Foreign tourists can now apply to stay for up to nine months in Thailand
(Photo by the Airports of Thailand)Foreign tourists can now stay in Thailand for up to nine months without the need of travel abroad to have their visas extended, three months on the initial visa with two extensions of three months each.
Thailand’s Ministry of Interior says the new rules came into effect on October 1st, and are valid until September 30th next year, in a bid to boost the tourism industry.
Foreign tourists will, however, have to meet certain requirements to qualify as long stayers.
First of all, they must agree to a period of quarantine, as part of the Public Health Ministry’s measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, and must show booking receipts from the hotels in which they will isolate.
Then, they must show evidence of payments for their lodgings during their stay in the kingdom, which can be a rented house, a rented condominium room or a title deed of a condominium room. They are also required to have health insurance, with a minimum of US$ 100,000 cover for COVID-19 treatmentvalid for the entire period of their stay in the country. They must also have health and accident insurance coverage of40,000 baht for out-patient treatment and 400,000 baht for in-patient treatment.
Having met the requirements, tourists will be granted a special tourist visa (STV), which is for single use and will allow them to stay in Thailand for 90 days, which can extended twice by90 days per extension. The visa extension fee is 2,000 baht.
Phuket Sandbox Updated 18 Jun 21
PHUKET SANDBOX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
◉ Thai FDA approved vaccines:
◉ Follow this link: https://www.thailandsha.com/shalists/m/ to keep updated of ‘SHA Plus’ businesses.
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◉ In the case you have a relative or friend who is already resident in Thailand, they are allowed to visit and stay with you during your fourteen <14> ‘SHA Plus’ hotel night stays.
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◉ Your friend or relative is responsible to comply with the current domestic travel requirements when traveling to see you.
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◉ At the time of press (and please be reminded that these regulations can/may change by individual Provincial Governors) the following regulations are required:
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◉ Fully vaccinated (two <2> vaccinations) OR one vaccination of the AstraZeneca vaccine
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◉ Show a Negative Covid-19 test within the past seven <7> before traveling to Phuket
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◉ Show evidence that they have fully recovered from Covid-19 in the previous ninety <90> days.
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◉ If you show any Covid-19 symptoms it is your legal responsibility to immediately get a test.
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◉ IF you are shown to be ‘positive’ for Covid-19 and traveling with a group or family, everybody in the group or family must undergo a test and stay in an Alternative Hotel Quarantine (AHQ) covered by your expense. The remaining nights in the SHA Plus+ hotel will be cancelled automatically and the guests will be refunded in order to pay for the ALQ accommodation.
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◉ In all cases, if you are tested positive whilst in Thailand, you will be responsible for all medical expenses which must be covered by your ‘Covid-19’ insurance sum. In the case your medical insurance does not cover certain items, then you will be personally responsible to settle any outstanding before being discharged from hospital.
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After spending fourteen <14> nights in Phuket, you are free to go anywhere in Thailand but you must follow each province’s restrictions which can change.
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You must follow your home country’s entry requirements and Thailand is not responsible or able to assist with such updates by individual countries.
Proposed Phuket Sandbox Program in July: Here’s what you need to know
Good news for vaccinated travellers, you may travel to Thailand without the need to quarantine under the proposed Phuket Sandbox Program starting July 1st.
The Thai government and Tourism Authority of Thailand encourage all travellers to get inoculated prior to their travel to Thailand. Those who were not vaccinated can still travel to Phuket but must stay in Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ) for 2 weeks.
Planning to travel to Thailand in July? Here are some of the things you need to know. However, it is important to note that the plan is not yet official and may be subjected to changes depending on the COVID situation in Thailand.
Who can travel to Phuket?
Basically, everyone is welcome, including foreign travellers and their children. However, under the Phuket Sandbox Program, visitors must stay in Phuket for at least 7 days, after which they are free to travel.
Vaccinated travellers from low and medium risk countries must have received their vaccines at least 14 days prior to their travel to Thailand. Travellers must present a vaccine certificate as part of the requirements. Minors do not need to show vaccine certificates, but travellers ages between 12 and 18 must undergo rapid antigen test at their own expense, which cost around THB1,200 to THB1,500.
