Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and we often forget how big it can be at times. Going to the same beaches over and over however can get tiring at times. But there are tons of beaches on Phuket that aren’t overcrowded or over-developed in their competition for tourists and remain largely unknown. These can be perfect if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary or simply want to escape some of the hustle and bustle of more popular spots. Here are seven secret Phuket beaches you should know about.
Mai Khao
Mai Khao stands out as the longest beach in Phuket. Its long sandy shore features a mix of developed areas and spots that look like it has been untouched. And there are plenty of great hotels in Mai Khao Beach Phuket that rival some of the biggest tourist spots on the island. You could walk for an hour here and only run into a few local fishermen in the secluded spots. That is because it is a national park with only a few resorts and beachfront properties. This, in turn, explains why Mai Khao is free of the crowds you find on many other Phuket beaches.
Banana Beach
The western shore is the busiest on Phuket. Banana Beach is located on the northwestern side of the island. Because it is only accessible via a steep roadside path, it has hardly been developed. That means there are few tourists here. You could swim in the clear water, go snorkeling, enjoy the natural beauty, and spread out on the beach.
Bangtao Beach
If Banana Beach is too remote for you, drop by Bangtao Beach instead. The northern end of this beach is quiet and almost untouched. This six-kilometer beach offers wonderful open sand and clear water most of the year.
Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is a secret beach not very far from Patong Beach. You can reach it via a long tail boat from Patong Beach. That extra effort and expense keep many tourists away, explaining why it is relatively undeveloped and never crowded. However, you can reach Freedom Beach via a scooter ride and dirt roads, too. You’ll have to pay to park the scooter and walk the rest of the way.
Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane actually consists of three small beaches. The hulking boulders and rough sand deter tourists who just want to lounge on a perfect sand beach. What attracts visitors here is the amazing snorkeling. That helps explain why it is a popular yacht mooring spot. This somewhat developed beach has a restaurant, toilets, and shower facilities.
Ao Yon Beach
Ao Yon beach is an amazing beach that feels like a bit of preserved history. There are oyster growing rafts maintained by an authentic beachside village. This area attracts locals who picnic there on weekends, but it is almost empty except for locals during the week.
Panwa Beach / Khao Kad Beach
This beach is a short distance from Phuket Town, but it has managed to remain almost undeveloped despite the urbanization in the surrounding area. This beach has rough sand and shallow water, but the views across Chalong Bay and Lone Island are amazing.
Conclusion
We sought to provide a list of secret beaches that have something for everyone, whether you want to lounge on the beach or engage in water sports. Give any of these beaches a try if you want to discover another side of this beautiful island.