Looking for secret beaches in Phuket? Don’t merely focus on the beaches that feature on every other first-page travel listing. There is another – much more subtle – side to Phuket; small coves, extended long beaches, rugged coastlines, tranquil nooks, and crannies that make the most popular corners of the island seem worlds apart.
Of course, the word “secret” is relative. Some of these beaches are now common knowledge to those travelers who are adventurous in seeking out places less traveled. But these beaches still seem like a welcome alternative to Patong and other overly popular beaches.
Discover eight secluded beaches in Phuket and other quieter places along the coast.
Why Explore the Secret Beaches in Phuket?
There’s something magical about discovering a serene stretch of coast after being in the thick of popular tourist spots. It doesn’t have to be a pristine and deserted beach. All you need is enough room to rest in the shade of a tree, walk barefoot on the sand or take in the sea in peace.
The hidden beaches in Phuket also allow you to get to know more of the island. Some of them are surrounded by lush greenery and others are nestled between sandstone hills while some give you an awesome vantage point to the Andaman Sea.
For that elusive kind of Phuket beach holiday filled with everything but sunbeds and beach clubs, make sure to add these to the list.
1. Banana Beach – A Small Beach Nestled in Nature
You could be driving straight past Banana Beach and never know what is just around the corner!
Sandy Bay Located on the north-west coast of Phuket, this tiny bay with trees and natural greenery on the perimeter is a hidden beach. The access to the beach is a little difficult but this could be also considered its attraction.
When you arrive there is an idyllic setting away from the main road. The water can be rather clear in good conditions and with the rocky areas it can be interesting for snorkeling in Phuket.
There are no amenities, so pack water to drink and whatever else you might require. For a tranquil beach in Phuket, where the surroundings are just as important as the sand, an ideal place to visit is Banana Beach.
2. Freedom Beach – Peace Near Patong
From the moment you step into freedom beach you can’t help thinking it is a contradiction. It is minutes from the bustling Patong but can feel like a completely different island.
The beach is surrounded by leafy slopes and the sands are soft and the water is crystal clear. This beach has really gotten more popular over the years so if you are traveling during peak seasons it’s no longer a real secret. However, it is still one of the best quiet beaches in Phuket.
Get there early if possible. The morning sun on the water and the fact you will likely get some beach time before the masses arrive makes it worth getting there early.
3. Ea Nii Beach – A Small Beach With Lots of Flavour
Don’t dismiss this place just because it’s tiny.
Situated in the southern part of the island, this small cove nestles between rocky cliffs and lush green hills. It tends to have a slightly more personal feel to it than some of the other beaches and scenic surroundings make it well worth a visit even if you’re not planning on hanging out all day.
The clear water around the rocks is great for snorkelling when the sea is calm. You might also want to visit another place around southern Phuket with Ya Nui, such as viewpoints or other beaches.
Ya Nui is the best of the secret beaches of Phuket for those of you who love to explore little, beautiful nooks and crannies instead of wasting your time on a beach at a big resort.
4. Bangtao Beach – See the Hidden Beach When Feeling Lazy
Bangtao might appear as a very strange choice for inclusion in the list of secret beaches in Phuket, but that’s precisely the reason why this beach belongs in this list.
The beach is very long and each kilometer is quite different in terms of ambiance.
Moving from the crowded parts of the beach in its southern side toward its northern end close to Layan Beach results in much quieter surroundings.
You’ll have more space to walk around, sit and enjoy your book, and generally just relax. This place is not really about discovering some hidden cove but rather about finding yourself a secluded spot.
This way you have the option of having a beach day in relative peace while still enjoying all the amenities available in the vicinity.
In case you want to do something else during your beach day than just relax, you might also consider booking a James Bond island private speedboat tour from Phuket.
5. Naithon Beach – A Lazier Day on the NW Coast of Phuket
Naithon is a lesser-known beach in Phuket that will likely become your new obsession after setting eyes on it.
It’s located on the northwest coast, a bit away from the most popular tourist hubs on the island. The beach is bordered by trees and hills, so it feels quite wild without being totally isolated.