I got vaccinated; do I have to undergo testing and quarantine?
Protocols differ for international and domestic travellers:
For international travellers:
- Vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) must do an RT PCR test on day 5 of their stay.
- Non-vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) will need to do an RT PCR test upon arrival and stay at ALQ (Alternative Local Quarantine) Hotel for 14 days.
- International travellers between 12 and 18 years old will need to undergo a rapid antigen test at Phuket International Airport upon arrival. However, children under 12 years old can travel to Phuket with their parents and do not need to undergo any test.
For domestic travellers:
- Vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) can enter Phuket without the need of doing any test.
- Non-vaccinated travellers, including minors ages between 12 and 18 years old, will need to do a rapid antigen test at the checkpoint. Meanwhile, children under 12 years old, can enter Phuket with their parents and no need for tests.
I passed the immigration, what now?
All travellers must download the Thailand Plus Mobile App for contact tracing during their entire stay. It uses GPS and Bluetooth to detect locations of mobile phone combined with check-in records via QR code scanning in locations during the travellers’ journey.
From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Transfer and hotel must be SHA-approved (Safety and Health Administration).
Can I go on island tours?
Vaccinated travellers are allowed to do activities within Phuket, but they must observe standard protocols of DMHTT (distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing, testing, Thailand Plus). On day 5, guests will undergo an RT PCR test. If they test positive, they will be transferred to the hospital. If they tested negative, they can visit other islands around Phuket (Phi Phi Islands, Koh Yao, Phang Nga Bay) for a one-day tour.
Can I go to other provinces?
Guests must stay at least 7 nights in Phuket before travelling to any other Province around the Country. They will need to do an RT PCR test 72 hours prior to their departure. In addition, they must present it with the COVID 19 Vaccination certificate at the checkpoint of their destination.
Tourists are allowed to stay less than 7 days in Phuket and travel back home or to another country. However, they are not allowed to travel to another province in Thailand before finishing 7 nights in Phuket. This is to help revive the flailing tourism industry in Phuket.
Source: Royal Vacation, Thai Embassy
James Bond Island Cruise
Highlights
- Take a spectacular cruise to James Bond Island
- Explore the mangrove forests of Ao Phang Nga National Park
- Enjoy a buffet lunch of Thai food aboard a beautiful sailing boat
Full description
Benefit from pickup at your hotel in Phuket, and then travel in air-conditioned comfort to board a beautiful sailing boat at Yacht Haven Marina.
Cruise through the enchanting Phang Nga Bay to marvel at the breathtaking limestone karst formations. Drop anchor at Khao Phing Kan, popularly known as James Bond Island after it was featured in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun in 1974. Continue your journey by long tail boat and navigate the mangrove delta to visit the Grotto Cave and Sea Gypsy village.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of food from Thailand back on board the boat. Then, get the afternoon free to relax, sunbathe, and swim in the Andaman Sea. Cruise back to Phuket, and get dropped off at your hotel on arrival.
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Phuket Airport
- National park entrance fee
- Guide
- Meals, water, and soft drink
- Lunch, with tea and coffee
- Soft drinks and bottled water
- Fruits and nuts
- Long tail boat ride
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
When you get there
- Please bring a swimsuit, comfortable clothing, beach shoes, beach towels, sunscreen, camera and sunglasses.
- This trip is not recommended for participants with heart complications, who are pregnant or who have any other serious medical conditions.
- This trip is subjected to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Maya Bay is closed for restoration until further notice. The tour will not stop or access the beach during this period.
James Bond Island Tour by Big Boat & Sea Canoe
Explore magical Phang-Nga Bay and the limestone karst islands of Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan. Work up an appetite with a full day of canoeing in the Andaman Sea before lunch, and then enjoy a leisurely cruise back to port.
