Set in the Andaman sea, the beautiful rainforest island of Phuket has some of the best beaches in Thailand. The crystal clear waters of the island leave beachgoers spoilt for choice, especially along the western coast. But which is the best beach in Phuket?
Most popular beach
The most popular beach on the island can be found on the west coast at Patong. This is a large, bustling town full of shops, restaurants and bars. Thousands of tourists flock here every year, drawn by soft white sands, beautiful scenery and gorgeous waters.
Unfortunately, all of that comes at a price. Patong’s popularity is also its biggest weakness. During peak season the main part of the beach can become extremely crowded. While you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels, restaurants and shopping, its emergence as a tourist hotspot has somewhat diminished its character.
If you’re looking for a great place to party with friends and family, this is the place to be. However, if you’re looking for a true piece of paradise, it’s worth looking a little way down the coast at the appropriately named Freedom Beach.
A taste of freedom
Set right next door to Patong Freedom beach is an idea of what Patong might have been like if you remove the tourists. It has the soft white sand of Patong, the same crystal clear waters and beautiful views. However, it’s a whole lot quieter and that’s for one very good reason.
Getting to Freedom Beach is difficult. At peak season there are only two ways to do it—by boat or by a small path leading down a steep slope from the top of the hill. People with mobility issues might struggle, but for everyone else, it’s well worth the effort.
Getting a longtail boat from Patong is an elegant, albeit slow and expensive way to get there. Prices vary depending on the number of people traveling. It will normally be a process of negotiation until you arrive at an agreeable fee.
From there you take a trip down the coast, past a couple of secluded coves to Freedom beach. You’ll probably get a bit splashed along the way and have to jump off in the shallows and wade ashore, so it pays to wear your swimsuit before going.
Honourable mentions
Elsewhere, one of the most up-and-coming areas of Phuket can be found at Bang Tao beach. It’s more accessible than Freedom Beach and not quite as crowded as Patong. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from and, as one of the longest beaches on the island, you’ll always be able to find space away from the crowds during peak season. It’s a best-of-both-worlds option—giving you a beautiful beach and plenty of facilities, without the crowds.
Which is the best beach in Phuket, then? Well, it depends on your tastes, mobility and attitude, but these three coastal paradises offer something for everyone.
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