Phuket’s beaches are generally divided between the east and west coasts. Frequent visitors to the island have their favourite sides of the island and favourite beaches to visit.
Phuket defines the western side of the island with its spectacular islands and calm, clear water. The beaches along the eastern shore of Phuket, facing the bay, offer calm water, amazing visibility, and spectacular snorkelling. Across the island, the beaches along the western coast of Phuket are some of Thailand’s most popular. These western-facing beaches are famous for their sunsets, resorts, and nightlife. At certain times of the year, these western beaches are also home to the surfing scene in Phuket as decent-sized waves develop off the Andaman Sea. We’ll share the must-visit beaches along both sides of Phuket.
Western vs Eastern Beaches in Phuket
There are over thirty popular beaches on the island. These beaches may be popular for their beauty, attractions, and proximity to nightlife, hotels, restaurants, snorkelling, and natural landmarks. With so many of them around the island, there’s a wide variety of beaches depending on your criteria, from sand and water quality to atmosphere, activities, and facilities. Most restaurants, hotels and nightlife are located on the west side of Phuket. The most popular beaches are close to these attractions and each other. There’s a busy road running along the west coast that connects with all the beaches and towns.
The beaches on the east side of Phuket serve as a gateway to the stunning natural scenery of the island. They’re near ports and harbours with boats offering tours of the islands. The waters here are calmer than the west side of the island. The calm waters also mean the visibility on this side of the islands is spectacular, and this attracts snorkellers and divers from all around the world.
Western Beaches
The western side of Phuket has a long string of must-visit beaches in bays and coves running from north to south, separated by lush, forested headlands. These beaches all offer vast white sands, great swimming and sunbathing, and a variety of restaurants, hotels and bars. You’ll also find some of the island’s main night spots and attractions along these beaches.
Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach has been described as the prettiest beach in Phuket because of its pure white sand and calm azure water. It’s unspoiled, mainly because of its remoteness. It’s only accessible by boat or a hike down through the jungle.
Kamala Beach
The quiet pace of Kamala Beach makes it an excellent retirement spot for long-term visitors looking for a west coast beach free from noise and traffic. The wide, long beach is excellent for sunbathing and swimming, and it’s been called one of the most romantic beaches on the island.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the centre of nightlife and shopping in Phuket. Bangla Road runs perpendicular to Beach Road and offers plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. If you love to party, Patong Beach is a must-visit destination.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is just over the hill from Patong Beach, but it seems like a world away. In the summer months, Karon Beach and neighbouring Kata Beach serve as the centre of the surfing scene in Phuket. At other times of the year, Karon Beach offers beautiful natural solitude and is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet walk on the beach.
Kata Beach
Like its neighbour to the north, Kata Beach is most popular during the summer months as the wide beach welcomes well-formed waves rolling in off the Andaman Sea. It’s in a small, quaint village and is the ideal place for people who just want to relax.
Eastern Beaches
The eastern beaches of Phuket offer more individual character and beauty. While you’d be forgiven for thinking that the west coast beaches all look similar, Cape Panwa, Ao Yon Beach, and Laem Ka Beach all offer different natural views and experiences.
Cape Panwa Beach
Cape Panwa Beach is a long, palm tree-fringed beach offering shallow and calm turquoise waters. It faces west, making it perfect for sunset walks. The calm and shallow water also makes it a must-visit beach for families with small children.
Ao Yon Beach
Ao Yon Beach offers a wide and sheltered cove with a white sand beach running the length of it and overhanging palm trees swaying in the breeze. This makes the list of must-visit beaches because of its almost picture-perfect (and Instagrammable) tropical setting. Looking southeast from the beach, you’ll see the Cape Panwa viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of Phuket and the island of Ko Lon due south.
Laem Ka Beach
Laem Ka Beach offers solitude in paradise. Located at the end of a road through a coconut orchard, you’re likely to have the beach to yourself and be able to snorkel and swim among the rocks at your leisure. The beach is also famous for the friendly local pigs that spend their days there.
Book Your Stay on Cape Panwa
Cape Panwa is also where you’ll find Kantary Bay Phuket Hotel & Serviced Apartments. We’re a luxury Phuket beach hotel offering spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with spectacular views of the cape, nearby islands, and stunning turquoise sea. Our facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, mini-mart, souvenir shop and business centre. Get away from the busy traffic and tourists by exploring the east side of Phuket and discovering these enchanting beaches.
With our Breakfast Room, Uncle Nan’s Italian Restaurant, and Café Kantary offering a wide variety of expertly prepared meals and their own spectacular Cape Panwa views, a stay with us leaves lasting memories of the beauty of the quieter side of Phuket. Book your next Phuket holiday at Kantary Bay Phuket Hotel & Serviced Apartments.
