a few minutes drive
From Villa Oriole...
azure waters for a
perfect beach holiday...
snorkel, snooze...
Phuket Beach Holidays @ Villa Oriole
25 PHUKET BEACH CHOICES!
Here is a brief guide to the 25 main Phuket beach locations and ameneties - an astounding number for an island which is only 576 square kilometres in size! From top to bottom Phuket is 48 kilometres in length and 21 kilometres at its widest point.
If you are looking for a tropical beach holiday in a stunning villa then Oriole has it all, from big and lively stretches of sand, easily accessible, offering watersports, refreshments and sports for all to small and secluded getaways. Our Phuket beach selection caters for all tastes. There is even a chance you will stumble upon a tiny beach somewhere even we haven't discovered!
On many beaches you will find kite surfing, kayaking and jet skiing on offer as well as wonderful snorkelling experiences plus beach diving opportunities where you can learn to scuba dive without stepping onto a boat. On others you can get away from the crowds and simply lie back and relax or explore the shoreline to your heart's content.
Most beaches can be driven or ridden to, by yourself or via a standard taxi, tuk tuk or motorbike taxi, some require off roading skills or a short hike and some you can only reach via the sea in a longtail boat or private yacht. It all depends upon how adventurous you may be feeling!
NOTE: During May to October (Rainy Season) you should be aware that there are some fierce rip tides and inshore currents. This can make swimming dangerous for even the best swimmers. Some beaches are Lifeguard patrolled and you should take note of the flags flying.
WHAT TO DO IN PHUKET
This selection of Northern Phuket beach destinations are displayed in order of distance from Villa Oriole... please note, distances and timings shown are approximate
LAYAN BEACH
The closest beach to Villa Oriole and, obviously, our favourite. Off the usual tourist trail, peaceful and tranquil and less than 5 minutes drive away! Overlooking an unihabited island (Koh Kala) that you can walk to at low tide, tree lined for shade, with a lovely little thai restaurant offering great food and some great swimming & snorkelling who could ask for more?
Layan Beach from Villa Oriole: 2.1km approx 4 mins by car read more
BANANA BEACH
Otherwise known as 'Secret Beach' Banana beach is a mere spit away from Oriole Villa as long as you keep your eyes peeled (excuse pun) - the turning is easy to miss so best to ask a local for directions to 'haad hin gluai' or K. Jenny before you set out. Amazing swimming and snorkelling is on offer amongst the offshore rocks with beautiful white sand and palm trees for you to enjoy as you sunbathe.
Banana Beach from Villa Oriole: 5.1km approx 8 mins by car read more
BANG TAO BEACH
Second only in length to Mai Khao at 6km long Bang Tao stretches from the airport to the north end of Patong Beach. With many, high end, resorts dotted along the mid section and a fairly undeveloped northern end you again have the choice of company or seclusion. As well as the usual watersports you may also ride the beach on horseback with the Bang Tao Riding Club with a reliable guide and take in one of the many amazing sunsets.
Bang Tao Beach from Villa Oriole: 5.4km approx 11 mins by car read more
NAI THON BEACH
Nai Thon is within easy reach of Villa Oriole and an absolute delight. Nestled beneath steep hills, quiet and tranquil, perfect for snorkelling and swimming. White sand and boulders with hidden spots give it the feel of a private phuket beach whilst having a few restaurants and shops just over the road.
Nai Thon Beach from Villa Oriole: 7.6km approx 13 mins by car read more
SURIN BEACH
The 'Beverley Hills' of Phuket, Surin Beach is overlooked by homes of the rich and sometimes famous with its fair share of watersports and beach activities to hand. A stunning beach with many ameneties, hotels and restaurants close by, plenty of parking (a little congested in peak season). Surin Beach is the ideal choice if you want to top up that tan and hang out with the celebrity set rather than hide yourself away!
Surin Beach from Villa Oriole: 9km approx 19 mins by car read more
NAI YANG BEACH
Lying on the fringe of the Sirinat National Park this is a favourite with Thai families for picnics and relaxation. Out of the way and full of character with a tree lined fringe sheltering local vendors for refreshments and a couple of dive / snorkeling shops should you wish to explore the nearby reefs.
