Phuket’s Secret Beaches: A Local’s Guide To Escaping the Crowds

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to soak up some sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, look no further than Phuket. This stunning island and its surrounding areas boast some of the most breathtaking beaches you’ll ever see. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or a lively beach with water activities to join in with, we’ve got you covered with our local’s guide to Phuket’s best beaches. Get ready to be amazed by the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of this tropical paradise.

Ao Sane
Ao Sane

Ao Sane, Nai Harn

Discover the hidden gem of Ao Sane Beach on Phuket’s serene southern coast. At the back of this isolated beach, a small sheltered bay hidden away on Phuket’s south coast, there’s an open-air restaurant serving Thai staples like khao pad gai (chicken fried rice) and pad see ew (fried flat noodles), which looks out onto waves crashing onto the huge boulders dotting the sand. Just offshore, where the sand drops away, snorkellers gently swim over the colourful coral and tropical fish that thrive in the waters here. Despite its secluded location, Ao Sane Beach maintains its authentic charm and provides a glimpse into what Phuket was like two decades back. Though not entirely undiscovered, reaching this beach requires a little effort, making the journey well worth it.

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Coral Island
Coral Island

Banana Beach, Coral Island

Sometimes, even escaping to a tropical island isn’t enough. Don’t worry though, as Phuket has a dozen more isles just offshore that make for a perfect day trip. On the top of that list is Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae, and famed for its crystal-clear waters. If you want to keep your Thailand experience authentic, it’s easily reached via a longtail ride from Phuket, which costs approximately 1,500 baht for a 30-minute return trip. 

Related article: Phuket’s Best Beach Clubs

Laem Sing
Laem Sing

Laem Singh, Surin

Halfway down Phuket’s west coast lies the idyllic beach of Laem Singh, accessed via a steep set of stairs that leads down to the beach. Down on the sand you’ll be treated to popular massage huts, great swimming, and the tasty Italian-Thai cuisine of Ristorante Da Ali. According to old Phuket hands, Laem Singh was once known as the Italian Beach, due to the preponderance of that nationality who came here to sunbathe. 

Ao Yon
Ao Yon

Ao Yon, Cape Panwa

Every Sunday, as the sun rises in the sky, a small fleet of dinghies set sail off Ao Yon’s Phuket Youth Sailing Club. Here, experienced foreign coaches are on hand to teach visiting water enthusiasts the basics of controlling dinghies, powerboats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. After you’ve worked up an appetite out on the water, you should head east to the next bay for dinner at the chilled out Secret Cove restaurant.  

Looking for a dreamy place to stay in Thailand? Find the Best Accommodation for Couples in Thailand with our hand-picked library of escapes for two

 

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