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Attractions |
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Bangthao Beach
 Bangthao is a large
open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. It was once used for tin mining, but has
since been developed into a luxury resort. Most of it is occupied by the Laguna complex, a
massive five-hotel development with golf course. There are, however, accommodations
available outside Laguna at the bay's south end. Dry season swimming is excellent, and at
the bay's north end is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is
some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities
available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale. The beach is located off Sri Sunthon Rd., in Choeng Thale. As for
access to Laguna; the south end of the bay may be approached by taking the road north from
Surin Beach. To get to the far north end from Sri Sunthon Rd., take the road leading to
Laguna, but do not enter, continue on to the town of Bandon where there is an intersection
of asphalted roads, and take the one leading west toward the sea. This road leads also to
Nai Thon Bay and makes a very pleasant drive. Along the way are some small bays with good
swimming and no development.
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Kalim Beach
This beach is really a continuation north of Patong's strand, from which it is separated
by some rocks. It is not yet developed and thus affords some privacy. At the back of the
beach are accommodations. The waters contain extensive coral reefs |
Kamala Beach
 Kamala is a Muslim
fishing village north of Patong. Tourist development on the beach much of which is covered
by a Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in coming. Buffalo herds still
come down to the beach to cool off in the afternoon. The beach is beautiful and about 2
kms. in length. There are accommodations ranging from guesthouse to international class,
and a number of small Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist. Kamala is
the perfect place to get away from it all and has little to offer in the way of
entertainment for that go across the mountains to Patong. Regular bus service to and from
Phuket Town during daytime; tuk-tuk service available to Patong, 5 kms. away on the new
road. |
Karon Beach
 The second largest
of Phuket's principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the
beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white,
and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching
toward Kata and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel
businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little
road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon
has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the
most up-scale of Phuket's beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.
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Kata Beach
The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist
beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself
is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low–rise. The waters are
perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and
fishes which stretches out toward Poo Island., about 1/2 km off shore. Facilities for
every price range include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs.
There is regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Kata
Noi Beach
South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few
hotels and little other development. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit the rocks and
corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south. To get there take the narrow beach
road up over the hill from Kata.
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Mai Khao Beach
Many kilometers of deserted beach characterize Mai Khao where there is little tourist
business. The water is fine for swimming during the dry season; the rainy season brings
big waves and strong currents that are dangerous. This lonely beach is another area where
sea turtles come to lay eggs. It is also home to what the Thais call a sea cicada, which
is a form of marine life. To get there go to the northern tip of Phuket; the beach lies
along the road's length. |
Nai Thon Beach
This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of the sand. There are
some accommodations but virtually no other business. Located between Bang Thao Bay and Nai
Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach can be reachd by taking Thep Krasatri Rd. Turn at the first
traffic light north of Thalang Town to Nai Yang Rd. Look for signs indicating the turn-off
to Nai Ton. |
Nai Yang Beach
This is where the National Park office is located. The beach itself is on a long curving
bay lined with evergreens that provide shade to picnicker. The large coral reef is home to
many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles
come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; the population of
these has however, dropped off greatly. First class accommodations are available and small
food vendors cater to the many day trippers. To get there take the Nai Yang Rd., and look
for signs indicating the park entrance. |
Patong Beach
 This is Phuket's
central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the years, Patong has turned
from a fishing village into one of the island's two cities. The famous bay and 4 km. beach
is know as a centre of entertainment with restaurants catering to every nationality. Live
music can be found in most pubs and bars. Accommodations range from budget to five-star.
Shopping opportunities appear to be endless. In addition, there are many tour companies
waiting to help visitors plan their vacations. Some of the options available are listed
below. |
Sai Kaew Beach
This strip of sand is just the north portion of Mai Khao Beach and has much the same
character. Located west of the bridges spanning the channel between Phuket and Phang Nga
provinces. |
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Sing Cape
The name means Lion's Point in English. The beach is in a small, curving bay with rocky
headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs and is among Phuket's most beautiful spots.
Located about 1 km. south of the entrance to Surin Beach. Look for signs indicating the
path down to the beach. |
Surin Beach
Evergreen trees rim this small, curving bay beneath the foothills north of Kamala. Surin
is home to Phuket's first golf course, a nine-hole course laid out more than sixty years
ago during the reign of King Rama VII. It is now largely in disuse except as a park. The
steep incline of the beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin a dangerous place to
swim during the rainy season. Located at the end of Sri Sunthon Rd., the road running west
from the Two Heroines Monument, 24 kms. from Phuket Town. Accommodations and restaurants
are nearby. |
Nai Harn Beach
 A popular swimming
beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike
it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from
Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape. Rawai Beach
Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village,
many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats
to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of
Chalong Circle.
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Chalong Bay
Chalong Bay, 11 kms. from Phuket town has a beach with
several restaurants selling some of Phuket's best seafood.
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Sabana Resort
Sea Sun Sand Resort
Patong Swiss Quantum
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