Highlights
- Cruise through beautiful Phang-Nga Bay
- Explore the limestone caves by canoe
- Enjoy lunch on board the boat and soak up the amazing views
Full description
Start your journey from Ao Po Pier and climb aboard a 2-storey fishing boat and experience the beauty of Phang-Nga Bay and its many limestone islets. Enter the Bat Cave by canoe, and avail of the services of a paddle-man on every vessel.
Continue to Koh Hong and explore a room-like lagoon. Marvel at the limestone rock formations in different shapes before relaxing with a buffet lunch on board the boat.
End with a visit to the islands of Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan and discover the beach where the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was shot. Cruise back to Phuket and keep a look out for the large flock of sea hawks that live on the nearby mountain.
Includes
- Sightseeing cruise with commentary
- Sea canoe session
- Buffet lunch and light refreshments
- Hotel pickup (selected hotels in Phuket only)
- Personal expenses and tips
When you get there
- Please note that pick-up from your hotel will be about 45 to 90 minutes before the boat departure
- This tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately
- Bring sunscreen, your sunglasses, a camera and personal items
- This tour is also suitable for rainy days as the boat is covered
Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Longtail Boat
Cruise the amazing Phang Nga Bay by traditional longtail boat on a full-day tour from Khao Lak. Discover the unique karst formations and green mangrove forests, and visit James Bond Island and Suwan Khuha Cave Temple.
Highlights
- Cruise the tropical waters of Phang Nga Bay by traditional longtail boat
- Canoe up close to the limestone rocks
- Stop at the floating village of Koh Panyi and visit the local Muslim community
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant in Koh Panyi
- Visit the sacred Buddha Cave Temple at Wat Tham Suwanakhuha
Full description
Following pick-up from your hotel in Khao Lak, board a traditional longtail boat and experience the mangrove forests and karst formations from a different perspective. Get up close to the limestone rocks on a short canoe trip before heading to Khao Phing Kan.
Marvel at rock formations such as Tapu Island and James Bond Island, used as a film location in the movie “The Man With The Golden Gun.” Continue to the floating Muslim village of Koh Panyi, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch.
Next, go to Suwan Khuha Cave Temple to see the statue of the reclining Golden Buddha. Get some time to feed the resident monkeys before the return trip to Khao Lak.
Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- English-speaking guide
- Entry fee at Wat Suwannakhuha
- Longtail boat cruise at Phang Nga Bay
- Lunch at a restaurant in Koh Panyi
- Full insurance
- Tips and gratuities
When you get there
- The local tour operator will confirm your exact pick-up time after booking
- Please note that the itinerary may change due to bad weather or other unforeseeable events
Phi Phi & Khai Islands Snorkeling by Speedboat
Explore the beautiful Phi Phi Islands from Phuket by speedboat and see several breathtaking locations and snorkeling spots, such as Khai Nai and the famous Maya Bay. Enjoy a day filled with amazing sightseeing stops and relaxing beach visits.
Highlights
- Marvel at the beautiful sights of the Andaman Sea from a speedboat
- Be amazed by the beauty of Phi Phi Islands and famous spots such as Maya Bay
- Explore the exciting underwater world on several snorkeling trips with the gear Included
- Enjoy a delicious lunch served at a beach side restaurant in Phi Phi Don
Full description
Enjoy a day exploring the Phi Phi and Khai Islands, departing from your hotel in Phuket in the morning. Your adventure begins with a 1-hour relaxing boat ride to the Phi Phi Islands. See the wild monkeys from aboard the boat at Monkey Beach, before beginning your first snorkeling trip of the day. Pass by Camel Rock or Nui Bay and marvel at all the beautiful scenery while you cruise by in the speedboat.
Once you arrive at Phi Phi Leh, visit Maya Bay, made famous by the film “The Beach.” Here you will have more time to snorkel and swim in the area. At noon, enjoy a delicious lunch at a beach side restaurant at Phi Phi Done, before cruising to Khai Nai Island where you will get to explore the tiny island.
Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming and snorkeling on and around the islands. This tour is one of the best ways to truly discover the beauty of the area, from its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and everything in between. Your island hopping adventure will end when you return to the marina, before boarding your transfer back to your hotel in Phuket.
