Phuket's Secret Beaches

Phuket's beaches are world-renowned and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the famous beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. So much so that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. They say Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island getaway. The beaches are too crowded. Sun loungers line the entire length of the beaches, sometimes in rows three or four deep. Jet skis, banana boats and parasail boats plough through the water while vendors ply their wares up and down the beach. They say Phuket is finished as an island getaway destination and only caters to the party crowd.

These people have not spent enough time exploring Phuket. There are more than 40 beaches around Phuket Island and there is something to suit all tastes. If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.

Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket's residents. These are Phuket's secret beaches.

Banana Beach

This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.

There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.

Pansea Beach

Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.

Pon Beach

This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.

There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach.

Paradise Beach

In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.

It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Freedom Beach

You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.

There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Nui Beach

This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.

It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.

Ao Sane Beach

This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club's car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.

It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.

Laemka Beach

This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.

Ao Yon Beach

Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.

It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.

Your Beach Holidays in India Has it All

If you are dreaming of a holiday with a combination of sun, sand, sea and surf, then go for the beach holidays in India. The beaches in India are hard to resist. Especially, the beach lovers and those who love water sport adventures must visit the exotic beaches in India.

The beach holidays in India offer you an unending choice. There are numerous beaches in almost every part of India including Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. What you, as a tourist, need to do is just take your pick and select a tour to one of the beautiful beaches like Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Calangute Beach, Kovalam Beach, Marina Beach and Juhu Beach.

Speaking of beach destinations in India, there are two names that click instantly- Goa and Kerala. But have you ever explored the unexplored? To know more about the country’s beaches embark on a tour to the shell beaches in India. The coastline of Andhra Pradesh is a shell collector's paradise. Vizag is another unspoilt beach destination. Rishikonda and the virgin beaches of Pondicherry is also a noteworthy pleasure and relaxation spot. Manglore's Taneerbhavi and Panambhoor, Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat, Malpe in Karnataka, Marwanthe beach and the beaches of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar has attracted beach lovers’ since time immemorial.

If you are planning to take your family along, then some of the best beach options include Marine Drive, Juhu and Chowpatty Beaches in Mumbai. Other options are Kovalam Beach in Kerala, Marine and Elliot's Beaches, Puri and Konark Beaches in Orissa, the Vishakhapatnam beaches, Gopalpur and Chandipur in Orissa.

The romantic beaches of India are often preferred by he honeymooners. If you want to spend some romantic moments with someone special, then choose from some of the most dreamy beach destinations in India. Some isolated beaches in India are located far away from the madding crowd. They are not over crowded by the tourists every year, yet they offer the best facilities possible. These least explored and unspoiled beaches include the beaches of Lakshadweep Islands, beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Serenity Beach in Pondicherry, Kovalam Beach in Kerala and Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Dona Paula, Bogmolo Beach and Polalem Beach in Goa. The beach resorts located near these beaches are perfect for the newly married couples.

Those exploring the great beaches in India must spend some time trying the water sports available there. Indian Beaches like Diu Beach, Beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, beaches of Lakshadweep Islands and Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Dona Paula in Goa are best at that. The Kovalam beach, Colva Beach and Covelong Beach are the sports lovers’ paradise. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, these serene beaches are ideal for the adventure freaks. Water sports activities offered here include sailing, Para sailing windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, fishing and water skiing.

Besides the pristine beauty and exotic locations, the beaches offer a wide range of entertainment. When you visit the Goa beaches, you will get to listen and tap your feet to the music of the guitarists and musicians playing at the Goan beachside. The beachside restaurants, nightclubs and casinos present in the major beachside entertainment areas of Goa will add to your excitement.