Photo by Simon Gurney
© All Rights Reserved
If you're looking for a holiday with world class beaches and sizzling night-life that doesn’t break your wallet, then Phuket is definitely the place to head.
Thailand has been called the land of smiles because, as the Thai’s say, "If it’s not fun, why do it?
With this simple insight, they have turned Phuket's beaches into one of the best resort destinations in the world. Just off Thailand‘s coast, this once sleepy island entertains legions of travelers each year. Yet many of its beaches are yet to be developed. By any measure this is beach-lizard nirvana.
Patong's the Phuket beach for action. It has great restaurants, endless shopping and the best night-life on the island. This is an every man's and every woman's holiday spa. You won’t find any stuffed shirts lazing along this stretch of bun-baking sand, Buster. This golden strand’s dedicated to all the working stiffs in the world who slug it out year after year at some mind numbing job so they can enjoy a few contented days and raucously delightful nights without any cares or concerns. And do they ever!
However, for those of you who prefer your holiday delights in a more sedate setting, just move south to Karon or Kata beaches. Karon is such a pristine strip of pure sand that you may question your eyes the first time you see it. Kata, another blissfully soft crescent backed by shade trees, is the place to get a relaxing massage or chat with locals who are also fond of this beach.
For even more laid-back spots with the same natural beauty, head north along the coast to any one of a string of superb Phuket beaches, including: Kamala, Surin, Mai Kao, Nai Thon or Nai Yang. For a picture perfect little beach, try Laem Singh just north of Kamala. Or if you arrived by private jet, jauntily clad in your Goldmember jacket, then head to Bangtao for some self indulgent luxury.
But regardless of who you are, how you arrived or where you stay, you’re likely to go home with the best tan and best memories of any vacation you’ve ever had. And you'll likely save money, even including airfare.
Photo © Paul Buceta - Fotolia.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Asia | Thailand | December - April | |||||
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Mai Kao, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| Right near the airport and part of a national park. One of the least developed Phuket beaches, though you can camp on it. It's the Marriott...or the tent. Nearby Accoms: Marriott, Banyan Tree, Dusit Laguna.
Photo by Michael Zimmel © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Kamala, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| Fairly quiet, perhaps because it's a retiree community. Doesn't mean you can't have fun limbo-ing your lumbago away!
Nearby Accoms: Aquamarine, Bay Garden, Kamala Beach. Photo by William & Yvette Irving © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Karon, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| One of the nicest Phuket beaches. Easy access and relaxed, especially the middle. Some watersports. Nearby Accoms: Best Western, Hilton, Karon Cafe & Inn, Thavorn Photo by Luke Green © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Kata, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| Backed most of its length by Club Med on the far side of a quiet tree-lined lane.
Plenty of watersports and lot's of loungers for us sun-lizards. Nearby Accoms: Club Med, Kata Beach, Orchidacea, Peach Hill. Photo by Paul Francis © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Laem Singh, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| Tucked in between two forested headlands creating a very beautiful intimate beach. No hotels here.
Nearby Accoms: Aquamarine, Bay Garden, Bay Terrace, Kamala Beach. Photo by Jonathan Smith © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Kata Noi, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| The next bay over from Kata and just a wee bit smaller and less active. Great for those who like their beaches blissfully relaxed. Nearby Accoms: Katathani, Villa Royale. Photo by Irene Yan © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Nai Thon, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| Not much development here either. At southern end of the national park.
Nearby Accoms: Andaman White, Crown, Pearl Village, Phuket Naithon. Photo by Stephen Turvey © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Nai Yang, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| A crescent beach with shade trees backing it. Not much activity in the area. Kick back and chill.
Nearby Accoms: Crown Nai Yang, Nai Yang Beach, Pearl Village. Photo by Stephen Turvey © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Patong, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| This is Phuket's party beach, but in a very laid-back way. Plenty of restaurants, hotels and bars.
Nearby Accoms: Amari Coral, Andaman Beach, Club Andaman, Le Meridien, etc. Photo by Devin Kho © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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Surin, Phuket | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
![]() | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| A beautiflul peaceful beach with nice shade trees. Might be the next exclusive resort area.
Nearby Accoms: Surin Beach Resort, Treetops, Arasia, Twinpalms. Photo by Brian Goodwin © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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