Beach Butter

Archive for August 7th, 2009

Phuket’s beaches are world-renowned and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the famous beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. So much so that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. They say Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island getaway. The beaches are too crowded. Sun loungers line the entire length of the beaches, sometimes in rows three or four deep. Jet skis, banana boats and parasail boats plough through the water while vendors ply their wares up and down the beach. They say Phuket is finished as an island getaway destination and only caters to the party crowd.

These people have not spent enough time exploring Phuket. There are more than 40 beaches around Phuket Island and there is something to suit all tastes. If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.

Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket’s residents. These are Phuket’s secret beaches.

Banana Beach

This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.

There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.

Pansea Beach

Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.

Pon Beach

This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.

There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach.

Paradise Beach

In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.

It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Freedom Beach

You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.

There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Nui Beach

This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.

It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.

Ao Sane Beach

This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club’s car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.

It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.

Laemka Beach

This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.

Ao Yon Beach

Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.

It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.

Planning a vacation may be fairly easy, but planning to make sure your vacation is the best it can be may take more work. If you want your vacation to include sun, surf, sand, and solitude, you may want to consider going to one of the world’s best beach resort options.

Common Perks of The Best Beach Resorts

Besides the common elements of offering spectacular sights with the ocean, the sunset, the sunrise, the unending beach, and the serenity that surrounds you, a beach resort offers perks that will amaze, relax, and inspire you. With the amenities offered by a beach resort, having the dream vacation of your life is possible at the best beach resort.

When you want to plan the best beach resort vacation possible, make a list of what you want to have included in your options. Many beach resort options offer perks that will help make your stay more enjoyable. You may also find a beach resort that will offer packages which will include many local things to see and do. Buying a package at a beach resort and staying at an all inclusive beach resort may not only save you time with planning and making arrangements for your days, but may also end up saving you money.

Some of the things you might want in a beach resort will be available with an all inclusive beach resort. Having your meals available at no additional charge, enjoying the pool and spa that may be provided, taking advantage of the child care which may be offered, and using the optional room service to enjoy a meal in your beach resort room can add a dimension to your vacation that will increase the fun and adventure you are looking for. With the addition of possible entertainment available, you will have everything you need right there at your beach resort.

Many beach resort options offer packages which may include local sights, activities, and entertainment. Visiting an aquarium, taking a whale watching or dolphin sighting tour, visiting some of the local museums or gardens, and even going to an amusement park, are some of the common packages that many of the best beach resort options all around the world, offer.

When you are looking for all the perks you can get from a beach resort, you will want to check into a beach resort in the area you want to visit. With the beach right there outside the doors to the resort, you will have access to all the sun, sand, and surf that you can handle.

Areas to Look At

When you know what type of beach resort you want, finding it in an area of the world that you want to visit will make it even more special. From the beaches of the United Stated, to the beaches of France, to the beaches of Mexico, and even Australia, there is so much to see, and more options for a good beach resort than you might think of.

Most beach resort options offer many different themes, packages, and perks. If you are into art, you might want a beach resort that will offer museum passes and maybe an art expo.

If you love gourmet food and wine, you may want to stay at a beach resort that will offer you a sample of local wine appreciation. With vineyards to visit, wine tasting to be done, and the romance that comes along with those things, you will have your taste buds awakened with the best of the vine, and a package from one of the best beach resort options available. The options are endless, and there are many packages and perks available when you vacation at the best beach resort you can find.

Marbella Beaches

Marbella is the jewel of the Costa de Sol, a town frequented by the rich and famous. Some of the finest beaches in the Costa del Sol can be found in Marbella and its neighbouring resorts.

If you are renting a villa in Marbella, you will be spoilt for choice with the beaches in the area. Whether you want to sunbathe, stroll or participate in water-sports, Marbella has the beach for you.

Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus’ Blue Flag beach is 1km of lovely fine sand. It has great facilities including showers and toilets and a variety of water-sports are on offer. The great thing about this beach is the wide variety of things to fill your days with. There are fantastic restaurants on the beach, and the whole area is kept clean for its users. There are even life guards to ensure that the swimming is safe.

El Ancon Beach

The beach at El Ancon is a much quieter, and some would say more peaceful and beautiful, area than some of the other beaches in the Marbella area. The beach is developed and has towers used by lifeguards. It also has toilet facilities. This is a stunning stretch of sand and is perfect for family days out or a quick dip in the clear blue sea.

Los Monteros

You know that a beach is good quality when the local Spaniards use it regularly. The beach at Los Monteros is just that kind of place, with nearly 2km of smooth golden sand and large expanses of shallow water – just perfect for splashing about in. This beach is of such high quality that it can sometimes get busy, but if you pick your time right, there are few beaches that can compare.

Calahonda Beach

Nestled in to the western end of Marbella town, and within easy reach of any villas in Marbella, this beautiful stretch of sand is idyllic and peaceful. There are the usual collection of amenities, showers, toilets and lifeguards, and also a beach bar with sunbeds.

Linda Vista Beach

The “beautiful view” beach is located near the town of San Pedro de Alcantara, near to the Linda Vista urbanization and to the Basilica Vega del Mar. This Blue Flag beach is 550m long and has all the usual facilities along with a beach bar and two beach clubs. A very popular beach.

San Pedro de Alcantara Beach

This is the perfect beach for water-sport enthusiasts. Water-sports on offer include jet skiing, windsurfing and pedaloes. The 1km long beach is a Blue Flag beach and can be found in San Pedro. It boasts full facilities including a children’s play area, beach club and six beach restaurants.

Casa Blanca Beach

A lovely golden sanded beach situated in the Casa Blanca urbanization. This 2km long Blue Flag beach has a lovely promenade to stroll along and a variety of water-sports on offer. This beach is quieter than some but still has a good range of facilities including six beach bars with sunbeds.

So, now you know a little more about the beaches you have no excuse for staying by the villa pool. Take that book with you and hit the sand!