6 of the best secluded beaches in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket may be one of the most popular islands in Thailand, but there are still remote beaches rimmed by pine forests and jungle-clad hills where you likely won’t see another person. Whether you’re after a chill day on endless stretches of sand with minimal development, or want to hike to a precious necklace of beaches ensconced in tiny coves, here's our pick of the best secluded beaches in Phuket.

1. Sai Kaew Beach

Best for nature lovers

A trip to the far, sleepy north introduces Hat Sai Kaew, or Glass Sand Beach, which takes its name from the sparkling, granular texture. This windswept beach about an hour’s drive from Phuket town remains largely off the tourist radar. The pine-fringed stretch of golden sand, just before the Sarasin Bridge, is washed by clear waters ideal for swimming, a world away from heavily commercialized beaches. Around 10 vendors have set up shop, selling Doi Chang coffee from a minivan and kickass meats from motorcycle grills. 

Those in the know swoon over this setting, so wild even turtles feel comfortable enough to nest between November and February. Granted, with the odd couple picnicking in the shade of casuarinas, you’re not totally alone wandering in solitude, but the salty air, chorusing cicadas and wind blowing in the pines are priceless.

Planning tip: Rent a car or scooter to make it to Phuket’s far north coast. Aside from the toilets at the cafe situated at the northern end of the beach, there are no toilets or showers available. Bring an umbrella as there might not be enough shade for everyone. Also, avoid swimming in the low season from May to October, when the sea gets rough at Hat Sai Kaew. There’s no lifeguard on duty, and the ocean floor drops off sharply, resulting in currents and waves that pitch forward in thundering blows.

2. Tri Trang Beach

Best for tranquility

A 500m-long stretch of soft white sand lapped by a marble-still, emerald sea, Tri Trang offers a breath of fresh air within spitting distance of Patong. Even with ice-cold beers, massages and jet skis within reach, this is a peaceful place where you’ll hear cicadas and the boop-boop-boops of greater coucals. Only mavericks spring from their beach towels here.

Getting there: Snuggled into a headland that protects the shore against powerful waves, Tri Trang is a 15-minute ride from Patong. Hop on a scooter, ride up the hill after Amari, then turn right at the Hideout sign and left to whizz down the dirt track.

Planning tip: The beach is a great snorkeling and swimming spot at high tide, but less so when the water recedes to expose shells and stones. Check the tide chart before heading out.

3. Merlin Beach

Best for families

Surrounded by hills and accessible via a hidden, unassuming lane (the last part of it isn’t even paved), this is a peaceful strip of fine white coral sand with a gentle ease into shallow, green-tinted water. Food and drink are in no short supply at Marriott’s beach bar and Little Tiger Restaurant, and beach massages and jet skis are also available to hire. Most people visiting with their kids build sandcastles or snorkel the reef. Home to cuttlefish and bright orange, white-striped clownfish swimming through sea anemones, the underwater paradise sits just offshore, waiting for you to find Nemo and Dory.

Getting there: Ride past the Hideout sign and make a left after MORYA Pharmacy. There’s space for a few motorcycles, though not many cars can park there.

Planning tip: Wading and swimming are only possible from 9am to 2pm when the tide is high, and water shoes do wonders at Merlin’s rocky coastline. You can get drinks at the bamboo bar till the clock strikes midnight, even if you’re not staying at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa.

4. Freedom Beach

Best for couples

Freedom Beach, with its silky sand as soft as memory foam, is serene in the morning and lively in the afternoon. It’s no longer a secret, but with brilliant white sand backdropped by palms and the sea a stunning shade of blue and green, there’s no questioning its photogenic factor. While the gin-clear water makes great snorkeling, the tropical paradise, arguably the prettiest beach on this list, invites visitors into lazy afternoons.

People catch sunrays or dedicate their day to swims in the bath-warm water. There’s also ample space for playing beach ball, should you manage to rise from your towel. Complete with two bars, some marijuana cigarettes here and there as well as a sign that reads, “No WiFi, pretend it’s 1990,” this is a chilled-out corner to add to your itinerary.

Getting there: Ride a scooter towards Tri Trang (cabs can be pricey at 600฿), but turn left at 7ELEVEN a few curves earlier. Go past Avista Hideaway on the potholed dirt track and stop at the parking lot.

Planning tip: A dense cloak of steamy jungle envelops Freedom Beach, so named because of its seclusion. Business-minded landowners have built paved 500m-long paths to access the beach – one is free, the other costs 100฿. The climb back up is tough, so bring water or stump up 100฿ for the taxi. Longtail boats bobbing on the water take you back to Patong (1500–1800฿/return trip).

5. Twosoulstrail Beach

Best for sunseekers

Off the main drag of Patong and adjacent to Freedom Beach, Twosoulstrail Beach is a tiny cove bookended by granite rocks of varying sizes. Its name derives from the paved path that links two distinct “souls” or twin beaches on Phuket’s west coast: the 300m-long Freedom Beach and Twosoulstrail Beach, where the peace is only interrupted by the sand bubbler crab going about its business. The coarse sand beach is not the prettiest on the island, and the rocky conditions and shallow water don’t make it particularly suitable for swimming. Yet the appeal is in the serene atmosphere.

Planning tip: There are no facilities, so bring a bottle of water and work on your tan or gather your thoughts.

6. Kratin Beach

Best for snorkelers

A coral wonderland awaits at the rocky, jungle-fringed cove of Kratin Beach, 2km west of Nai Harn. The reef, only meters from the shore, is home to the enigmatic lionfish hiding around funnel corals, brightly colored parrotfish and, foraging along the seabed, ray-finned wrasses, so be sure to bring a snorkel, mask and fins. If you venture into deeper realms, you may spot giant trevally, barracudas and even groupers and snappers.

Getting there: You’re no longer allowed to get to the beach via Baan Krating Resort, but all beaches in Thailand are public, so you can walk through the construction site or scramble over boulders that link the adjacent Ao Sane Beach to Kratin Beach.

Planning tip: Kayaks and drinks are available on Kratin Beach.