Discover Phuket – Thailand’s most popular resort island and one of the country's top honeymoon destinations.
Blessed with long sandy beaches, tranquil bays, lush inland forests and a reputation for some of the finest seafood in the country, Phuket offers all the ingredients you need for your honeymoon, including a host of and sightseeing attractions.
Phuket is blessed with long, sandy beaches that are perfect for a relaxing honeymoon or romantic getaway. Here’s a selection of the best beaches in Phuket, from the most popular to the secluded…
Located on Phuket’s western coast, Kata Beach is one of Phuket’s finest beaches due to its natural beauty, lots of beach activities and good facilities, making it perfect for active honeymoon couples.
Pick your own spot to unwind on this 1.5km-long broad curve of soft white sand that shelves into a protected bay of calm, crystal-clear water. Relax on a sunbed or rejuvenate with a Thai massage in the shade of the palm trees that fringe the beach’s edge.
Read more about Kata Beach and find beach hotels…
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this 4km-long squeaky-clean, white-sand beach.
A choice of hillside resorts sit close to the beach with magnificent views overlooking the bay.
During the day you can choose from several water activities including sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, jetskiing and parasailing. Banana boats and waterskiing are also available.
Dive and snorkel the coral reef at the southern end of the beach then cool-off with a cold drink at a choice of bars and restaurants at the northern end of the beach.
Read more about Karon Beach and find beach hotels…
Pick your own spot to unwind on this pristine 1.5km-long golden-sand beach located just north of Patong Beach.
The beach shelves into the calm waves of a pretty bay that is perfect for swimming from November to April.
The northern end of the beach offers good snorkelling and larger waves for surfing. Or you can shooce to go jetskiing or parasailing. Sunbeds are available from the beachfront hotels or local vendors.
Read more about Kamala Beach and find beach hotels…
Known as ‘Millionaires Row’ due to the luxury resorts based there, as well as the million dollar homes that sit atop hills overlooking the Andaman Sea.
Surin Beach offers a pristine golden-sand beach that is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking during the high season from November to April.
Some good snorkeling can be found among the rocks at the north and south ends of the beach; equipment can be rented on the beach.
Read more about Surin Beach and find beach hotels…
Phuket’s famous – some would say infamous – 2km-long stretch of golden sand offers a wide variety of daytime activities and a bustling nightlife – the ideal place to party.
During the day choose from sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing and parasailing. Banana boats and water-skiing are also available.
For good snorkelling, head to the rocks at the northern end of the beach; equipment can be hired on the beach. Surfing is also best at the north end, with waves up to a metre and a half with a beach break.
Read more about Patong Beach and find beach hotels…
This stunningly beautiful 150 metre-long beach is fringed with shade-provding palm and tropical almond trees. The beach provides year-round safe swimming with great snorkelling above a coral reef some 100 metres out. The beach is linked to another small beach by a path through the rocks.
Paradise Beach features the Paradise Beach Club Phuket, a well-developed party spot featuring shops, restaurants, activities and Koh Phangan-style beach parties.
The Full Moon Festival at Paradise Beach is Phuket’s biggest beach party. Modelled after the successful Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, Phuket’s version of the all night beach party is a more upscale affair and is well organised.
Tickets can be bought at all travel agencies or online, and for around 1,000 Baht you get entrance and a free cocktail. Paradise Beach is located close to Patong Beach.
Discover Phuket’s longest beach, an 11km-long golden-sand beach fringed by the casuarina trees of Sirinat Marine National Park.
Pick a secluded spot to sunbathe, go beachcombing or head to the waterslides at the beachfront Splash Jungle Waterpark, located the West Sands Resort. The waterpark features a wave pool, numerous waterslides and rides including a 335-metre ‘Lazy River’.
At night, join a tour to catch a glimpse of Giant Ridley Sea Turtle. During November and February each year these lumbering giants emerge from the sea onto the sandy shore at night to lay their eggs.
Find a range of Mai Khao Beach hotel and resort options to suit most budgets.
With most of its beachfront land occupied by a temple, the soft sands and clear waters make Nai Harn an ideal swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing spot during the dry season.
This exclusive, tiny cove of glittering white sand is accessible only to guests of the Chedi and Amanpuri resorts – haunt of celebrities and megastars. The only access to the beach is through the hotel grounds.
A small hidden gem south of Surin, accessible only by a steep path from the road. You'll find a few unassuming restaurants offering cold drinks and food.
