Phuket's Secret Beaches

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. (If you want more details about how to find these beaches see our Phuket Beach Guide below.)

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.

Phuket's Secret Beaches
By James Spellman

The author has lived in Phuket, Thailand for seven years. If you want to learn more about the beautiful island of Phuket then visit Phuket Travel Guide and Articles where you will find more articles and visitor information.

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Phuket - Natures Own Amphitheater of Entertainment

Breathtaking scenery silhouetted with the most amazing tropical sunset- this is Phuket, home to Asia's most spectacular beaches. Phuket is Thailand's largest island sprawling with travelers round the year to to be a part of the fun-filled sandy beaches of the blue ocean. The most famous beach in Phuket is undeniably the Patong Beach, which is an ideal place to play during the day and exhaust yourself partying hard at night.

Centered around tourism, Phuket has left no stone unturned to amaze you with fun and adventure popping up at even the most unlikely of places. There are loads of other beaches as well which promise entertainment, but often preferred by individuals and families seeking a relaxing and serene environment.

It's not only the beaches which attract travelers, but there are other enticements as well which draw them to the travel paradise. Phuket waterfalls attract a lot of people who seek a cool and soothing place for a great dip and at the same time, want to top it up with a picnic! The waterfalls are mostly located in the surrounding tropical forests and require a bit of trekking which offers the chance to peek at the wildlife. The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and the Sirinath National Park offer travelers with a heavy dose of adrenaline laced adventure which includes trekking, elephant safari, and canoing or rafting.

There are several viewpoints from where you can get a panoramic view of the tropical sunsets or sunrises, but for people who like to enjoy the beauty of nature in seclusion, it's best to go in the early morning. Phuket has its own share of history and a visit to the beautiful Wat Chalong Buddhist Temple gives you a glimpse of the life of the legendary Buddhist monk, Luang Poh Cham. The island of Phuket is full of adventure and it actually grabs the attention of the traveler who loves to let out that extra bit of sweat to discover the uncharted attractions of a place.

An extra yard from the sandy beaches of Phuket, lies the adventure of scuba diving, letting you discover the underwater life along the beautiful coral reefs. Jet-skiing and para-sailing are equally popular and offer the promise of a pure adrenaline rush. Another attraction of Phuket is the electrifying marvel of Muay Thai, locally known as Muay Thai, held in a specially built stadium on Soi Bangla.

Travelers can witness the pure passion of Thailand's historic sport amidst the cheers of the crowds and the strains of drums and trumpets accompanying the fight right from the beginning to end. For travelers who like to play it cool and clean, can go for the international standard golf courses in Phuket, each one of which offers a spectacular scenery which makes every moment cherished and makes you crave for more!

Anxious about where you can put up! Phuket hotels offers a wide range of accommodation options from budget to luxury stays. Nearly all the hotels in Phuket are in set in admirable locations and offer an easy access and getaway with the availability of taxis and rental cars, or even bikes to explore the island of Phuket.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/


Phuket - Natures Own Amphitheater of Entertainment
By Alexs Albert

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Thailand – The Land Of Smiles And Cheap Travel

Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can’t beat on price alone.

Thailand

Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while trying to get around in Bangkok and gloriously relaxing while laying on practically any of the beaches that populate the coast of the country. Regardless of the situation, the Thais have a habit and custom or smiling regardless of what you ask or how you ask it.

Beaches

The beaches of Thailand need no introduction. Used as the setting for hundreds of movies, they come in a variety of styles. The beaches of Phuket and Phi Phi fall along the lines of traditional beach resort areas like you might find in a place such as Cancun, Mexico or Tamarindo, Costa Rica. On the other end of the scale, you can find more rustic beach areas in places like the island of Ko Chang where you’ll have a few beach bungalows, a couple of bars and one or two stores. If you’re looking for a little of both styles, just ask around.



I think a note of caution is need at this point. Please beware. If you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you won’t want to come back to your native country. You will, however, definitely come back to Thailand!


By: Nomadrick Chapo

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