To help you make the most of your golfing holiday Phuket Island; here is some information on lesser known Phuket beaches. These are great alternative beaches where you can relax after golf and avoid the crowds. The Phuket beaches are a little off the beaten track, but still offer facilities such as restaurants, chairs, umbrellas, massages, and toilets.
Not far from the hive of activity which is Patong Beach you will find a haven of peace and tranquility on Paradise Beach. From the Amari Hotel at the south end of Patong Beach, take a left fork past Baan Yin Dee, the entrance to Tri Trang Resort and Merlin Beach Resort and follow the road to Emerald Bay (Naik Rang). Keep going on the narrow twisty road until you reach Paradise Beach, a palm tree shaded stretch of sand about 150 metres long with large rocks at each end and a coral reef out to the calm sea which is safe for swimming.
On the main road south out to Rawai, are Ya Nui and Laem Ka Beaches. Ya Nui is a charming little cove set between Phrom Thep and the viewpoint near the white windmills. Follow the signs for Phrom Thep. At low tide, you can walk out to an island called Koh Keyao Noi, explore the coral, or visit to the neighboring Nai Harn Beach where the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club stands.
Laem Ka Beach is a small, sandy beach sheltered by large boulders, the only eastern-facing beach in the south of Phuket that offers good swimming. ‘Laem’ is Thai for ‘Cape’. Thai families picnic there on Sundays as it is shady and cool from midday on. There are lovely views out to Koh Bon, Koh Lone, and Coral Island. To get to Laem Ka head south to Rawai, then turn left off the main road down a small road opposite the temple next to the 7-Eleven. Follow the road to the right to Laem Ka beach.
To the north west of the island on the coast road out to Blue Canyon Country Club and the airport are two hidden gems, generally known only to the locals: Laem Sing and Banana Rock Beaches. Laem Sing is located between Kamala and Surin beaches. Follow the signs and pathway leading down to the beach from the parking lot just off the main road. Be careful not to have too may Singha beers before you have to climb back up, the trail is quite steep! The swimming and snorkeling are excellent here. From November to May, there is a weekly party called Soundwave Sunday when the beach stays open in the evening and hanging lanterns in the branches of trees guide you up to the car park.
Banana Rock Beach is situated between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches, a half mile from Trisara Villas. When you pass Trisara, you will just about be able to spot the beach through the trees. You may prefer to rent a longtail from one of other beaches to come here. Ask for ‘Hat Hin Kluay’. It’s worth the effort as the water here is beautifully clear.
Well that’s it from Phuket. Drop me a line if you have been to any of these beaches or have any special secret ones of your own!
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