Rent a car or take a taxi to one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets. A short drive through forested hills along the coastal highway brings you to this quiet beach of silky white sand.
Sometimes called ‘Jungle Beach’, this quiet and peaceful beach is reached down a dirt road through the car park of Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club in Nai Harn.
This sheltered, 150m long, boulder-framed beach is the only eastern-facing beach in southern Phuket that offers good swimming. It’s an ideal picnic spot as from midday it’s shady and cool. Popular with local Thais on a Sunday afternoon.
One of the most isolated beaches in Phuket, with fantastic snorkelling, located within the wildlife preserve at Sirinat Marine National Park.
Ranking among the top 10 scuba diving destinations in the world, Phuket offers honeymoon couples crystal clear water, spectacular reefs and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life and providing great opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
The sea is also ideal for windsurfing and sailing, while inland, jungle paths and forested hills wait to be explored on foot or atop an elephant.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches on Phuket Island, from popular and sometimes crowded beaches to those that are secluded and relatively unknown to overseas visitors.
Kata Beach on Phuket’s western coast is one of Phuket’s finest beaches, with a broad curve of soft white sand that runs 1.5km along a protected bay of calm, crystal clear water. Relax on a sun bed or rejuvenate with a Thai massage in the shade of the palm trees that fringe the beach’s edge.
Or visit Laem Singh Beach, a small hidden gem south of Surin Beach, accessible only by a steep path from the road and Nai Thon Beach, one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets, just a short drive through forested hills along the coastal highway. Other well-known beaches include Patong Beach, Karon Beach and Surin Beach.
After dark, experience a colourful Thai dance show, relax over delicious Thai cuisine or hit a disco at Patong Beach and dance the night away.
More things to do in Phuket…
Blessed with lush inland forests Phuket offers a range of sightseeing attractions, including the following must-see sights…
Explore Phuket's last remaining virgin forest on an elephant safari through tropical evergreen forest, hike paved trails to see waterfalls and watch playful monkeys at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre.
Khao Pra Taew National Park covers 2250ha and is the natural habitat of monkeys, mouse deer, civets, flying foxes, lemurs, cobras and wild boar as well as some wild and semi-wild gibbons. At 442m, Khao Phra is the park’s highest peak.
Birdlife to see includes Asian Fairy-bluebird, Green Leafbird, Red-Billed Malkoha, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Brahminy Kite.
Check out playful monkeys at the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre where abused ‘bar’ monkeys are cared for by volunteers in more natural surroundings before being released into the wild.
The centre sits near the parking lot at the Bang Pae entrance to the park.
Hike through lush forest to Bang Pae Falls. The 16m-high waterfall is the largest in the park and plunges into a stream that flows through rock pools where you can cool off with a swim.
Alternatively, join a guided 6km hike from Ton Sai Falls to Bang Pae Falls.
Khao Phra Taew National Park has separate entrances at the east and west sides of the reserve. The east side is home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre and Bang Pae waterfall, while the west side is the park’s headquarters and closest to Ton Sai waterfall and Plam Lang Khao (Kerriodoxa) – the world's most endangered palm species.
Guides gather at Ton Sai (the park’s HQ) in the morning; expect to pay about 1000B for the day. This is probably the best way to experience the park. There‘s a choice of short and long trails through the reserve. Both park entrances have bathrooms, parking lots and food stalls.
Khao Phra Taew National Park is located in the north of Phuket.
Location: Ton Sai entrance is 16km from Phuket Town, and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre is 10km; Phone: Park HQ 07631-1998; Gibbon Centre 07626-0492; Admission: Park – 200 Baht (Thais - 20 Baht); Gibbon Centre – Free; Hours: Daily 9am-4pm, last tour 3:15pm.
Visit Phuket’s largest and most famous Buddhist temple at Chalong, Phuket’s principle boat anchorage and the island’s first resort.
Inside the tiered temple, admire a large collection of seated, reclining and meditating Buddha statues as well as a tribute to two highly venerable abbots: Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang.
The famous monks are immortalised in gilt statues wrapped in saffron robes.
Wat Chalong is the most imporatant of Phuket's 29 buddhist temples. You can visit the wat during the day or show up at 5pm to watch the resident monks pray.
Location: About 8km south of Phuket Town at Chalong; Admission: By donation; Hours: Daily 6am-6pm.