*The Maya Bay will be closed by the national park from June 1st 2018- September 30th 2018
Includes
- Entrance fees and National Park fees
- Professional guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Lunch
- Beverages
- Snacks
- Use of snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and life jacket)
- Fins (available for rent)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Beach towels
- Alcoholic beverages
When you get there
- Please bring a swimsuit, comfortable clothing, beach shoes, beach towels, sunscreen, camera and sunglasses.
- This trip is not recommended for participants with heart complications, who are pregnant or who have any other serious medical conditions.
- This trip is subjected to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- Maya Bay is closed for restoration until further notice. The tour will not stop or access the beach during this period.
Chalong Temple
What is Chalong Temple?
Wat Chalong, the largest, most revered and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Chalong Temple (officially Wat Chaitararam) is one of the Must-See places in Phuket, together with the nearby Big Buddha of Phuket as they are relatively close to each other.
The tallest building on the grounds of Wat Chalong is a 60 meters tall stupa (chedi) sheltering a bone fragment of Lord Buddha. Walls and ceilings of the temple are decorated with beautiful painting retracing the most significant steps of Buddha’s life. Each floor is also full of large donated golden statues.
Wat Chalong Chedi is built on three floors so feel free to climb all the way to the top floor terrace to get a beautiful bird view on the entire temple grounds. Few more steps will lead you to a glass display where the fragment of bone can be contemplated. You can see the nearby Phuket Big Buddha from there, but you can see it from almost anywhere in the southern part of Phuket island. The central temple is where most Thai people will make merit by offering lotus flowers and adding a small piece of gold paper to the monk’s statues inside.
No need to tell you to remove your shoes, you already know that, and the sea of shoes in front of the temple will remind you anyway. In theory, you should wear long pants and no sleeveless shirts, but this requirement seems to belong to a past era.
Once in a while, you will hear loud explosions of firecrackers coming from a brick oven-like construction. That’s another way to make merit, supposedly to show your gratitude when one of your wishes came true. One person stands by to lit the firecrackers for you, the big ones are pretty scary but make fun photos (see video). On the side of the temple, a dozen small shops are selling all kinds of souvenirs and tourist stuff. Strangely, the shops selling religious items are outside the temple ground, next to the gate, go figure.
Then there are the occasional large funfairs, displaying lots of food, plenty of favourite Thai games and big stage performances. It’s always fun, noisy, entertaining and will undoubtedly give you interesting of opportunities to take some fun photos and insight on Thai life.
Things to Know
- There is no entry fee
- Dress respectfully
- Take off your shoes, remove caps or hats when entering a building
How to Get There?
From Phuket town, take ‘Chaofah Road’ in the direction of Chalong and Rawai. There are two Chaofah Roads: the one you need is passing in front of Central Festival and all the shopping malls. It’s about 10 km from Central on the left, well indicated.
Useful Tips:
Wat Chalong is a nice stop on the way to the nearest interesting point: the Big Buddha. If you like temples, see also the reclining Buddha of Wat Sri Sunthon.
Wat Chalong Information
- Location: 70/6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road, Chalong, Phuket 83130
- Open: 7 am – 5 pm (but you can walk around the temple grounds anytime)
- Phone: 076 381 226
- Dress Code: Wear at least a T-shirt with sleeves, skirts or short pants that reach knee level
- Price: Free
Credited : phuket101.net
9 Best Night Markets in Phuket
Night markets in Phuket are always fun, from the new Chillva Market to the giant Naka Weekend Market or the Sunday Walking Market in Phuket Town, almost everyone loves to browse the incredible array of things you don’t actually need. Phuket night markets are intense, colorful, surprising, fascinating, puzzling, smelly, messy, confusing and overwhelming. But night markets all have one thing in common, they offer a unique glance of the daily life of Thai people, rich, poor or just like you and me.
