Phuket Beaches & Bays

Phuket's glory is its magnificent coastline. Beaches range from gentle crescents of white sand to rocky headlands. Counter-clockwise, from the island's northern tip, where the Sarasin Bridge connects with the mainland, the major beaches and bays are:

Mai Khao Beach or Airport Beach
This pine fringed stretch of sand is Phuket's longest beach. Each year, from November through to February, giant sea turtles struggle ashore to lay their eggs here.

Nai Yang Beach
This forms part of the Sirinat National Park, and is backed by casuarinas pines, as well as a mangrove forest. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for relaxation, picnics, swimming and snorkelling.

Pansea Bay & Surin Beach The two
The two scenic coves offer very picturesque settings, although dangerous undercurrents can make swimming unsafe.

Kamala Beach
Another fine stretch of sand. The northern end, which is partly shaded by casuarinas, is suitable for swimming.

Patong Beach
Phuket's most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3 km. crescent bay. In addition to its daytime attractions, Patong is also known for its vibrant nightlife, among which seafood restaurants prominently feature.

Nai Han Beach
The white sandy beach fronts a shallow lagoon between rocky headlands. Conditions for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing are all excellent.

Rawai Beach
The palm-fringed beach is best known for its village of "sea gypsies", formerly a nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent.

Chalong Bay
A location popular for its several restaurants serving some of Phuket's best seafood.

Phanwa Cape
The southern tip of the cape is the location of the Marine Biological Research Centre and Phuket's Aquarium, where visitors can see several hundred exotic and colourful marine species.

Phromthep Cape
This is a beautiful viewpoint of Phuket located about 2 km. from Rawai Beach. From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of palm trees. Visitors can walk to the end of the cape. On the right side, the beach of Nai Han can be seen. Phromthep Cape is one of the most beautiful places to see a sunset.