When you hear the word Phuket, images of sandy beaches, tropical islands, and the buzzing nightlife of Patong probably come to mind. But Thailand’s most famous beach destination has so much more to offer. Beyond the lively party scenes, Phuket is home to serene hideaways perfect for those seeking peace and rejuvenation, as well as world-class wellness resorts designed to nurture both body and mind. Thanks to its international airport, excellent road connections, and marinas linking to nearby islands, Phuket also serves as the perfect gateway to explore the breathtaking beauty of Phang Nga and Krabi.
Popular Beaches
Patong
Phuket’s most famous beach, Patong is lively, energetic, and packed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It’s perfect if you’re after action, entertainment, and beachside parties. The good thing is everything is in walking distance around here. However traffic can be very busy, and certain streets can be noisy.
While Patong is mainly known for its lively nightlife and bustling atmosphere rather than wellness retreats, there are a few resorts that offer good wellness facilities like spas, yoga, and wellness programs i.e. Amari Phuket at the southern tip of Patong Beach, DoubleTree by Hilton, Four Points by Sheraton at the north end of Patong Beach, and The Kee Resort & Spa.
Karon
Just south of Patong, Karon Beach offers a more laid-back vibe with a long stretch of golden sand and plenty of family-friendly resorts, ideal for a relaxed beach holiday. If you are looking for an area friendly to all generations, Karon is probably better than Patong.
Kata & Kata Noi
Loved by surfers and families alike, Kata and the smaller Kata Noi Beach boast clear waters, cozy beachfront cafes, and a more intimate feel compared to bustling Patong.
Some of the resorts with good wellness facilities here include Sawasdee Village – a boutique resort with a strong focus on Thai spa treatments, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort – a luxury resort with full-service spa, yoga classes, meditation sessions, several pools ideal for a peaceful wellness escape, The SIS Kata – a resort with stunning hilltop views over Kata Beach with yoga sessions, spa services, and a chic, modern style and The Shore at Katathani – an adults-only luxury resort popular for couples’ wellness retreats and honeymoons.
Kamala
Known for its calm and peaceful vibe, making it ideal for relaxation, Kamala Beach is home to some of Phuket’s best wellness resorts i.e. Keemala Phuket – an ultra luxury resort famous for its unique villa designs (bird’s nest villas, clay cottages) offering holistic wellness — spa rituals, wellness retreats, healing therapies, yoga, meditation and detox programs and a “wellness cuisine” menu, Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa – a private cliffside resort with a tranquil spa, yoga pavilion, wellness packages and Paresa Resort Phuket – another ultra-luxury wellness resort featuring meditation, yoga, spa treatments, and holistic retreats.
Bang Tao
Stretching for 6 kilometers along Phuket’s west coast, Bang Tao Beach is known for its luxury resorts and stylish beach clubs, yet it retains a spacious, laid-back vibe — perfect for travellers seeking an upscale but relaxed escape. At the heart of Bang Tao lies Laguna Phuket, Asia’s premier integrated resort destination, spanning 1,000 acres of lush parkland and pristine beachfront. Here, guests can enjoy six world-class hotels – the serene luxury of Banyan Tree Phuket, the vibrant beachfront setting of Angsana Laguna Phuket, the elegant charm of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and SAii Laguna Phuket, the family-friendly comfort of Homm Suites Laguna, and the playful, casual atmosphere of Cassia Phuket. Laguna also has an 18-hole championship golf course and some of Phuket’s best spas and exceptional dining spots.
Mai Khao
Next to Phuket Airport, Phuket’s longest beach, Mai Khao remains blissfully undeveloped in parts, making it a tranquil retreat and a haven for sea turtles during nesting season.
Many luxury wellness resorts are located here including Anantara Mai Khao which was a key filming location for Season 3 of The White Lotus. Others are JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort, Melia Phuket Mai Khao, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Mai Khao Beach Resort and more.
Less Touristy Beaches
Nai Yang
Next to Sirinat National Park, Nai Yang has a peaceful local feel, calm waters, and a stretch of beach that’s perfect for sunbathing and beach walks. Nai Yang is home to the multi-award-winning The Slate, which has become one of Thailand’s first MICHELIN Key Hotels, earning the prestigious One Key recognition. This accolade celebrates its exceptional design, distinctive character, and meaningful contributions to the local community. Among many other awards, its Coqoon Spa also received global acclaim at the World Luxury Spa Awards, securing the titles of Luxury Spa Resort – South East Asia and Best Spa Design Theme – Global.
