of privacy, while a few local restaurants offer a lazy option for enjoying local cuisine just a few steps from the sand. Access, though quiet, is easy, allowing one to spend a whole day on the beach without being too cut off from the amenities of the island. This is where you enjoy the little things, like having a meal by the waves and having the sound of the sea as a backdrop.
Hidden in the jungle of southern Phuket, Nui Beach is a perfect secret for adventure lovers. It takes a short trek or ride through tropical green foliage to reach the small stretch of sand framed by palm trees and large rocks from above. The crystalline water is good for swimming or snorkelling, presenting various views of colourful marine life. Contrary to popular belief, Nui Beach is not usually full of visitors, which is one reason it could feel like a private getaway. It is a beach that invites you to slow down and enjoy real-time moments in nature. This beach is suggested for those who would like to mix adventure discovery with a calm day by the sea.
True to Bangkok's meaning, which refers to a beach, Freedom Beach represents the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination. You have to trek through the jungle or arrive by boat, especially when you are greeted by soft sand and almost-clear water without a crowd in sight. The jungle and the beach, one's adventure and tranquillity come together. Freedom Beach is meant for those who would want to feel like they have discovered a secret part of Phuket, having a little chance to enjoy the beauty of the island as close to its natural state as possible, away from the usual tourist trails.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