More attractions in Phuket…
Phuket is renowned for its choice of luxurious 5-star resorts located on stunning beachfronts or hidden away in secluded coves overlooking private beaches and the Andaman Sea, including the following…
Banyan Tree SPA Sanctuary
Location: Bang Tao Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD825 per room
Description: Home to flowering plants and migratory birds, the luxurious Banyan Tree SPA Sanctuary offers Thai-style villas with a private pool and in-villa spa facilities. Free high tea is provided. Surrounded by peaceful lily ponds, the spacious villas are decorated with pure Thai silks and have free Wi-Fi. A flat-screen TV and DVD player come with the large living room. Attached bathrooms have spa toiletries and a sunken bathtub. Banyan Tree SPA Sanctuary is located on scenic Bang Tao Bay. It is a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, Patong Beach and Phuket Town. The world-class Banyan Tree Spa provides pampering massage and beauty treatments. Guests can also take part in yoga classes, play golf at the nearby Laguna Phuket Golf Club or enjoy a game of tennis. The Cha, located in the spa, offers organic meals, flower teas and freshly made fruit juice. Tre serves French Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting. Alternatively, the villa host can help to arrange private dining and themed parties. Facilities incl.: 6 restaurants, 3 bars, outdoor pool, fitness centre, golf course, 3 tennis courts, 24-hour room service, wifi internet access, spa and watersports.
Andara Resort Villas
Location: Kamala Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD611 per room
Description: Located on Phuket's West Coast overlooking Kamala Bay, Andara Resort Villas offers luxurious accommodation with views of the Andaman Sea. The resort features a spa and an outdoor pool. Andara Resort Villas provides villas and suites with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and spacious living and dining areas. Each villa features a pavilion for outdoor dining and a private chef. Extra guests stay for free. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage and various treatments at the Andara Spa or workout at the fitness centre. The resort provides a free shuttle service to the Kamala Beach. Traditional Thai and international cuisines are served at the Andara’s Silk Restaurant, which offers indoor and outdoor dining. Drinks including cocktails are served at the bar. Andara Resort Villas is a 20-minute drive away from Phuket International Airport. Facilities incl.: restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, room service, spa, wireless Internet, fitness facility, tennis courts and watersports including Andara Resort's two private yachts that are available for charter.
The Shore At Katathani
Location: Kata Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD541 per room
Description: Beautiful sea views and 5-star beachfront living with private pools are offered at The Shore At Katathani, a luxurious resort along Kata Noi Beach. This adult-only hotel has a main infinity pool, pampering spa and free Wi-Fi. Fitted with stylish wooden flooring, air-conditioned villas feature large clear glass doors which open up to a private sundeck. A flat-screen TV, minibar and bathroom with bathtub are available in all villas. The resort conducts lessons such as fruit-picking, yoga and aqua aerobics. Serenity Spa features relaxing body massage, while the tour desk can help to arrange day trips. Offering delightful sunset views, The Harbour serves a variety of international cuisine and American breakfast. Cocktails and fresh fruit juice can be enjoyed at The Lighthouse. The Shore At Katathani is a 20-minute drive from Patong Beach and a 50-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Airport transfers are provided at an extra charge.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Location: Mai Khao Beach, Thalang
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD458 per room
Description: Located on Mai Khao Beach and partially bordered by Sirinath National Park, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas boasts a beachfront infinity pool, 5 dining options, and villas with private pools and sundecks. Each villa features an espresso machine and a personal wine cellar. A flat-screen TV, DVD player, and BOSE sound system are provided for guests’ entertainment. The bathroom provides a terrazzo bathtub big enough for two. Guests can relax on the private beach, or enjoy a massage in the spa’s private treatment suites. Resort activities include yoga, aerobics and Thai cooking classes. Water sports facilities are also provided. A breakfast buffet with live cooking stations is offered at La Sala restaurant, which also serves international buffets. The beachside Sea.Fire.Salt. specialises in grilled seafood, while cocktails are available at the Tree House. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Patong Beach and Phuket Town are both 30 minutes’ drive away. Facilities incl.: 5 restaurants, 2 bars, outdoor pool, fitness facility, tennis court, room service, spa and watersports.