During a tranquil day, you’ll be able to sit, walk and swim on the sand while stopping for a bite to eat all within close proximity. There’s no reason to keep yourself busy.
For those times when your conception of a beach getaway entails nothing more than lounging all day, Naithon is right up your alley.
6. Laem Singh Beach – A Hidden Gem of a Cove
Between Kamala and Surin is Laem Singh, a pretty little bend of the Phuket coastline.
The sandy cove is enclosed by green hills, making it look like a beach cove that has been transported from elsewhere on the island. It is a little more familiar now than it once was, but is still evocative.
As access arrangements are subject to change, please verify the status before a dedicated journey.
If you’re someone who would like to explore the Phuket hidden beaches, then Laem Singh is at least worth getting to see for its view.
7. Nai Harn Beach – Easygoing Southern Relaxation
In fact, Nai Harn no longer qualifies as an undiscovered beach, but its tone is still noticeably different to the more commercial coastal areas of Phuket.
The broad bay is set in a lush hilly area and the whole area surrounding the beach makes for a lovely tropical atmosphere. It is also well situated to make excursions around southern Phuket.
Nai Harn is conveniently located in the middle of a whole day of beach hopping around Phuket, with stops at other viewpoints and lesser-known beaches nearby.
The sea is one of those things to remember about. There is more weather in the monsoon season and weather out is quite different from in – the monsoon season can be quite rough, especially on the exposed beaches of the west coast. Watch the flags.
8. Mai Khao Beach – A Beach With a View You Won’t Forget
Unlike the other secret beaches in Phuket, it has got a lot more to offer than just a beach.
This beach on the north side of the island, near Phuket International Airport, is known for planes flying overhead when the airport is in use. There are few better travel memories than catching an airplane as it flies into view over the ocean and palm trees.
When you are not in the plane viewing areas, that also makes Mai Khao a good place to walk along the sand, as it is one of the more deserted and roomier tropical beaches in Phuket, certainly more so than the smaller south bays.
Stay until late afternoon if you can. The changing light around sunset adds another reason to linger.
If you want to keep exploring the quieter side of the region after Mai Khao, a luxury catamaran charter Phuket with lunch can be another relaxed way to spend time on the Andaman Sea.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Secret Beaches in Phuket?
The best period of the year to enjoy secret beaches in Phuket also depends on your intentions.
November to April offers more favorable beach conditions, even though it is one of the high seasons. During the months between May and October, southwest monsoon influences the beaches’ conditions, and it is particularly noticeable on the west coast of Phuket.
Regardless of the month you decide to spend your days on the beaches, always look at the water before you jump into it – a beach that looks calm when you’re standing on its surface can turn out to have strong currents.
For less crowded beach days, morning hours work great. You will feel fresh air, will be able to take beautiful pictures, and there won’t be too many people around.
Make Your Phuket Beach Day Unique
There is one more thing about these secret beaches in Phuket: you don’t need to hurry anywhere!
Always remember to take some water with you, use sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes. Many secret beaches are smaller and lack proper facilities, so always plan your beach days properly. The most important thing is to leave beaches clean and untouched by any human impact.
If you want to explore beyond the usual tourist trail, Be Your Guides can help you build a more personalised Phuket experience around the places you actually want to see.
Find Your Own Favourite Among Phuket’s Hidden Beaches
There is also no one sort of beach to be found here. Banana Beach is secluded; Freedom Beach is just outside of Patong; Ya Nui is a smaller beach; and Bangtao is perfect for those looking for space.
Naithon and Laem Singh are both picturesque beaches; Nai Harn is great for relaxing by the seaside during a lazy day in the south; Mai Khao is famous for the airplanes flying above the beach.
This is what makes discovering secret beaches in Phuket so exciting. It is not about finding the beaches that have never been visited. You need to find the place in Phuket that fits you perfectly.
Be Your Guides can make sure that your trip to Thailand is memorable not only because of typical tours and sightseeing. If you are visiting Phuket, you can combine a beach holiday with an early bird Phi Phi island tour from Phuket private, a day at sea with a Phuket private boat tour to avoid crowds, or take a private speedboat charter Phuket to Phi Phi Islands.