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
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. Every year, Hat Mai Khao organises a “doen tao” festival in which the locals join hands in cleaning up the beach and taking care of the turtle’s eggs. Visitors who seek tranquility would enjoy a cluster of deluxe resorts available here.
Nai Yang
This forms part of the Sirinat National Park and is backed by casuarina pines, as well as a mangrove forest. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for relaxation, picnics, swimming and snorkelling.
Pansea & Surin
The two scenic coves offer very picturesque settings although dangerous undercurrents can make swimming unsafe.
Laem Sing
One end of Hat Laem Sing is connected to Hat Surin, whereas the other end is only 5 minutes walking distance from Hat Kamala. Even though it is dotted with rocks, this beach is popular amongst the foreign tourists for its beautiful white sandy beach and crystal clear water.
Kamala
This is another fine stretch of sandy beach where the northern end is suitable for swimming and is partly shaded by casuarinas.
Patong
Phuket’s most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping, and recreational options along its 3 kms. crescent bay. In addition to its daytime attractions, Patong is also known for its vibrant nightlife and prominent seafood restaurants.
Karon & Kata
Both beaches are impressive, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, and sunbathing.
Nai Han
This white sandy beach fronts a shallow lagoon between rocky headlands. Conditions for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing are all excellent.
Rawai
The palm-fringed beach is best known for its village of “Sea Gypsies”, formerly a nomadic fishing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent as well as a place where you can find fresh seafood.
Ao Chalong
A location popular for its several restaurants serving some of Phuket’s best seafood, Ao Chalong is also the largest port of Phuket that takes visitors to several nearby islands including Phi Phi Island.
Laem Phanwa
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.
Sirinat National Park
The Park, located near Phuket International Airport along Routes No. 402 and 4026, some 30 kms., occupies a total area of 90 sq. kms. and has an uninterrupted 13 kms. long stretch of beaches namely, Hat Nai Thon, Hat
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