The Surin Phuket
Location: Surin Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD555 per room
Description: The Surin Phuket offers a tropical getaway on Pansea Beach’s white sands. This beachfront property offers cottage-style accommodation surrounded by coconut trees. It features an outdoor pool and a spa. Guests enjoy free welcome drink and complimentary use of non-motorized sport facilities. Children aged 1-10 years enjoy free gifts as well. Rooms come with spacious outdoor lounge areas with garden and beach views. Amenities include a satellite TV. Guests can play a game of tennis, or try various water sports. The sundeck on the beach offers a beautiful view of the Andaman Sea, especially at sunset. The hotel’s dining outlets offer Thai, Western and Asian menus. Barbecue and seafood specialities are also available. Patong’s vibrant nightlife is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Phuket Town is a 40-minute drive away.
Twin Palms Phuket
Location: Surin Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD219 per room
Description: Located 175 metres from Surin Beach, Twinpalms features spacious accommodation offering private terraces with lagoon pool views. It has a salt water pool and restaurants. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. Rooms and suites at Twinpalms Phuket feature cable TV and home entertainment system. Bathrooms come with rain showers. A fridge with a fully-stocked minibar and daily butler service are available. The resort’s Oriental Spoon Grill & Bar features both indoor and outdoor dining areas. It serves local and Western favourites and a variety of drinks. Facilities at Twinpalms include a fitness centre, library and a tour desk. Sun Spa offers a range of relaxing spa services. A 24-hour concierge service is available. Surrounded by tropical gardens, Twinpalms Phuket is a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport and about 22 km from Phuket Town. Facilities incl.: 2 restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, room service, WiFi internet access and watersports.
The best time to visit Phuket is anytime during the dry season from December through February when the skies are clear and sunny, and temperatures average 28°C (82°F).
Phuket enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with a short dry season and hot temperatures year-round.
For more climate info: Phuket Weather Guide…
Phuket Island is located on the west coast of Thailand around 867km (538mi) southwest of Bangkok, Thailand.
The most convenient route to Phuket is by air to Phuket Airport (HKT), located in the north of the island around 32km (20mi) from the city centre.
From some international destinations this may require first flying into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), followed by a connecting flight to Phuket.
Alternatively, if you're already in Bangkok, air-conditioned buses depart Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal every night for Phuket Town.
Find out how to get to Phuket…
On foot; most popular resorts and hotels are located close to a beach, restaurants and shopping areas.
Elsewhere, taxis, tuk-tuks (small yellow or red open-air minivans), motorcycle taxis and songtaews (blue open-air buses) are the most convenient way of getting around Phuket. Cars, scooters and motorcycles are also available to hire.
While hiring a car or motorcycle is a fun way to explore the island, you need to take great care when driving in Phuket.
More information about how to get around Phuket…
Take a day trip or stay longer to explore the scenic provinces of Phang Nga Bay and Krabi.
Both offer magical scenery of limestone cliffs, rock formations, caves and fishing hamlets as well as national parks and lovely beaches with great opportunities for rock climbing, diving, snorkelling and sailing on the Andaman Sea – just perfect for adventurous honeymoon couples.
Home to some of Thailand’s best mainland beaches, particularly at Hat Nopparat Thara, Ao Nang and Hat Tham Phra Nang. The Krabi region is dotted with caverns and mystical shrines as well as providing excellent opportunities for rock climbing, diving, snorkelling and sailing.
The spectacular Phang Nga Bay is dotted with thousands of islands and caves, mostly uninhabited and protected as part of the National Marine Park. Join a sea canoe tour from Phuket or from the mainland.
Discover secluded bays, go ashore with a guide and explore the beach, mangrove forests and the many hidden caves and lakes hollowed out inside the islands – usually reachable only at low tide through small caves that open onto the sea.
Explore inland forest, with waterfalls, mountains and other natural wonders located on the Phang Nga mainland. Look out for eagles and scarlet minivets.
These idyllic islands lie an easy boat trip away from either Phuket or the mainland at Krabi. The dumbbell-shaped Ko Phi Phi Don is fringed with white sandy beaches, rugged rock cliffs and tropical rainforest. It offers several fine restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
Neighbouring Ko Phi Phi Leh is less commercialised and makes a perfect day trip (as there is no accommodation on the island). Don’t miss the famous Viking Cave on Phi Phi Leh, where men climb flimsy bamboo scaffolds to collect swifts’ nests from the cavern walls, or the prehistoric paintings on the cave walls.
Both islands offer great opportunities for climbing, kayaking, swimming and caving as well as diving, snorkelling and fishing, in a setting of unparalleled beauty.
Did you know? Phi Phi Island is so astoundingly beautiful it was chosen as the setting for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Latest update: Phuket: 18 June, 2022
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