People either love Phuket or hate it. Those that hate it, have clearly not explored or experienced the entire island. I’ve been there many times and I still haven’t discovered it all. One of the things that keep alluring me back there is the variety of beaches.
Did you know that Phuket has over 30 idyllic beaches? While there are so many popular long stretches of beaches such as Kata, Karon, Kamala, and Patong beach, I prefer the smaller, somewhat hidden ones. The type that are a combination of stunning azure waters, white sandy beaches, and rock formations to climb on. The rocks especially were my inspiration and focus to find some of these six hidden beaches in Phuket.
Laem Singh Beach
Laem Singh is one of those beaches that is right there in front of your face but you aren’t sure how to get there. Chances are that you might have seen it if you stopped at the Laem Sing View Point.
To get there: you have to go to the southern end of Surin beach first. Then you must hike across a trail of jagged rocks and a narrow dirt trail along the coast. The trail is well marked once you get to the first set of rocks.
It is not a difficult hike but you have to be careful and mind your step. Also, if you go at the wrong time or weather, the tide gets too high and dangerous. The first time I tried to go, the tide was covering all the rocks that I had to walk over.
As you can see, the trail twists and turns around the hill but it never gets that steep. I actually quite enjoyed it. In fact, I would jog this hike every day if I was living in Phuket.
After about 15 minutes, dripping in sweat, I finally reached Laem Singh Beach. Even on this day, the waves and undercurrent seemed quite strong. I’m not entirely sure you can even swim here.
I didn’t have time to go on the beach itself but I was happy to have been here at all. So after snapping a few pictures and enjoying the breeze, it was time to head back. To be honest, although the beach is nice I preferred the coastal view along the trail. The sound of crashing waves against the jagged rocks was almost therapeutic.
Paradise Beach
Technically, Paradise beach isn’t really hidden but there are a few spots here that some people might miss out on.
Paradise Beach is quite famous and used to be home to a beach club that held massive parties. It’s also a 2-star hotel/hostel, popular among backpackers.
Since COVID, they had to shut down and renovate. Much like most beaches in Phuket now, there is hardly anyone here.
To get here: drive up all the way to Paradise Beach till you reach a parking/reception area. You will be asked to park your car or bike here, pay 100 Baht, and then taken to the beach by a songthaew (truck). The 100 Baht also includes a non-alcoholic beverage, a towel, and a beach bed.
While the main beach is pretty nice, I suggest exploring around. To the left, you will see a couple of steps leading to a smaller beach. Also very lovely.
However, if you really want to have your senses blown away, go towards the back of the beach, up the tiny hill, and across to the other side. It will only take a few minutes.
Here you will encounter one of the best scenic views. For me at least, it was an “Oh My God” moment.
Although it looks chaotic and certainly dangerously, there is something so therapeutic about waves crashing onto rocks. Beaches are great but views like this are so much better. I just wanna be back here climbing rocks while watching the waves come and go. Absolutely picturesque.
At Paradise Beach, you can also go towards the right end where a wooden walkway takes you a little bit out into the sea. Another amazing spot to take some epic Instagram-worthy photos.
Tri Trang Beach
After leaving Paradise Beach, I was driving back toward Patong, and I saw a sign on the left for a beach where people take photos with elephants. While I wholeheartedly do not support this, I wanted to see it for myself. Out of curiosity, I turned into the small soi and past a little gate, where I was stopped by a local man.
He asked where I was going and I replied, to the beach. He said I would have to pay 100 Baht. After having already spent 100 at Paradise Beach, I was at first a bit hesitant to pay. But then I figured that is just the way things work around here these days.
I didn’t mind helping the locals out in any case. He noted that I could pay up ahead.
I drove in further and up a hill where there was a small parking area. A man with a golf cart was waiting here who took me down the other side of the hill to pay the 100 Baht fee. From there I could walk down to the beach through a restaurant.
To find this spot, look for The Cozy cafe Phuket on Google Maps and follow the directions.
