Exploring Phuket’s Secret Beaches: A Guide to Hidden Gems

I climbed over the boulders with the waves crashing below; I could feel the sting of scrapes on my hands and legs, but turning back wasn't an option; I was too far in. With one last push, I pulled myself up, and there it was—a hidden paradise.

Banana Beach: A Tranquil Escape for the Adventurous

Phuket's hidden beaches are no longer so secret, not with Google Maps and longtail boats ready to take you almost anywhere.

But Banana Beach still holds onto some of that ‘hidden’ feeling because the effort to get there keeps most people away.

To get to Banana Beach, you must hike down a steep hill through a forest or take a longtail boat.

When you arrive at Banana Beach from the forest, you'll see a stunning, unspoiled stretch of sand. It's not very long, but with no resorts or beach clubs, it feels like a piece of nature. A small restaurant at the northern end offers refreshments and basic facilities.

Just north of the beach, you’ll find rugged cliffs and a small stream flowing down from the mountains. Here you get a real taste of the natural beauty of Phuket's coastline.

Banana Beach is one of those hidden spots that rewards the effort it takes to find it. Its untouched sand and rugged landscape showcase the island's raw charm.

The Magic of Lamsing Beach: More Than Just a View

A short drive south from Banana Beach brings you to Lamsing Beach, a stunning paradise easily spotted from a viewpoint next to the road, overlooking the beach. While the view is breathtaking, it doesn't even come close to the feeling of being on the beach yourself.

You can get to the beach either by longtail boat or by taking a scenic, relatively easy trail along the coastline from Surin Beach.

After a 20-minute hike along the coastline from Surin Beach, you reach a small restaurant with basic facilities. The beach itself is a pristine paradise with unspoiled sands and shaded spots under the trees.

Even though the viewpoint at the side of the road offers a stunning view, nothing compares to the ‘wow’ feeling you get when you are there.

Freedom Beach: Staircase to Paradise

To get to Freedom Beach, you have three options: a longtail boat ride and two sets of staircases to choose from.

Both are located at the end of dirt roads on the southern edge of Patong Beach. The descent takes about 15-20 minutes, winding through greenery. Every few steps, you catch glimpses of turquoise water peeking through the leaves, building up the anticipation. Getting down is easy, but the climb back?

When you get down to the beach, you are welcomed by a pristine paradise with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Everything you need for a perfect day at the beach –swimming, relaxing, and unwinding – is here.

Freedom Beach offers a few basic facilities despite its remote and unspoiled nature. There are a couple of small restaurants and bars on the beach, and you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas.

After a day relaxing in the sun and when it's time to head home, the staircase from before might feel less like the ‘stairway to heaven’ and more like a reminder that every paradise comes with a price.

Nui Beach, hate it or love it

To get to Nui Beach, start at the parking area south of Karon Viewpoint. From there, the adventure kicks off, a rough off-road trail best tackled with a 4WD; jeep services are available to take you down the rugged path. The bumpy ride adds to the thrill and sets the tone for what's to come.

Once upon a time, Nui Beach was the kind of place you'd only stumble upon if you were lucky, if you had been lost at sea and washed ashore at the beach. It was a true hidden paradise, a secret treasure tucked away, known only to a few adventurous souls.

Fast forward to today, and while the beach still holds its natural charm, things have taken a bit of a turn. A beach club now sits along the shoreline, and the sands are dotted with selfie swings, staircases, and even bathtubs – yes, bathtubs – all set up for that perfect photo op. It's not the quiet escape it once was, but hey, who can resist a swing with a view.

Back on the Boulders and First Glimpse of Paradise

As I pulled myself onto the boulder, rising to stand at its peak, my eyes finally met Phuket's most exclusive and hidden beach.

Pansea Beach is a pristine, secluded haven, maintained to perfection by the two luxurious resorts on its shores – The Surin and Amanpuri. Their care ensures it is one of Phuket’s most immaculate beaches.

Ocean debris is standard on most beaches but not on Pansea Beach. It's so spotless you'd think plastic is allergic to the place. Gardeners are on standby, ready to swoop in and snatch any rogue debris before it can touch the sand.

Once one of Phuket's most secluded and secret gems, is on the brink of becoming an open secret. The construction of a towering glass watchtower on nearby Surin Beach will soon provide a bird's-eye view of this exclusive hideaway.

Before a hidden gem reserved for the adventurous few, what used to be a secret escape is now transforming into a public ‘paradise view’ like Laem Sing Beach already is, no need for the cliff climbs anymore.

Phuket's beaches, once shrouded in secrecy, have evolved, yet the spirit of adventure remains. Whether you're into scaling rugged cliffs or wandering through forest trails, hidden paradises still await – paradise beaches most only dream of.

Untouched sands, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere call to those willing to venture beyond the usual spots. Even as more places become accessible, nothing compares to discovering your own quiet slice of paradise. Phuket's secret shores are still out there, waiting for those ready to find them.

by Mads D, Photographer & Explorer

Learn more about Mads D KamalaBeachEstate.com/mads-d