Many years ago, Bangtao was the centre of Phuket’s tin mining industries, where large deposits of tin lay metres off the actual coast. Today, Bangtao Beach is where Phuket residents of the Bangtao and Surin areas go to enjoy a quiet day of sun and sea. It is six kilometers long, offering plenty of space, and it is the one of the best beaches to visit on Phuket if you would like some peace and privacy.

Bangtao Beach, when viewed from the sands, is a perfectly symmetrical beach flanked by two headlands. The southern end is known as Bangtao, home to the world-acclaimed Laguna Resorts, whereas the northern end is known as the Layan area. Off the Layan stretch of Bangtao, there is a small island known as Koh Ghai – or Chicken Island. It is a solid piece of rock extending to the sea bed. From December to February, it is possible to swim out to the island and do some snorkeling.

On the Laguna side of Bangtao Beach, starting from the southern most end of the beach, there are some small resorts offering beach huts for rent. Farther up the coast, there is the only Laguna resort – Dusit Laguna – offering direct beach access from the resort itself. Once past the Dusit Laguna, the only accommodation option is to rent one of the many newly developed apartments or villas found on the roads running parallel or perpendicular to the coast.

The area of Bangtao has seen rapid development in the last few years. Many multi-million homes and apartments are being developed for the holiday rental market. These private properties are usually let out through the many real estate agents on the island. For long staying holiday makers, the area of Bangtao is appealing for its many rental choices, and proximity to the beach.

Layan – the northern end of Bangtao Beach – has evolved to become one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods on Phuket. This stretch of Bangtao Beach is home to many multi-million dollar developments including the acclaimed Layan Gardens. A popular resort in Layan in found in the hills of Layan – Pavilions Resorts – have won numerous awards and has been voted “Hottest Resort 2007″ by Conde Nast Traveller.

The major beaches from north to south are:

• Bang Tao – long, very quiet beach
• Surin Beach – an up-and-coming destination
• Laem Singh Beach – small bay with stunning views, between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach
• Kamala Beach – a quieter beach to the north of Patong
• Patong Beach – the largest beach resort, known for its nightlife
• Karon Beach – a quieter beach to the south of Patong
• Kata Yai Beach – busy, clean tourist beach with good surf
• Kata Noi Beach – quieter sister of Kata Yai
• Ao Chalong – home to Phuket’s most popular yacht anchorage
• Rawai Beach – set off point for lots of local islands, popular with locals for eating on the beac

While there’s plenty to see on Phuket, several smaller surrounding islands, each offering unique sights of their own, are easily accessible within an hour or two by boat. Many have excellent snorkelling and diving sites, while others simply offer nice patches of sand on which to spend a quiet day. To reach them, hire a long-tail boat or charter an island-hopping tour. Accommodation is available on a number of the islands – some of it rustic, some very exclusive.

Phi Phi Islands

Part of a marine national park in Krabi province, the two stunning islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley are an integral part of many visitors’ itineraries – and are now the second most popular destination in the Andaman region of Thailand, after Phuket. Diving, snorkelling and a whole host of tours and other activities on offer. A wide range of accommodation on Phi Phi Don; the rugged Phi Phi Ley is uninhabited.

Similan Islands

For divers and marine life fanatics, no trip to Thailand is complete without a few days spent at the Similan archipelago, which is rated as one of the world’s top dive destinations. The tropical beauty of the pristine 9-island group will appeal to non-divers as well – the virgin jungle, fine sands and unusual granite formations on the islands are nearly as breathtaking as the depths of the sea that encompasses them. Accommodation is limited to basic government-run bungalows and tents that get booked up very quickly – it’s therefore recommended to join a liveaboard trip and stay on the boat.

Surin Islands

This remote, wild chain of 5 islands is located about 160 km north of Phuket near the Burmese border. The Surins are best known for their abundance of large marine life including leopard sharks and manta rays. Usually explored on liveaboard dive trips. The most famous site is Richelieu Rock for near-guaranteed sightings of whale sharks. Blanketed with jungle vegetation, the islands’ interiors are also great for hiking; there are better trails here than in the Similans. Basic accommodation available on one island only.

Coral Island

A very popular destination, also known as Koh Hei (or Hey or Hae), only 15 minutes by boat from the southern end of Phuket Island.

As the name suggests, it’s perfect for snorkelling close to the shore, and there are other water sports available. Read more… See also the only hotel on the Island: The Coral Island Resort

Racha Islands or Raya Island

The Racha (or Raya) islands, directly south of Phuket, offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the area with numerous coral formations and clear waters. Racha Yai is also a fine place to just relax on its soft white sands. Racha Noi, farther to the south, is uninhabited with only one tiny beach. The diving between Racha Yai and Noi is usually very good and offers a chance to see big fish, although generally for advanced divers as the current is very strong. See also “Diving in Racha Yai and Racha Noi”

Koh Yao Yai and Yao Noi

Two large islands (together about 138 sq km) right in the middle of Phang Nga bay between Phuket and Krabi. While fishing remains the predominant economic activity and way of life here, the islands are slowly opening up to tourism. Some innovative, community-driven eco tours and small-scale, mostly family-run bungalows and resorts have been developed. A great place to enjoy nature and get a taste of local culture.