1. Chillva Market Phuket
Chillva Market Phuket is the latest and definitely the best young night market on the island… Everyone loves those night markets and Thai teenagers more than everyone else, especially this new trend of making use of old containers! Every town in Thailand seem to have a surprising amount of those weekend or night chill-out places and they are always packed. (Note that this Chillva Market is not to be mistaken with the new Phuket Floating Market in Kathu few kilometre away which is a big bigger but mostly deserted)…
Open: Container part: Daily from 5pm – 11pm – Closed on Sunday
Full market: Thu – Sat from 5pm – 11pm
Location: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town (Between Tesco Lotus and Phuket Town)
2. Phuket Sunday Street Market
Phuket Walking Street weekend market also called ‘Lard Yai’ by the locals and is now the most popular attraction in Phuket Town. This weekend street market was an instant success wasn’t long to catch up, denoting a need for something to happen in Thalang Road, the historical part of town. Night markets are not new to Phuket Town, the original Phuket Weekend Market (Talad Tai Rod) on the outskirt of town near Central Festival has always been a very popular weekend destination but what is on sale over there is not as fun nor creative as the Phuket Walking Street (The weekend market sells a lot of copy tee shirts and cheap jeans).
Open: Sunday 5pm – 9pm
Location: Thalang Road, Phuket Town
3. Phuket Weekend Market
Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market) is the name given by tourists to this overgrown Phuket town night bazaar, while Thai call it ‘Talad Tairod’, which literally means ‘Car Boot Sale’. ‘Naka Market’ seems to be the most popular name lately. ‘Phuket Chatuchak’ is also used, by reference to the giant week-end market in Bangkok. So many names for one single market!
Open: Sat-Sun 4pm – 9pm
Address: Opposite Naka Temple on the outskirt of Phuket town
4. Phuket Indy Market
A fun, young and creative little corner in Phuket Town, the Phuket Indy Market is tucked in a small lane off Dibuk Road, just next to the Limelight Avenue mall and not far from the well known Raya Restaurant.
Open: Wed-Fri 4pm – 10pm
Location: Limelight Avenue, Phuket Town
5. Malin Plaza Patong
Malin Plaza is a relatively new night market at the southern end of Patong Beach that succeeded where other night markets failed because Malin Plaza kept in mind that food is the magnet that makes people come at the first place. It applies to shopping malls just as well.
Open: Daily 2pm – 12 am
Location: Patong beach not far from Duanjitt Resort
6. OTOP Night Market
OTOP (which serves as acronym for ‘One Tambon One Product’ which means One Province, One Product) was originally designed as a local market to promote the handicrafts of each province of Thailand. This nice idea didn’t last very long and today the Patong OTOP market mostly sells a lot of copies, fake stuff and souvenirs you don’t even need. What is more interesting is the food street and the small beer bars in the back.
Open: Daily 10am – late,
Food Street: 5pm till late
Location: Patong beach, Opposite Hard Rock Cafe and Hooters
7. AWA Market
AWA market is the latest night market in Phuket, set in Kathu, just halfway between Phuket Town and Patong Beach. AWA has a lot of very good local food at low prices, a few bars inside recycled containers and a stage with occasional live band. The location of the night market makes it convenient. It is still a very young market but it is already quite popular.
8. Karon Temple Market
The Karon Temple Market only opens twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, and is so popular that people start to plan their evenings around that event. Night markets have always been popular in Phuket and all over Thailand, but a Temple market sounds so much more exotic. In addition, Karon Beach lacks a little of attractions so the fair is always a welcome breeze of fun.
Open: Every Tuesday and Friday – 4 pm to 10 pm
9. Fun Friday Avenue Market
Fun Friday Avenue Market is a small weekend market popping up every Friday evening at the Boat Avenue on the way to Phuket Laguna. It’s modest in size but fun to visit if you are staying in the Bangtao Beach area. Night markets are part of Thailand life and wherever there is a market, there is a crowd…. and lots of food!
Open: Every Friday – 5 pm to 10 pm
40 Amazing Beaches in Phuket
A List of All the Beaches of Phuket
40 Phuket beaches are now in our list! A few are crowded, a lot are quiet, some are hidden and some are still secret. There are so many beautiful beaches where you can walk alone for kilometers, even during high season. So here is our updated list of Phuket Beaches by alphabetical order. Some are easy to find, some are really hidden. Surprisingly the nicest beaches, long and deserted, are just next to the main road! There are actually 2 more amazing secret beaches but we prefer to keep them…. secret 
So get a bike or a car and start exploring! Stay away from the crowd and discover Phuket!
