Beaches of Phuket: what to see and what to do?

I was traveling through Thailand and decided to visit the beaches of Phuket, where you can find some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Thailand. After finishing my experience at the Vipassana Meditation Temple, following days of silence, I was eager to reconnect with society, so I headed to a place where I was sure I wouldn’t lack company.

Known as the largest island in Thailand, Phuket is famous for its lively atmosphere, stunning coastline, and vibrant culture. From bustling markets and energetic nightlife to serene temples and hidden coves, the island offers something for every type of traveler, making it a must-visit destination.

Four years ago, I had visited Phuket, but I had only stayed for two nights. I stayed in the center, which is not very touristy, amazed by its peculiar Vegetarian Festival. This time, I wanted to see a bit more, and I enjoyed it so much that I ended up staying for 4 days and 5 nights. So, here’s a guide to what I found to be the best beaches in Phuket, in case you’re inspired to visit this paradise.

Where to stay in Phuket: Patong beach

The best area to stay in the city of Phuket is the neighborhood of Patong. There, you’ll find plenty of hotels, great beaches, and many nightclubs. Without a doubt, it’s the tourist center of the city and the most vibrant area of Phuket.

In my case, I stayed at the Black Pearl Hotel, a nice, clean, and cozy hotel right next to Patong Beach. The owner was a very friendly French man who, because it was low season, let me have a private room with a double bed for just 4 euros per night. That said, if you want more peace and less tourism, it’s better to stay in a different area.

The best beaches of Phuket: what to see and where to go

1. The lively Patong Beach

The best beaches in Phuket are on this side of the island, the west side. Patong neighborhood is right in the middle, and from there, you can explore the nearby beaches. If you choose to stay in Patong, during the day, you can visit its lively beach full of water activities and/or stroll through its streets, crowded with shops and tourists.

At night, it’s recommended to lose yourself among the bars and nightclubs of Soi Bangla, where you’ll find a party every day. On my first day, I spent time wandering around Patong. On the second day, I went straight with a motorbike taxi to explore the beaches south of Patong.

2. The quiet ones: Karon and Kata Beach

From Patong, heading south, you will past the beaches of Karon and Kata. Kata Beach is divided in two: Kata Main Beach and Kata Noi Beach. The Kata Main Beach was the one I liked the most, with an islet just in front that gave it a distinctive touch.

After Kata beach there is a beautiful viewpoint where you can enjoy an amazing view from all the beaches: Patong, Karon and Kata. From the viewpoint I decided to return to Patong walking along the beaches. 

Once I saw this beach, I hitchhiked back to Patong. In one of my return hitchhiking, I was picked up on his bike by a woman in her 40s. She smiled a lot and seemed very nice. I just sat behind her and smelled alcohol. She was very drunk and started driving from side to side ahead of all the vehicles. As much as I could, I got off and politely thanked her for the adrenaline kick.

3. The less touristic beaches: Kamala, Surin and Laguna

The next day I went north to Kamala, Surin and Laguna beaches. Surin was, undoubtedly, the beach that most convinced me of the three; quiet, not so big, surrounded by palm trees and with a bar with swimming pool where you can have a drink and relax with the sound of the waves.

To go from Surin to Laguna I was hitchhiking for a while, but as nobody stopped I ended up taking a taxi. In Phuket you have to take special care so that the taxi drivers don’t cheat you.

My taxi scam experience

Before getting into the taxi I asked the taxi driver how much it cost to go to Laguna and he showed me three fingers. The distance from Surin beach to Laguna is not much, so I asked him: “30 Bahts?” (80 cents), and without mentioning a word, he showed me three fingers again. I repeated again: “30 Bahts?”, and he confirmed without saying anything.

I got into the taxi and, instead of taking me to the beginning of Laguna beach, which was next door, he turned all the way around, and after about 20 minutes he left me at the end of the beach, which is huge. When I arrived, I took 30 Bahts to give them. He looked at me with a strange face and suddenly, with good English, said: “300 Bahts” (8 euros). It was to be expected… We argued for a while, I ended up giving him 100 Bahts and I got out of the car.

I walked all over the beach as the sun went down until it got dark. I went out to the main road to look for someone to take me back to Patong and after a while I was picked up by another woman on a motorcycle, this time, fortunately, 100% sober and very nice, who left me near my hotel.

4. James Bond Island Round-trip Tour

I also recommend taking a day trip to visit James Bond Island, located on the northeast side of Phuket. In Patong, you’ll find travel agencies that can organize a great tour at a very affordable price. I booked a round-trip tour for 1000 baht (about 20 euros).

The tour included the drive to the boat, a boat ride through the area until reaching James Bond Island, lunch, a visit to a temple with a cave full of monkeys, a kayak ride, and the return drive to Patong.

I didn’t expect much because I imagined a crowd of tourists taking photos and buying souvenirs, and while that was the case, I still enjoyed James Bond Island. It’s as spectacular as it looks in the photos. But what impressed me the most were the surroundings, full of floating islets that reminded me a lot of Halong Bay in Vietnam.

Although James Bond Island was nice, I can say I enjoyed the journey more than the destination. After those 4 days exploring Phuket, I felt satisfied. It was time to change islands. I took a boat to one of the most famous islands in the world: Koh Phi Phi.

From the beaches of Phuket to Koh Phi Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning group of islands known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant marine life. Famous for its role in the movie The Beach, it attracts travelers from all over the world looking for both adventure and relaxation. With its lively atmosphere, incredible snorkeling, and beautiful beaches, Koh Phi Phi is a must-see destination in Thailand.

Koh Phi Phi is located near Phuket and is another of the most visited places in Thailand. It was nice to come back to Koh Phi Phi four years later. It was still beautiful, but as expected, it had become even more touristy. Even the main beach wasn’t as clean as it used to be because of all the parties that were held there every night of the year.

The spectacular Koh Phi Phi viewpoint

One morning, in order not to change the good habits, I ran up to the spectacular Koh Phi Phi viewpoint as I did the last time I was there. Halfway there, suddenly, a Thai family stopped me. They told me that it was the “Highway” and that I had to pay if I wanted to go on.

I asked them to let me pass. I didn’t have anything on me, and nowhere did it indicate that there was a fee entrance. Of course, they categorically refused. I was fortunate that just at that moment some Chinese lady I had met on the boat to the island passed by and paid my entrance fee. Although it was a priceless price, I had already broken the harmony of the place.

Once I arrived at the viewpoint, while 4 years ago I was able to sit alone to contemplate the wonderful landscape in a stone surrounded by trees, this time, I was overflowing with people who were looking for a good place to take a picture. It was a little disappointing. But, honestly, if this is the first time you’ve been there, just for the views, it’s still worth it to climb.

Next Destination: From Koh Phi Phi a Bangkok

I spent two days in Koh Phi Phi and said goodbye to the islands. Time passes quickly when you travel around Thailand, I am trip was coming to an end. I returned to Bangkok by bus for about 500 baths (13 euros) and still had time to go to the J.J. Market, a huge flea market, to buy a few gifts and eat my last Pad Thai. If you still have time to continue travelling, my advice is from Phuket go to the Gulf of Thailand, to visit Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Before taking the flight home, I had time to think about my trip. It had been very different from the last one, neither better nor worse, different. When you travel alone, you miss your friends and don’t have as much fun as when you’re with them, but you also learn to do everything on your own. Make your own plans and wake up when you need to. You may not like to travel alone, but once in a lifetime, you have to. 

Die with memories, not dreams.