Nai Thon
A hidden gem on Phuket’s northwest coast, Nai Thon is a quiet, beautiful beach perfect for those seeking solitude, calm waters, and stunning sunsets. Here, Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach offers private and peaceful atmosphere with spa services, yoga classes, wellness dining options.
Panwa
Located on the southeastern tip of Phuket, Panwa Peninsula or Cape Panwa offers peaceful beaches and panoramic sea views, away from the tourist crowds — ideal for a serene getaway. Some of the best wellness resort in this area are Amatara Welleisure Resort – one of the top wellness resorts in all of Phuket offering full wellness retreat programs: detox, weight management, yoga, anti-aging, spa therapy, meditation classes, and Thai hammam treatments and Cape Panwa Hotel – a more classic, colonial-style beachfront resort with spa and wellness services. Cape Panwa Hotel was also featured in Season 3 of The White Lotus. Victoria Ratliff’s dream of standing in front of a beautiful white mansion on a beach is actually the Panwa House, a fine dining restaurant at Cape Panwa Hotel.
Nearby Islands
Koh Hey (Coral Island)
Famous for its vibrant coral reefs on one side and white sandy beach on the other side, Koh Hey (or Coral Island) is a snorkeller’s paradise. With just 15-20 minutes’ boat ride from Phuket, it’s popular for day trips filled with water activities and beach lounging. The upmarket Coral Island Resort is the only accommodation on the island.
Koh Maprao (Coconut Island)
A charming island escape just minutes from Phuket, Coconut Island is known for its peaceful resorts, mangroves, and slow-paced island vibes.
Day Trips
Phang Nga Bay
A surreal seascape of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, Phang Nga Bay is perfect for kayaking adventures, cave explorations, and scenic boat tours.
Mu Koh Phi Phi
World-famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the Phi Phi Islands are a must-visit for snorkelling, scuba diving, and soaking up iconic tropical scenery.
Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
Tucked between Phuket and Krabi, these sister islands offer an authentic and relaxed glimpse of rural Thailand, where rice paddies, rubber plantations, traditional Muslim villages, and quiet beaches define the landscape. Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to charming guesthouses, with most able to arrange convenient boat transfers from Phuket or Krabi for a small additional fee.
I spent over a week at Santhiya Koh Yao Yai while escorting The Bachelor Australia film crew and later stayed a few nights at Cape Kudu Koh Yao Noi with a group of Australian travel writers and bloggers. Both islands boast stunning beaches, a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, and an absence of noisy bars or busy traffic. You’ll find a few roadside stalls selling fresh fruits and street food, as well as relaxed seafood restaurants along the beaches — perfect for a slow, peaceful escape.
Koh Hong
A stunning group of islands known for their hidden lagoons, dramatic rock formations, and turquoise waters — ideal for kayaking, snorkelling, or just basking in nature’s beauty. The lagoon can get busy in late morning or afternoon when most tourists will be there, so go early if you can.
Cultural Attractions
Phuket Old Town
A charming blend of colourful alleyways lined with Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and hip cafés, Phuket Old Town is a cultural treasure waiting to be explored. To fully appreciate it all, the best way is on foot.
The Big Buddha
Towering at 45 meters high, the Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views and a serene spot for reflection.
Wat Chalong
Phuket’s most revered Buddhist temple, Wat Chalong dazzles with its intricate designs and peaceful atmosphere — a place to experience the island’s spiritual heart.
Spots for Eco-Conscious Travellers
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
An ethical elephant sanctuary where rescued elephants can roam freely in a natural environment — a must-visit for animal lovers seeking meaningful encounters.
Soi Dog Foundation
A remarkable organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs and cats across Thailand — visitors can tour the centre and even volunteer to help out.
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
A small but impactful project working to rescue and rehabilitate gibbons illegally kept as pets or tourist attractions, offering a glimpse into vital wildlife conservation efforts.
Turtle Sanctuary
The Turtle Sanctuary in Phuket, often referring to the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) and its turtle conservation programs at Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation or JW Marriott Turtle Shelter, is generally small and quite low-key compared to big wildlife attractions. It’s more educational than touristy — you’ll learn about sea turtle conservation, hatchery programs, and efforts to protect local marine life.
If you love animals, conservation, or travelling with kids, it can be a meaningful short visit if you are nearby. It’s worth combining with a beach day at Mai Khao or a visit to Sirinath National Park nearby.