1. Ao Sane Beach
A little Remote – not too busy
Ao Sane is a tiny hidden beach, very visible from Nai Harn Beach, but unless you know that you need to drive through a tunnel under the kitchens of the Phuket Yacht Club, you will never find out. Ao Sane consists of three very small sandy bays and you can walk from one to another through the few beach bungalows.
2. Ao Yon Beach
Remote and Quiet Beach
Ao Yon is so out of the way and far from the road, you could drive nearby ten times without noticing its entrance. Located between Panwa beach (past the Novotel Panwa resort) and Cape Panwa, it is not even indicated but few ‘restaurants’ signs and an old yellow giraffe sculpture might give you a hint.
3. Banana Beach
Relatively Quiet
Phuket is a world wide famous holiday destination. Every corner of this tropical island has been explored, invaded, sold, developed and exploited. Or so you thought! Still one tiny beach is hiding itself from the crowd, but it won’t last long.
4. Bangtao Beach
Quiet in North Part – Busy in South
Bangtao is one of the longest beach in Phuket, half way between airport and Patong on the west coast of the island. With its beautiful stretch of sand, Bangtao is always associated with the gigantic resort complex known as ‘Laguna Phuket’. Read more
5. Freedom Beach
Relatively Quiet – By Boat Only
Freedom beach is a beautiful strip of soft white sand lined with coconut trees in the South of Patong. Since the land surrounding the beach is privately owned, the only way to reach it is by longtail boat from the south of Patong, near the big bridge. Freedom Beach is only accessible during high season, during low season no boats will go there because of rough sea. Read more
6. Friendship Beach
East Coast – Not a Sandy Beach
Friendship Beach is not really a swimming beach since it is on the east coast but offers nice views on the islands. The name of Friendship probably originated from the small resort built there as it is a very popular hangout for expats.
7. Haad Sai Kaew Beach
Deserted Beach
Haad Sai Gaew, is a beautiful endless beach located at the very north of Phuket Island. Haad Sai Gaew means ‘Glass Sand Beach’ in Thai, but sand is not that shiny. During the high season, The sea over there has a nice blue tone and walking alone for miles, you would never guess you are still in Phuket.
8. Haad Pak Phra Beach
Deserted Beach
Haad Pak Phra is the last beach when leaving Phuket from the north end and most people would drive past without ever stopping. But Haad Pak Phra has a little ‘Dirty Secret’.
9. Kalim Beach
Not a Swimming Beach
Kalim Beach is a modest bay located just next to the famous Patong Beach on the way to Kamala Beach. As the sea floor is mostly made of rocks and dead coral, Kalim is not a swimming beach, but in low season it is a popular spot for local surfers. However, waves are not very high so don’t go imagining some big action. It seems to be a good practice place. It’s not a popular place to hang either as the sand is quiet rough and coarse. People just come here to walk their dogs or eat at one of the many food stalls coming at the end of the afternoon.