After refusing to buy any beverage or food (since I already paid the 100 Baht entry fee), I asked the staff about the elephants. They explained that they are kept up the hill at the camp and if I wanted to take pictures with them it would be 200 Baht. I politely declined and began exploring.
As the tide was a tad high, I did not really want to go on the beach but luckily, a wooden pathway led me along the coast all the way to another hidden beach (again no idea what it is called).
After walking around for a little bit and taking some pictures for your viewing pleasure, I headed back to my hotel. It was time to get ready for my birthday celebrations.
Freedom Beach
Located southwest of Phuket beneath a steep hill, Freedom beach is one of the best Phuket hidden beaches. It is without a doubt among the most beautiful beaches that I have ever seen.
To get here: you have to park at either this or the other spot before traversing down a steep path through the jungle. Going down was pretty easy but I knew that going back up was going to be rough. Do mind your step though as some sections are quite slippery.
As you tumble down and through the vegetation, the ocean starts to get visible. It gets you excited to reach even faster and before you know it, voila. Freedom Beach! A long (but too long) stretch of white sand against a bright blue sky and aqua/teal crystal clear water.
On both ends of the beach, there are also some massive rock formations to climb or sit on. A perfect beach.
My friend and I spent a good amount of time just chilling on these rocks, taking pictures and soaking in the fresh air. There was not a single person out here.
Hidden little cove
Now, this is not even the best part of Freedom beach. No siree! It is the even more secretly hidden beach/cove towards the northern end. You will have to climb over some jagged rocks to get there but you seriously can’t miss it! What a gorgeous little spot.
Here is a drone shot that I borrowed from @sunny_rung to give you a birds eye perspective of it. Isolated, small and gorgeous. What more can you ask for?
As I mentioned before, going back up is the real challenge as it is fairly steep and slippery. So, make sure you carry enough water with you. I didn’t, which became a grueling testament to my fitness and willpower. In any case, the beach is absolutely worth the trek. As they say, “nothing worth having or seeing comes easy”.
Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane is another wonderful hidden beach, tucked away at the southwestern end of Phuket.
To get here: drive past Nai Harn beach and through the compounds of Nai Harn Hotel. Keep driving even when it looks like you can’t or shouldn’t go any further. The road is a bit narrow and rocky in some sections, but it’s ok. You can go.
Over and down the hill, you will come across a beautiful beach, perfect for snorkeling or swimming. There is even a small restaurant here if you want a bite to eat or grab a drink. It’s a bit pricey, however, compared to what I was paying at Patong beach.
The beach is littered with rocks, which I feel gives it character and uniqueness. The color of the water is very nice and inviting for a swim. I wanted to stay longer but I had more beaches to explore and a sunset to catch at Promthep Cape viewpoint.
Yanui Beach
Not exactly considered one of the hidden beaches in Phuket, Yanui beach is however easy to overlook. I came across it by chance while driving to Promthep Cape. It’s quite easy to get reach by car or bike if you follow the map.
Located all the way south of Phuket, Yanui is a tranquil cove-style beach where visitors come to swim, snorkel, or kayak. It’s a perfect family-friend beach with a certain local charm.
I really liked it here, especially, the giant rock formations in the middle of the beach. As you can guess, I went straight for it and started climbing. I just love to climb rocks. It brings out an inner child and gives me a sense of adventure.
Superlative Round
Which beach is best? Depending on what you are looking for, here is a short list.
Swimming: All but my favorite would be the hidden cove at Freedom
Snorkeling: Yanui, Ao Sane
Adventure: Laem Singh, Freedom, Yanui
Kayak/SUP: Yanui, Paradise
* Note that tide and weather conditions can impact activities at these beaches.
This is in no way an exhaustive or complete list of all the amazing hidden beaches in Phuket. I am sure there are more that I missed (such as Nui beach) but I only had time to explore the west and south side of the island.
Which one(s) do you like? Or if you have hidden beaches in Phuket that I missed, let me know in the comments below and I will be sure to check them out.
wow, such beautiful beaches. I had no idea there were so many. Thank you for sharing.
I wonder all the beaches mention here are the private beaches.
Hey Preeya, no, none of these are private beaches.