Phuket pairs lush mountains and jungle with the sparkling Andaman Sea. Explore ancient sites, traditional villages and lively markets, or spot wildlife among the island’s tropical forests.
The real show-stopper though, is the beaches. Home to some of the most popular white sands and crystal waters in Thailand, enjoy everything from sunbathing, swimming, surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Mai Khao Beach — Phuket’s northern tip
Phuket’s longest beach feels wonderfully removed from the island’s busier resorts, with wide sands, casuarina trees and the green edge of Sirinat National Park.
Meliá Phuket Mai Khao
On Phuket’s quieter northern coast, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao sits beside Mai Khao Beach, a long stretch of sand where sea turtles still nest. Its private pool villas, 52-metre swimming pool and YHI Spa make it easy to settle into a slower rhythm, while beach yoga and Thai cooking classes offer a taste of island life. It’s a peaceful base close to the airport, around 15 kilometres away.
Bangtao Beach — north-west Phuket
This sweeping west-coast beach pairs a long stretch of sand with the easygoing resort life of Phuket’s Laguna area.
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
On Phuket’s north-west coast, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket sits right on Bangtao Beach, where the Andaman Sea meets a sweep of white sand. Spend the day between the shore and the resort’s lush gardens, then watch the sky turn gold over the water from Casuarina Beach Club.
Sunwing Bangtao Beach
Further south along Phuket’s west coast, Sunwing Bangtao Beach opens directly onto Bangtao Beach, one of the island’s long, sandy bays. This self-contained resort is designed with families in mind, with activities and entertainment for children alongside restaurants and space to relax by the sea. Phuket International Airport is about a 25-minute drive away.
Kamala Bay — Phuket’s west coast
Just north of Patong, Kamala has a relaxed village feel, while quieter Rayee Beach curves around the bay’s southern end, with a house reef close to shore.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
At the southern end of Kamala Bay, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort sits on a hillside overlooking the water. The resort’s shoreline is at Rayee Beach, where a house reef draws snorkellers; Kamala Beach and its restaurants are nearby, while Patong’s shops and nightlife are around a 10-minute drive away. Back at the resort, families can make time for the kids’ club, ocean-view infinity pool and marine-life activities.
Kata Noi and Nai Harn — Phuket’s southwest
South of Patong, Kata Noi tucks into a small bay; further down the coast, Nai Harn curves beneath green hills near the island’s southern tip.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Situated on stunning Kata Noi Bay, with its soft, white sand and deep blue ocean teeming with colourful sea life, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is certainly an idyllic paradise. This hugely popular resort is ideal for those wanting to experience a secluded retreat without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is built for water-based fun, with 850 metres of glorious beach, six beautifully designed pools, four children’s pools, three hot tubs and two water springs.
One of the highlights is the unique E-Surf experience, the only one of its kind in Phuket. The electric-powered surfboard is similar to using a wakeboard but doesn’t require extra equipment.
The Nai Harn
The location of this resort is what makes it so popular. Nestled on the side of a mountain thriving with lush green foliage, the resort’s frontage is the glorious Nai Harn Bay, which offers a truly breathtaking view.
The luxury resort is steeped in modernity, while also retaining its traditional tropical charm. Whether you opt for a sea-view or mountain-view suite, you’ll enjoy beautiful minimalist décor, innovative technology and luxury touches fit for royalty. Choose from three exclusive open-architecture dining experiences and then mingle with fellow guests at the ocean-view rooftop lounge.
Cape Panwa and Makham Bay — Phuket’s southeast
Across the island from the west-coast bustle, Cape Panwa looks out over the quieter waters of Makham Bay, with Phuket Town nearby.
Amatara Wellness Resort
If the stresses of life have left you feeling frazzled, there’s no better place to be than the ultra-luxurious Amatara Wellness Resort. With vistas of the sparkling Andaman Sea on Phuket’s Cape Panwa, this wellness resort will leave you rejuvenated and teach you how to keep feeling that way after you leave. Join the organised wellness activities or take advantage of the resort’s spectacular features at your own pace.
Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort
Also on Cape Panwa, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort sits on the shore of Makham Bay, close to Phuket Town and removed from the busier west coast. Its beachfront setting brings the Andaman Sea to the fore, while the resort’s Marine Walk activities reveal the small sea creatures that emerge across the bay’s tidal flats. Choose from contemporary rooms, suites and private-pool villas, then settle in for Southern Thai dishes at Tamarind.
Coconut Island — just off Phuket’s east coast
A short boat ride from Phuket’s east coast, Koh Maphrao swaps the mainland’s pace for sandy shores, tropical greenery and a more secluded island feel.
Island Escape by Burasari
Nothing encompasses the feeling of a ‘tropical beach resort’ like an actual island escape. The gorgeous Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) is home to Island Escape by Burasari – a modern, welcoming resort nestled in a secluded paradise. This resort is perfect for families, as it offers child-friendly features alongside serene, adults-only areas.
Its four zones each have their own mood: beachfront villas in Ocean, lagoon views and overwater hammocks in Lagoon, waterslides and poolside villas in Swim, and treehouses, climbing walls and a kids’ water world in Play.
Discover Phuket
Looking for more Thailand inspiration? Check out The Best Beach Clubs in Thailand.
