Few islands can boast of such an abundance of sandy beaches and clear waters as Phuket. The winding coastal roads along the west coast of this 540-square-km island offer stunning views and easy access to some of the world's finest beaches. |
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Patong Beach Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play. Patong's 3,000 metres of soft sand is a great place to people-watch as you soak up the sun on a beach chair. |
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Karon Beach Karon, featuring an incredibly long stretch of squeaky white sand, is less hectic than Patong but it still offers a full range of facilities, dining and activities. While it's a fast-growing area, Karon is nicely spread out and rarely feels crowded. |
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Kamala Beach This well-enclosed bay and fishing village has developed rapidly in recent years yet it still retains a small-town feel. Popular with families, Kamala Beach is lined with casual restaurants and food stalls, with good snorkelling at the rocky north end. |
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Laem Singh Beach This small, hidden gem of a beach just south of Surin is accessible only by walking down a fairly steep path from the road. Even so, it can get busy in the high season so get there early for a beach chair. A few rustic restaurants offer cold drinks and food. A pretty, quiet place to wile away an afternoon. |
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Surin Beach This 900-meter stretch of sand is packed with food stalls, beachfront bars and restaurants yet life never feels too hurried here. A good place to meet friends for a relaxed afternoon of snorkelling, swimming or touch football. Kayaks, surf and boogie boards available for rent. Strong undertow in the April-October monsoon season. |
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Bang Tao Beach Bang Tao is beautiful wide beach of fine sand that up until the mid 1980s was a virtual moonscape following extensive tin mining activity. Much of the area has now been converted into the lush and lovely lagoon-dotted grounds ,a stunning ecological feat. |
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Nai Thon Beach One of Phuket's best-kept secrets. Approaching this quiet beach of silky white sand is spectacular in itself - a drive on the coastal road from the south takes you through forested hills while the northern approach winds through a lovely valley and small village. Once you arrive, swim, sunbathe and marvel at how few people have discovered this little piece of paradise. |
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Nai Yang Beach The casuarinas-fringed Nai Yang, together with Mai Khao in the north, forms the longest and most secluded stretch of beach in Phuket, about 10-km altogether. A good spot to rent a beach chair or gorge on barbecued seafood while lounging on mats spread out in the shade. |
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Mai Khao Beach An endless stretch of fine sand; the only real getaway on the west coast of Phuket. The area is largely undeveloped with only a few bungalow operations and a campground on the beach. Take a stroll and watch the crabs scuttle, swing on a hammock under the trees or enjoy a refreshing swim. |
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Rawai Beach First "discovered" by King Rama VII in the 1920s, Rawai is Phuket's longest-established beach resort, though the sea-gypsy village at its north end probably hasn't changed much over the years. The beach is lined with open-air seafood stalls and restaurants for casual dining under the shade of the casuarinas trees. A popular launching point for boat trips to Racha, Coral and other islands. |
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Chalong Bay This bustling bay, a major launch area for boat and dive trips, is filled with bobbing vessels of all shapes and sizes throughout the year. Plenty of casual restaurants, dive shops, fishing charter and tour operators, water sports equipment suppliers, Internet shops and even yoga and Reiki centres are packed into the short street leading to the pier. |
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Cape Panwa The lovely Cape Panwa, just south of the busy Phuket Town, remains a peaceful, unspoiled gem of a place. Its lush hills, sandy coves, mangroves and tidal flats offer a quiet place to explore away from the crowds. |
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There's plenty more to occupy you on land, should you ever tire of beaches and sea-sports. Shooting ranges, riding stables, elephant trekking and back-trail tours of the island are just some of the other available diversions. |
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Horizon Beach Resort Hotel Thaweewong Road, Soi Kep Sap, Patong Beach Amphur Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand Tel : +66 (0)76 292 526-30, Fax : +66 (0)76 292 535 E-mail: horizon@horizonbeach.com |
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