Which beach suits you
| Beach | Atmosphere | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Kata | Soft sand, waves, restaurants on foot | Families, first-timers; see Kata Beach |
| Karon | Very long beach, calmer than Patong | Couples and families; see Karon Beach |
| Kamala | Quiet village, smaller beach | Calm, longer stays; see Kamala Beach |
| Bang Tao | Long beach, big resorts, beach clubs | Resorts, well-off families; see Bang Tao Beach |
| Surin | Small chic beach, restaurants | Couples; see Surin Beach |
| Nai Harn | South, beautiful bay, more remote | Calm, long rentals; see Nai Harn Beach |
| Patong | Lively, noisy at night | Partying, everything on foot; see Patong Beach |
What to check before booking
- Really on the beach? Some "seafront" hotels are across a road: look at the map and travellers' photos.
- Season: on the west coast, red flags and rip currents are common from May to October; a pool then matters more than the sea. See the best time to visit Phuket.
- Noise: a hotel next to a beach bar or in Patong can be noisy at night.
- Private beach? In Thailand beaches are public: a hotel does not sell the sand, but access, sunbeds and quiet.
North of the island
For quick airport access, Mai Khao and Nai Yang have long calm beaches, but little evening life.
FAQ
Which is the best beach for a family hotel?
Kata, Nai Yang or Karon, for services on foot and a wide beach.
Can you swim all year?
Not always on the west coast: from May to October, respect the red flags.
Is a seafront hotel more expensive?
Often yes; compare with a hotel 5 minutes' walk away, which has the same beach for less.
