Phuket: 10 special beaches and islands

Many vacationers go to Phuket in southern Thailand and mostly stay at their resort or don't get further than Patong beach.

Skyscanner reveals some special places in and around Phuket; there is a lot to see and do when you leave the tourist spots behind. For starters, there are some great ones beaches, therefore arrange car rental or a taxi ride. And then there are many islands, some of which are among the most beautiful in the world. Trust us: with a boat trip you see something completely different from the usual tourist spots. Here the suggestions:

1. Ao Sane Beach
If you like less is more, this beach in Thailand is for you. The sand is a bit coarse, but the giant granite boulders and tropical trees surrounding the beach make it very attractive. You can enjoy excellent snorkeling here and enjoy delicious food in a restaurant that serves cheap and good Thai and Western dishes.

Ao Sane Beach

2. The Similan Islands
You can reach this archipelago with 10 breathtaking, almost deserted islands with a short speedboat trip and off you go! You are away from the crowded beaches of Phuket. The beaches have a lot of greenery and are surrounded by forests, have sandy beaches and there are even monkeys who are big crab lovers. The islands are regularly mentioned in the lists of favorite dive spots.

3. James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)
Jump aboard a boat in northern Phuket and after a boat trip you find yourself among impressive looking limestone rock formations that proudly protrude from the green glowing sea. The most popular island is James Bond Island which played a leading role in 'The Man With the Golden Gun'. Around the island you can canoe, admire the interesting rock formations or just relax on the beach. Many also visit the nearby floating fishing village.

Koh Khai Nok

4. Koh Khai Nok
This small, intimate island translates as Egg Island. It has a rocky promontory and a strip of snow-white beaches on a sea with circling striped fish. 30 minutes by speedboat from Phuket and you are there. There are restaurants and food stalls where you can enjoy the real Thai dishes that you eat under colored umbrellas.

5. Koh Racha Yai
This island is slowly developing and getting more and more good accommodations. The sand here is soft and white, the water azure blue in which the most beautiful fish species splash. A beautiful, pleasant place for crazy water fun.

Banana Beach

6.Banana Beach
You reach this beautiful beach in the shape of a half moon (or banana) with a long-tail boat or by car. It's a bit tricky to find from the road and it takes some steering skills but it's all worth it. There is a seafood restaurant on the beach and walking masseuses ensure that you are completely zen.

7. Ao Yon Beach
It seems a bit more developed than other places, which is partly due to the port. The sand is beautiful and how cliché but true: lined with palm trees. Popular with locals on weekends.

8. Haad Sai Kaew Beach
This long stretch of stunningly beautiful beach is located in the northernmost part of Phuket, so you'll have to take a car ride to get there. Do it because you will not encounter many other tourists and there are simple beach restaurants with good, authentic Thai food on the menu.

Freedom Beach

9.Freedom Beach
The most beautiful beach in Phuket. You get there with a long-tail boat, a small threshold that ensures that it is never really too busy. The sand is white as powder and the water is wonderful. You will find a beach restaurant serving simple Thai dishes.

10. Layan Beach
This secluded beach on the west side of Phuket can be recognized by its fishing boats and golden sands surrounded by greenery of trees. Besides sunbathing and swimming there is not much to do, okay you can still enjoy a massage in a shady bamboo hut.