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Beaches
Phuket is a large island with a wide choice of beaches to suit every taste and requirement. Most of the beaches are located on the west coast of the island. The quieter beaches tend to be found towards the island's northwestern coastline, while the greatest concentration of hotels, shops and restaurants is located around Patong and stretches south towards Karon and Kata.
- Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao is a large open bay with one of Phuket's longest beaches. The 8km long beach never feels crowded, especially at its northern end.
- Cape Panwa
Cape Panwa is located to the south of Phuket City where lush hills provide magnificent views of the Andaman Sea.
- Chalong Bay
Chalong is a large bay with a pier that is the main departing point for diving and fishing trips, and also has some great seafood restaurants along the seafront.
- Kalim Bay
Located just to the north of Patong, Kalim is quiet and relaxed. However, the beach is not good for swimming as its quite rocky and there is a coral reef close to shore.
- Kamala Beach
Kamala is only a few minutes drive from the bustle of Patong and a great place for those wanting a quiet and relaxing holiday.
- Karon Beach
Karon is one of Phuket's longest beaches. Although there are a few large resorts and hotels, they are spread out and the area feels very relaxed.
- Kata Beach
Kata is divided into Kata Yai and Kata Noi. Both beaches offer stunning scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Laem Singh Beach
Laem Singh beach is located a few minutes drive north of Kamala in a small curving bay at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs.
- Mai Kao Beach
Located just north of the airport is Mai Kao beach, an incredibly long and deserted stretch of sand.
- Nai Harn Beach
One of the loveliest beaches in Phuket, Nai Harn is relatively undeveloped. The Samnak Song Nai Harn monastery dominates much of the beachfront land.
- Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon beach lies about 15km south of the airport. The beach is still quite undeveloped and is a nice quiet place to sit in the sun or take in a swim.
- Nai Yang Beach
Nai Yang is a long curved bay fringed with tall casuarinas trees, providing an ideal spot for the many picnickers who frequent this beach.
- Patong Beach
Phuket's busiest resort area, Patong has the greatest concentration of bars, restaurant and shops on the island.
- Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach is popular with Thais who come to enjoy seafood and the lovely view of the islands from the shore.
- Surin Beach
A fairly undeveloped beach with more of a local feel to it. Surin is a great place to enjoy some local seafood right on the beach.
Islands
Coral Island
Coral Island lies just 9kms from the south-eastern tip of Phuket and is only 20 minutes by boat. Its proximity to Phuket has made the island popular with day-trippers who come here to sunbathe, snorkel and swim in the sea.
Racha Islands
Lying about 20kms south of Phuket, the Racha Islands comprise two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. The islands possess crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.
Similan Islands
The Similans are famed for their spectacular underwater scenery and marine life, and is regarded as one of the top ten dive spots in the world.
Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are one of South Thailand's more remote island destinations. Though the islands are well-known for great scuba diving and snorkelling, the natural scenery above water is just as spectacular as that below it.
Yao Islands
Situated in scenice Phang Nga Bay, the Yao Islands comprise two large islands, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.
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