Beaches in Phuket are all guaranteed of their scenic beauty and its finest white sand. If they are different from one another, it is just because of the natural setting and degree of development. On each beach, facilities and accommodations are always available. These are main beaches in Phuket you should never miss:

Patong Beach, the liveliest and most popular, considered as Pattaya of Phuket. From day to night, the pace of colorful life never stops. Patong has all possible facilities: banks, police, post office, travel agencies, international phones, tourist police, car and motorcycle rentals, and scuba diving shops. Please note that Patong is a beach for parties and a good time, if you would like to find the solitude, there are many other choices elsewhere.

Surin Beach is a series of small coves and private beaches with the casuarina pine trees lying by the beach access, allowing then a good place for picnics under the pines shadow along the beach. Also, the basic activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing are unforgettable.

Rawai Beach is one of the ideal places for those who prefer solitude. The Rawai area is famous for the Promthep Cape viewpoint where a Gypsy village is also situated. The snorkeling on the reefs off shore is recommended as well.

Kata Beach, located in further southwards. Kata is different from Patong and Karon in appearance; the beach is broad and curving; the waters are great for swimming. In the northern end, there is a fantastic coral reef with varied corals and fish stretching out toward Poo Island, about ½ km. from shore.
Nearby, situate the Kata's Beach cousins, Kata Noi and Kata Yai. The beaches are superb and quiet. A visit to the coral reefs is recommended.

Karon Beach, one of the largest dominant tourist beaches, situated only 10 minutes from Patong Beach. The sand is very white and unspoiled, and there's a good coral reef for snorkeling in the south point.

Kamala Beach, located in the north of Patong, is another good place for isolation. With quiet atmosphere, warm and crystal clear waters as well as the striking scenic panorama, you will forget the busy world behind. Since it is the place where the Muslim fishing village is grouped, you can appreciate the lifestyle of local people; they still keep their simple pace of life by earning their life fishing. Moreover, there are coral reefs for snorkeling just a few meters offshore.

There are other beaches of which their beauty is second to none. Namely, they are Airport Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Lam Singh Beach, Nai Harn Beach, and Nai Yang Beach, waiting for you to discover.

Islands around Phuket

Phuket is not only the largest and the most attractive island by itself but is surrounded by other fascinating islands nearby. These are:-

Phi Phi Islands are divided into two islets, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le, located in the area of a national park, 34 km southeast of Phuket. It is famous for its magnificent beauty; the water is turquoise blue clear with white wonderful sand. Its virgin nature and its tranquil environment always attract hundreds of visitors a day. On Phi Phi Don Island, the larger of the two, you can appreciate the incredibly picturesque panorama with the idyllic tropical beaches lining its southern and eastern shores.

On Phi Phi Le Island, you can enjoy your snorkeling above the coral reef offshore. Diving activity is also recommended. Here is Thailand's newest diving attraction, the King Cruiser wreck that sank one year ago. Above water, you can see a spectacular scene created by the nature itself; there are a few caves and a sea lake formed by a clef between the two cliffs that allows water to enter into a bowl-shaped canyon wherein several nice beaches are shaped.

Recently, the island received the worldwide attention when Leonardo DiCaprio arrived to film portions "The Beach" on Maya Bay and aroused an objection against filming by the environmentalists

The overnight stay is also possible for there are many bungalows, too. < Find Hotels Discount Rates of Phi Phi Hotels >

Similan Island, considered as one of Asia's top diving destination, located 95 km northwest from Phuket. The word "Similan" is derived from the Malay sembilan that means "nine" because the Similan Island is composed of nine islets.

The Similans' highlight can be found in both above and below waters. On the land, you will experience the finest white sandy beaches and its rich and dense forest where the home of little wild animals is; whereas under the water, you will venture into another realm with all sorts of marine creatures and flourishing coral reefs. Therefore, snorkeling and diving are the activities that you should not miss.

Apart from diving and snorkeling activities, sailing by yacht is becoming more popular due to the scenic mooring of Similan Island in the high season (November-May and December-Febuary)

You can reach Similan Island from Phuket in 3 -5 hours, Thap Lamu in 3 hours, Khao Lak in 3 hours or Ban Hin Lak in 5 hour. A less expensive option is taking a national park service boats departing from Thap Lamu, a fishing port.

The Coral Island, called also Hey Island is well known for its coral reef that is often referred to simply as Coral Island. Aside from formidable reefs, there are also two fine beaches on the north and west. It is a good place for all sorts of activities. For getting there, there are boats leaving from Rawai Beach.

Racha Island lies in the south of Phuket and is consisted of two islets, Racha Yai Island, and Racha Noi Island. This island has the reputation for its exceptionally clear water, especially on Racha Noi Island where the waters are emerald green. In addition, the charm of the coral reef is so great that makes the island one of the most popular diving destinations.

To get there, contact a charter boat on Rawai Beach, or consult with the travel agent for details of package tours.

Mai Ton Island is the tiny island off Phuket's southeast coast, prized for its still perfect natural environment; fine white beaches and crystalline water. It is the perfect place for swimming, diving, fishing, and especially, for those who love solitude. If you would not like to stay overnight there, there is a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port.

Rang Yai Island is the island of adventurous activities like kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, trekking, and more; associated with its remarkable beauty, quiet area and lovely beach. It is absolutely worth visiting.