10. Kamala Beach
Moderately Busy
To most, Kamala Beach surprisingly shines by its lack of particular signs, if you don’t take Fantasea parkinto consideration of course. It is however a nice large beach with clear waters during high season and a decent amount of dining and shopping options, several hotels, some with a beach access. Read more
11. Karon Beach
Busy
Karon Beach, the second longest beach in Phuket, enjoys a very long and wide stretch of white sand with an acceptable dining and nightlife. Yet it doesn’t seem to attract the crowds, and it’s not because municipality hasn’t tried. Read more
12. Kata Beach
Busy – very popular
Kata Beach is the most popular beach in Phuket after Patong. But it is still a great choice as it enjoys a wide white sandy beach with an incredible blue sea. Less crowded than Patong, it offers a large choice of dining, shopping, hotels, and not to forget a good nightlife! Read more
13. Kata Noi Beach
Medium
Kata Noi Beach is a great little bay if you want to be near Kata action but stay away from the usual herd. This nice wide strand of white sand has incredibly clear blue water during the high season. Fortunately, its ‘Out of the way’ location kept it relatively quiet and unless you know about it, you probably would miss it. Read More
14. Laem Ka Beach
Partly Hidden Beach
Laem Ka Beach, in the very south of Phuket near Rawai is a little gem hidden from view, only the ones in the know might find it. But you have to be a bit curious or adventurous to get something different and obviously some did their homework since I found about fifteen people lazying on sun loungers. Read more
15. Laem Singh Beach
Very Quiet – Accessible by Boat
Weather is lousy but you really want to go to the beach today… Laem Singh happens to look better in that exact weather. Laem Singh has this tropical touch that goes well with a bit of rain. It’s like been in the Caribbean, a bit nostalgic, very green with its palm trees leaning over the sand and you have the beach almost for yourself. Read more
16. Layan Beach
Quiet to Medium
Layan Beach, a remote and very little known beach on the west coast of Phuket, is located at the northern end of Bangtao Beach which itself is home to many luxurious resorts such as Banyan Tree Resort, Angsana Laguna Phuket and Dusit Thani Resort. Layan Beach ends on one side with a river harboring small fishing boats and the best known feature is the tall island standing at the mouth of the river. Read more
17. Mai Khao Beach
Quiet
Mai Khao Beach, the longest in Phuket, still looks in some parts as deserted as it was when I first visited it in 1990. A lot has been built but the beach hasn’t yet been covered with beach chairs, umbrellas and food vendors. You can still walk eleven kilometers or more and only meet three fishermen and the beach remained mostly untouched. Read more
18. Merlin Beach
Quiet
There is a lot of confusion and discussion about all the tiny beaches near Patong. So far, Tri Trang beach is the small hard to find beach hidden behind the Marriott Phuket Beach Club and accessible via a small dirt road on the side of the hotel. The beach is nice but the sea is a bit rocky. You’ll find nice massages on the beach and a popular restaurant on the hill. Read more
19. Nai Harn Beach
Medium to Busy
Definitely a very nice beach, different from the typical west coast touristy spots, Nai Harn is a popular beach among the expats and tourists. It is definitively changing but thanks the lack of possible developments, it still holds on to its local feel. The beach is in a protected bay where sailing or fishing boats anchors in calm waters. Read more
20. Naithon Beach
Quiet to Medium
Naithon Beach is one of these little known beaches on the west coast of Phuket, mostly because it is far from the crowded areas. People coming here are usually in search of a peaceful spot with just enough facilities and hotels. Read more
21. Naithon Noi Beach
Naithon Noi Beach is not officially a private beach but since the land you need to cross belongs to Andaman White Beach, it ends up the same… lucky them, it’s one of the most beautiful in Phuket. Read more
22. Nai Yang Beach
Medium to Quiet
Nai Yang Beach seems to be one of those beaches popular with returning tourists… It is a nice shaded beach full of tiny fun bars and restaurants, but like most of the northern beaches of Phuket which are not along the main road, it remains relatively unknown to the crowds. Read more
23. Nakalay Beach
Private Beach
Nakalay beach is another case of beach surrounded by private land which makes makes it difficult for outsiders to access it. In this case, only the guest from Thavorn beach resort can enjoy it. It might not be the most amazing beach in Phuket but it’s large and very good for snorkeling.
