Phuket Beaches

Phuket's beaches sit almost entirely on the west coast, facing the Andaman Sea, with the east side given over to the town, the piers, the marinas and the mangroves. The character changes as you move north. Patong is the busiest, with the fullest range of beach services. Karon and Kata are broad and well equipped but calmer. South of them, Kata Noi, Nai Harn and Ya Nui are small enclosed bays with good water and limited building.

North of Patong the coast opens out. Kamala and Surin are village and luxury beaches respectively, Bang Tao is the long resort and beach-club stretch, and beyond it Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao fall inside or beside Sirinat National Park, so they stay low-rise and quiet. Mai Khao is the longest beach on the island at around eleven kilometres and is a turtle nesting site between November and February.

Season matters more than location for swimming. From November to April the sea is generally calm. During the southwest monsoon from May to October the same beaches get surf and strong rip currents, and the red-flag system on the main beaches is enforced. Kata and Kalim are the recognised surf breaks in those months. Loungers, umbrellas and beach vendors are restricted on many stretches under national beach regulations.