Travel guide Thailand
Phuket beaches
Beaches on Phuket are all open to the public with one exception when access to the beach goes through private property. Lounge chairs are usually 100 baht per chair per day. Just take a seat and staff will come to collect the payment. Some hotels, however, offer their guests free of charge use of lounge chairs and other facilities on the beach.
Siam beach
Follow the steep slope down to this secluded beach that is only 20 m wide and nestled between rocky cliffs. This is a great place for a photo shoot. Before you climb back the hill, stop at a small restaurant surrounded by greenery for a drink or a meal. They offer Thai food.
If you wish you can even spend a night here at a small bungalow for 800 baht a night.
Naiharn Beach
Nai Harn is set midway between the West and East coasts of Phuket and away from main tourist areas that makes it popular among expats and locals.
From May to October, in the rainy season, it offers good waves for surfing. If you are not a surfer, you can still have some fun and ride the waves on a boogie board.
There are many Thai restaurants located along the beach. Behind the beach, there is an inland lake that connects with the sea by a small stream. Tides create shallow sandy pools along the stream making it popular with families with young children. The lake is surrounded by a fence and a sidewalk that is perfect for jogging. Walk over the bridge to the island at the center to rent paddle boats.
Yanui Beach
Yanui beach occupies about 100 meters of the shore, located between two rocky hills not far from famous Naiharn beach.
Opposite the beach, there is a small island. It is a good idea to rent a kayak right here and paddle out. It is also a good spot for snorkeling so bring your mask and a snorkel.
There is small but stunning windmill viewpoint to the north and famous but a bit crowdy Promthem viewpoint to the south from here.
Rawai beach
Rawai is famous for its seafood restaurants. In the southern part of the beach, there are tables set up right on the beach, kitchens are on the other side of the road. In the Northern part, restaurants are only across the road from the sea. Regardless of where you choose to dine all restaurants offer a cozy atmosphere typical to Thailand, delicious, cheap food and a large selection of fresh seafood.
For those who like cooking at home, there is a market where in the evening you can find a lot of delicacies. It is located in the southernmost part of the beach behind the pier.
There are many long-tail boats as well as speedboats lining up the shore. Here you can hire a boat to take you to the nearest island.
Here are approximate costs to rent a boat for 3-5 hrs from Rawai to nearby islands
Bon island: boat - 800฿, speed boat - 2000฿.
Coral island: boat - 1200฿, speed boat - 2500฿.
Racha island: speed boat - 7000฿.
Bon Island has one clean sandy beach and plenty of beautiful coral reefs. You will also find a few coves around the island where you can go snorkeling.
Coral Island is worth a visit if you are interested in water sports and activities such as parasailing, jet ski, banana boat rides, underwater walk in a diving helmet.
Racha Island is the farthest of them all but it’s worth the ride. It boasts crystal clear water, wonderful corals and plenty of colorful fishes. There a few restaurants on the island and a viewpoint.
A private fishing trip by a wooden boat will cost about 2000 baht.
Directions: this is the southernmost beach on Phuket.
It is best to come in the afternoon.
