Each year, millions of people visit Phuket, Thailand, a world-famous tourist destination, to explore its beautiful beaches. Surrounding the island are beaches – around 30 in total – with varying sand textures and atmospheres. As a first-timer, how do you know which beaches to visit?
Top on most travel lists is Patong Beach, which tends to get overcrowded, especially during the busy season. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still be able to soak up the full beach experience, here are a couple of top-rated beaches to visit in Phuket:
Karon Beach
With white sand stretching 3 kilometres, Karon is one of the longest beaches in Phuket.
What to Do in Karon Beach, Phuket
Visitors will be amazed by the intricately decorated statues and edifices at Wat Karon, officially known as Wat Suwan Khiri Khet. This thriving temple complex, built in the late 1800s, is also home to a black Buddha statue, which is considered rare. After a visit to the temple, stroll through the temple market, open on Tuesdays and Fridays, for a taste of local food and products.
The Karon Beach naga statue at Khlong Bangla Park is a great photo opportunity to commemorate your visit. The silhouette of this giant mythical creature looks most dramatic during sunsets.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity and are up for a round of mini golf, the Jurassic-themed Dino Park Mini Golf lets you do an entire 18-hole course.
Volleyball enthusiasts will find kindred spirits at a spot on Karon Beach, where locals and tourists get together to play an exciting game of volleyball as the sun goes down.
Where to Stay in Karon beach?
Sugar Marina Resort ART is a boutique hotel near Karon Beach with stylish, modern interiors inspired by beloved and world-renowned artists. Compared to other hotels along Karon Beach, we offer budget-hotel rates with a boutique-hotel standard of accommodation. From stylish and comfortable rooms to our warm hospitality, our guests find that we provide the most value for their money.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is famous for its 1.5-km strip of golden sand and warm sea, often with turquoise, crystal-clear waters.
What to Do in Kata Beach?
Kata Beach is known for different watersports depending on the season. During the monsoon season from May to October, it’s a go-to place for surfers to enjoy the waves. When the sea is calm, Kata Beach fills up with luxurious yachts from all over the region. It hosts one of Asia’s premier sailing events in December, the King’s Cup Regatta.
Along the stretch of beach, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs to enjoy the sun and frolic in the sea. On the north end, there are spots to enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, and parasailing that can be enjoyed year-round. Meanwhile, towards the southern side of Kata Beach, you can find restaurants and street vendors as well as massage places and tattoo parlours.
Where to Stay in Kata Beach?
Just 220 metres from the beachfront, Sugar Marina Resort FASHION is our boutique hotel that offers modern and affordable rooms perfect for guests to rest and relax after a full day at the beach. Each room is styled after the world’s top fashion brands, successfully melding chic design and comfortable accommodation.
Kata Noi Beach
Next to Kata Beach is the smaller Kata Noi Beach, which is about 700 metres long. Although it’s one of the smaller beaches in Phuket, it’s still a great place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea with a lush jungle in the background.
What to Do in Kata Noi Beach?
Fun water activities are available here for thrill-seekers. Groups can try taking a banana boat ride, where a banana-shaped inflatable will be towed by a speed boat across the water – with its passengers hanging on with all their might. You can also try parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, or Hobie cat sailing.
The south end of the beach has some coral reefs, which make for excellent snorkelling.
Where to Stay in Kata Noi Beach?
The Sugar Marina Resorts NAUTICAL is a charming boutique hotel conveniently located near Kata Noi Beach, which offers comfortable accommodations and excellent service. The maritime-inspired design throughout the hotel, from the facade to the fully appointed rooms, makes one’s stay a memorable experience in itself.
Nai Yang Beach
The area has many trees to provide shade, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the beach. The shallow water makes it a good spot for swimming, especially for those with kids, while a beautiful coral reef makes it great for snorkelling.
Restaurants and bars dot the length of the beach so you can enjoy local food and drinks with a refreshing breeze from the sea.
Nai Yang Beach is next to Sirinat National Park, where you can have a picnic or a nature walk through the forest. It is also very near Mai Khao Beach, which is right beside Phuket Airport.
Where to Stay in Nai Yang Beach?
Located between Phuket Airport and Nai Yang Beach, Sugar Marina AVIATOR hotel is near Nai Yang Beach in Phuket is the ideal place if you want to be close to the airport yet still want to enjoy the beach. Our 108 rooms are complete with modern furnishings and amenities, providing stylish comfort to guests.
Whether you’re a first-timer or returning to Phuket, make sure that you stay near your favourite beach spots by booking a room at a Sugar Marina Resort hotel. We’ll ensure your accommodations offer the best value in terms of comfort and service as you explore Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.