Yao Yai Resort (Yao Yai Island)

Situated on the best beach of Yao islands with 3 different beach front bungalows, and private balconies, to enjoy the beautiful sunset overlooking, Phuket and Phang Nga bay.

Koh Yao Yai , still an untouched island by tourism, is the biggest after Phuket a place with a beautiful Culture and people. The resort is surrounded by trees, coconuts and the beach, where you can fall asleep counting the waves.
Koh Naka Yai, a small island just 10 minutes by long-tail boat off the east coast of Phuket, is rapidly transforming from a sparsely inhabited fisherman’s island to an upscale resort getaway. And the reason the resorts are coming is clear: Naka Yai is the classic postcard image of paradise – beaches of fine white sands lined with coconut trees, incredible views across Phang Nga Bay, no roads, and (so far) very little noise aside from chirping birds and cicadas. Naka Noi is most famous for its pearl farms, which can be visited on a day trip.

Rang Yai and Noi Island

A small, uninhabited island that has developed into an activity centre for groups. Spend the day kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, hiking, playing volleyball and more, or relax in the shade on the sandy beach. There’s no place to stay here but camping may be arranged.

Rang Yai and Noi Island

Rang Yai Island is private Island. The island is suitable for traveling and resting to be group or private and also we are operated daily excursion program for visitor since one up to large size. We have many activities offer you during stay on the Island. Also we has Rang Yai Restaurant where is daily opening. However, there’s no place to stay here but we provide camping or bamboo hut.

Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island)

This island of fishing villagers is reached within 10 minutes by long-tail boat from Laem Hin pier on the east coast of Phuket. A peaceful place with agro-tours and homestay with local families available. The island’s rich mangrove forests can be explored by boat. Between Phuket and Maphrao are some rustic floating restaurants with live seafood held in submerged pens to select for a fresh seafood meal. Near the restaurants are a few lonely floating bungalows for rent – perfect for a night or two of solitude, though it’s not clear where waste from the toilets ends up.

Koh Khai Nok

Just east of Phuket, Khai Nok is a tiny, idyllic island – little more than a forested lump poking out of the sea ringed by white sand and coral. Good snorkelling though the currents can be quite strong at times. Great for a daytrip – there’s no place to stay here. Reached within 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Phuket or by joining a boat tour around the area. Book a tour here.

Maiton Island and the resort

The popular Maiton Island Resort is situated on this island. The resort boasts the whole island to itself and there are no day trips offered to this island. For a world of your own, this is the perfect choice.

Koh Lone (or Lohn)

Koh Lone, situated in the middle of Chalong Bay, remains a quiet, lush place with only a few upmarket resorts in operation.

There are few daytrips going here, but it’s easy to organize a long-tail boat for the 15-minute trip from Chalong Bay.

Koh Bon

Koh Bon, just 15 minutes off the shore of Rawai, is a beautiful tiny isle with soft white sands and good snorkelling sites. The salas, sun loungers and other facilities on shore are “exclusively for the use” of guests staying at The Evason Phuket Resort and Spa, which advertises Koh Bon as its own private island. The only accommodation is a luxurious honeymoon suite, also operated by The Evason.

Koh Kaew

This speck of an island is found just offshore at the southernmost tip of Phuket, and can be seen from the Phromthep Cape viewpoint. Long-tail boat transfer to the island can be arranged in Rawai. So far, there’s not much here besides a large Buddha statue.

Koh Lanta

Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi are reached off the coast of Krabi, with most accommodation found on Lanta Yai. The beautiful quiet beaches of Lanta are its main draw, but there’s some good diving in the area as well. The nearby sites of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are exciting dive destinations, easily reached on daytrips from Lanta. Regular car ferry service from the Krabi mainland and by passenger ferry from Phi Phi.

The northern end of the unspoiled and scenic bay features a sandy beach, shaded by Casuarina trees. The atmosphere is very relaxed and it is a very pleasant location for those who are looking for a quiet place for sunning or taking a long quiet stroll along an almost deserted beach.

Kamala bay provides, besides its family attractions, good swimming in crystal clear water on its northern end. To explore the coral reefs just a few meters offshore, all you need are fins and a snorkel to enjoy the underwater beauty. Even more magnificent scenery awaits you if you are a scuba diver.

The middle part of Kamala bay is dominated by a village with small resorts dotted along the beach. It is a popular community for longer-term visitors to the island. The fishing village atmosphere remains with fishermen casting their nets and the occasional water buffalo roaming the beach unattended. Some small bars and seafood restaurants line the beach here, giving the opportunity for refreshment.

A twice-weekly village market currently held each Wednesday and Saturday afternoon provides ample color and fun for the visitor. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with friendly local residents, and to sample locally produced fruit, vegetables and delicious snacks. Also in Kamala, there is Phuket FantaSea, a cultural theme park that presents a nightly extravaganza show, and is the only one of its kind on the island. If relaxation in a small seaside community is what you’re after, you’ll find Kamala a delight.

Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south end, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facillity. Karon Beach is the most up-scale of Phuket’s beaches. There is a regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Karon  is quiet and relaxed. Lots of good local restaurants and a good range of accommodation from small guesthouses to family resorts. The beach has lots of room and is rarely crowded. Snorkelling at the southern end which has a coral reef stretching toward Kata and a small offshore island (Boo Island.) From November to April, Karon offers perfect conditions, but from May to October swimming can be dangerous because of strong undertows, so observe the warning flags.