The best beaches in West Phuket

The west coast of Phuket is renowned worldwide for its stunning beaches despite this area facing the full front of the annual monsoon. This is why beaches have formed between the many headlands, and why the sand is so fine under your feet.

The west is most heavily populated with hotels, but few by the beach, which means the beaches are social spaces to the delight of visitors. The area is buzzing with life, and is very popular with tourists. This means they can be quite busy, and so the region is perfect ‘if you are looking for a little life as part of your beach holiday.

There are numerous facilities alongside the west coast beaches, such as bars, restaurants, markets, shopping centres and more. There is a good blend of the modern tourist driven landscape, and the more local Thai style communities with temples and mosques. The local people love tourists, and the industry is a large part of their income so the west is geared towards making visitors very happy.

Patong in the south west is the liveliest of beaches, whereas Kata and Karon are more family orientated. The north west are more suited to those looking for a more chilled experience, with quieter beaches which are absent of both tourists and locals for real seclusion and exclusivity.

Mai Khao in the north west is particularly quiet and known for their luxurious abodes and much sought after isolation. Panwa is in the south west, has been protected despite the urbanisation that has occurred around the beach area.

The west offers a bit of everything – the lifestyle, the beautiful beaches, the busy social elements one may seek from a beach location, and also the chance to escape somewhere a little quieter and more understated. It is best to visit this area in high season to avoid the monsoon season where rainfall is often severe and can last all day. So visit between September and May to make the most of the serene seascapes.