24. Nui Beach
Private Beach
Nui Beach is hard to find and hard to reach. Just like a few other beaches it is surrounded by private land and therefore there is an entry fee. The entry fee for Nui Beach used to be expensive but recently price has been reduced. It’s located past the well known Karon Viewpoint on the dirt road that leads to Black Rock Viewpoint. The road that lead down to the beach is tricky, so drive carefully. Read more
25. Pansea Beach
Private Beach
Private beaches are not allowed in Thailand, but you can get around simply by owning all lands around that beach. Pansea Beach, shared by ‘The Surin Phuket’ and ‘Amanpuri Phuket’ is one of them, but there is a way to ear the beach. Read more
26. Panwa Beach
Quiet
Panwa Beach, also known as Khao Kat Beach, is not a swimming beach, and yet has the charm of these remote bays not many would take the time to explore while visiting Phuket. Located on a east coast cape but facing west, the whole area is peppered with luxury villas and few resorts, a great alternative to relax away from west coast crowded spots. Read more
27. Paradise Beach
Private but Crowded
Paradise Beach’ sounds good, doesn’t it? With such name, people expect to discover another ‘beautiful-secret-hard-to-find-beach’ located near Patong. And yes, to its credit, the sea is very blue, sand is powdery and cute little boats are gently bobbing in the bay. Yes, it is small, remote and not easy to find. Read more
28. Patong Beach
Crowded
If Bangkok is the Big Mango, then Patong is the Big Durian: you’ll love it or you’ll hate it… and it kinds of smells strong too. Patong Beach is the pulsating heart of Phuket Island and what makes it popular to some, is often what other people complains about. It’s big, it’s bold, crowded, bright and loud, yet people flock there like flies on honey. Read more
29. Rawai Beach
Quiet – Not Really a Swimming Beach
Located at the south end of Phuket island, Rawai is not a swimming beach but offer beautiful views on the many nearby islands in a peaceful local atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy great seafood and a good starting point to do some island hopping. Read more
30. Rayee Beach
Quiet – Not Really a Swimming Beach
Located in the southern part of Kamala, this tiny beach is not very attractive in itself but provides a nice view to the long established ‘White Orchid’ restaurant as well as some tiny bars. Read more
31. Karon Noi Beach or Relax Beach
Private Beach
Part of the “Best Beaches of Phuket’ collection, Karon Noi Beach is one more inaccessible beach only for the use of a hotel’s guests. Not well known from most tourists, it happens to have the nicest sand and most amazing blue sea on the island, and it is not even far Patong beach. This is the nest of Le Meridien Phuket… Read more
32. Surin Beach
Moderately Busy – No Facilities
Surin Beach is popular for a good reason, with plenty of dining venues along a large beach blessed with a beautiful sand and an amazing clear blue water. Maybe it is already a bit too popular, with four of even five rows of beach chairs in some parts. But the quality of the water and sand still makes it one of the nicest beaches on the island. Read more
33. Tri Trang Beach
Quiet
Tri Trang is without doubt the longest and the nicest of four beaches located south of Patong. Its only downside might be during low tide, when the sea reveals a rocky area that used to be coral. Fortunately at high tide there is more than enough sandy areas for a good swim. Read more
34. Trisara Beach
Small and Private
Trisara Beach is just a tiny strip of sand on the west coast, just between Bangtao Bay and Naithon beaches and only accessible from the exclusive Trisara Villas.
35. Ya Nui Beach
Busy
Ya Nui is tiny but has the charms of a small beach, tucked in a cove between the Windmill Viewpointand famous Promthep Cape in the very south of Phuket Island. Coming from Nai Harn Beach you would drive through, keeping your eyes on the curves, and miss it if it was not for the amount of cars parked alongside the road of this hollow. Read more
36. Thavorn Beach
Private Beach
Thavorn Beach, like the 3 other ‘private’ beaches are not really private, but the entire land you would need to cross belong to the immense Thavorn Beach Village, one of the oldest hotel in Phuket.
37. Yae Beach
Private Beach
Yae Beach is not really a great beach but since it is really hard to find, I really wanted to find it. It’s located on a cape between Patong and Kamala and you won’t find much there, just a small hut selling drinks… well, when it’s open.
38. Hua Beach
Hidden Beach
Hua Beach was unknown to us for a long time. Also not a great beach for swimming it is a very peaceful place not far from Kamala Beach. Read more
39. 40. Phuket Secret Beaches
Those 2 secret beaches might be the last ones so we will not reveal them openly here. They are hard to find and hard to reach too! So let’s make a deal follow us on instagram.com/willythuan and send us a message and we will tell you where they are. 