Secret Thailand > Phuket > Phuket Beaches / Phuket Town
To the south, at the bottom tip of the island, is Rawai, which hugely contrasts with Phuket Town. The beach in Rawai is a quiet sleepy stretch, ideal for those more interested in privacy than the perfect white sand beach and crystal waters. Mainly the area is popular with scuba divers who are there to take advantage of the numerous dive operators located in the area.
Nai Han is located just north of Rawai, up the western coast. Another sleepy beach town, Nai Han has a high end resort, but the majority of its beach front is inhabited by monks from Samnak Song Nai Han, a large monastic center.
Further up along the western coast is Kata. The beautiful beach is divided in to two sections, Kata Yai and Kata Noi, with Kata Yai being the more developed of the two. A well developed and popular spot with a range of lodging and dining options, Kata is still small enough to feel somewhat secluded, especially when compared to Patong.
Karon is the next beach, just north of Kata. This beautiful sandy stretch is a bit less developed but close enough to Kata that restaurants and bars are still accessible.
Tucked away in a cove on the western side of Phuket, Patong is a thriving, neon-lit town. This is the island's most popular place for tourists. The range of lodging, dining, and nightlife is staggering. The crescent shaped beach is absolutely breathtaking, but it is filled with people, lounge chairs, umbrellas, vendors, dive operators, jet skis, parasailing outfits, and more people. If you are looking for constant excitement, and perhaps some nightlife that is a bit naughtier than you find at home, Patong is the place for you.
Kamala Beach may be only 25 kilometers away from Patong by road, but it feels worlds away. The largely Muslim population sets the tone and makes this area much more ideal for a family vacation.
Surin Beach is just north of Kamala Beach. There are anumber of luxurious, high-end resorts and private residences here. Additionally there are plenty of fancy restaurants to go along with the upscale lodging, but you will also find a good selection of affordable seafood restaurants frequented by locals.
Bangtao is situated in a beautiful bay, positioned about half way down Phuket's western coast. The eight kilometers of sandy white beach is home to some of Phuket's most exclusive resorts. There are a handful of lovely restaurants and small bars that run independently of the big resorts, but this is not the place to find a thriving nightlife. Getting to Bangtao from Phuket City is a relatively cheap and easy tuk tuk trip, but getting back to town can cost upwards of 500 bhat.
Phuket Beaches / Phuket Town
Phuket is comprised of several sections. Phuket Town is the oldest and largest section of Phuket, and also the most urban. Once a major hub for Arab, Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Portuguese traders, there is still some hustle and bustle in this city. Wandering around Phuket Town allows you the opportunity to check out what real life is like in Thailand...away from the neon and go-go bars. Additonally, Phuket Town is home to some interesting Sino-Portuguese architecture, combining Chinese with European Neo-classical motifs.To the south, at the bottom tip of the island, is Rawai, which hugely contrasts with Phuket Town. The beach in Rawai is a quiet sleepy stretch, ideal for those more interested in privacy than the perfect white sand beach and crystal waters. Mainly the area is popular with scuba divers who are there to take advantage of the numerous dive operators located in the area.
Nai Han is located just north of Rawai, up the western coast. Another sleepy beach town, Nai Han has a high end resort, but the majority of its beach front is inhabited by monks from Samnak Song Nai Han, a large monastic center.
Further up along the western coast is Kata. The beautiful beach is divided in to two sections, Kata Yai and Kata Noi, with Kata Yai being the more developed of the two. A well developed and popular spot with a range of lodging and dining options, Kata is still small enough to feel somewhat secluded, especially when compared to Patong.
Karon is the next beach, just north of Kata. This beautiful sandy stretch is a bit less developed but close enough to Kata that restaurants and bars are still accessible.
Tucked away in a cove on the western side of Phuket, Patong is a thriving, neon-lit town. This is the island's most popular place for tourists. The range of lodging, dining, and nightlife is staggering. The crescent shaped beach is absolutely breathtaking, but it is filled with people, lounge chairs, umbrellas, vendors, dive operators, jet skis, parasailing outfits, and more people. If you are looking for constant excitement, and perhaps some nightlife that is a bit naughtier than you find at home, Patong is the place for you.
Kamala Beach may be only 25 kilometers away from Patong by road, but it feels worlds away. The largely Muslim population sets the tone and makes this area much more ideal for a family vacation.
Surin Beach is just north of Kamala Beach. There are anumber of luxurious, high-end resorts and private residences here. Additionally there are plenty of fancy restaurants to go along with the upscale lodging, but you will also find a good selection of affordable seafood restaurants frequented by locals.
Bangtao is situated in a beautiful bay, positioned about half way down Phuket's western coast. The eight kilometers of sandy white beach is home to some of Phuket's most exclusive resorts. There are a handful of lovely restaurants and small bars that run independently of the big resorts, but this is not the place to find a thriving nightlife. Getting to Bangtao from Phuket City is a relatively cheap and easy tuk tuk trip, but getting back to town can cost upwards of 500 bhat.