Nai Yang Beach from Villa Oriole: 14km approx 24 mins by car read more
MAI KHAO BEACH
The longest Phuket beach, 11 km to be exact. With just a few resorts constructed along its length you are most likely to find a deserted stretch to enjoy at your leisure or take a solitary stroll along the shoreline. At the far southern end is the beginning of Phuket Airport's runway where you can experience the jets taking off and landing right above your head!
Mai Khao Beach from Villa Oriole: 20km approx 32 mins by car read more
LAEM SINGH BEACH
Lovely, small and secluded Laem Singh is surrounded by typically Thai controversy (usually quite amusing). Previously very popular, in 2016 visitors were banned from crossing private land to get to it... then a year or so later someone realised you could access it by sea without breaking the law! Now (as of 2018) for just 100 thb you can catch a longtail boat from Surin beach to Laem Singh and enjoy it in relative privacy, worth doing just because you can!
Laem Singh Beach from Villa Oriole: 9.7km approx 20 mins by car read more
KAMALA BEACH
With surfing popular in low season at the northern end, family friendly shallow waters at the south and activities available in the centre Kamala beach is an all round good bet. Built up enough to be fun but still retaining a laid back ambience this beach is well worth the drive down from Villa Oriole. Kamala is also home to Phuket Fantasea's spectacular shows so great to tie the two trips into one.
Kamala Beach from Villa Oriole: 13km approx 25 mins by car read more
KALIM BEACH
Just North of Patong Beach Kalim is somewhat rocky so not ideal for swimming though can make for interesting snorkelling at high tide. Surfing is also very popular in low season and Kalim Beach was home to the Quicksilver Thailand Surf Competition in 2012.
Kalim Beach from Villa Oriole: 19.2km approx 35 mins by car read more
PATONG BEACH
The beach that just has to be done, famous and infamous at the same time. Not for the faint hearted or the nature lover but right in the middle of Phuket's tourist industry. 3km long packed tight with visitors in high season but a fantastic way to combine shopping, eating, massage, bars and watersports along with a spot of sunbathing!
Patong Beach from Villa Oriole: 21.7km approx 43 mins by car read more
TRI TRA BEACH
Otherwise known as Emerald Beach, nestled in a headland beyond the south end of Patong Beach it makes for a peaceful retreat from the crowds if they get to be too much on your visit to Phuket's tourist capital. Great for snorkelling, kayaking (equipment can be hired at the beach) and swimming at high tide. This beach does give the option of a calm and quiet day with the promise of a more raucous evening just around the corner.
Tri Tra Beach from Villa Oriole: 26.6km approx 57 mins by car read more
FREEDOM BEACH
A very pretty beach only accessible during high season and by longtail boat, beautiful soft sand and clear waters. Located over the headland at the southern end of Patong Beach. Beach volleyball, football, sunbathing and snorkelling are on the to do list.
Freedom Beach from Villa Oriole: 25.9km approx 58 mins by car read more
PARADISE BEACH
Approximately 150m in length, surrounded by granite boulders a true gem of a beach. Sheltered so suitable for swimming during most of the year with a coral reef around 100 metres from shore that is great for snorkelling. Plenty of shade from the Palm trees and a simple restaurant for refreshments. There is a small fee for entrance via private land.
Paradise Beach from Villa Oriole: 28.3km approx 60 mins by car read more
KARON BEACH
A 3 kilometre stretch of golden sand offers some great sunbathing opportunities without feeling overcrowded. The beach road runs the whole length and parking is not too much of a problem. At the northern end you will find Karon town with bustling nightlife and restaurants, at the other Kata village a quieter affair. At the Karon end there is a small 'house' reef which is great for beach dives and beginners especially.
Karon Beach from Villa Oriole: 29.4km approx 60 mins by car read more
KATA BEACH
A glimpse of paradise, Kata Beach overlooks the tiny Koh Pu or 'Crab Island' and fringed by trees for plenty of shade. Watersports are also very popular... surfing in particular with its very own land based 'surf house' at the southern end where you can hone your skills. Also home to the Phuket King's Cup Regatta in December - a premier yacht racing event.
Kata Beach from Villa Oriole: 32.7km approx 69 mins by car read more
KATA NOI BEACH
Separated from Kata Beach by the Kata Noi headland this much smaller 850m stretch of sand is lovely and peaceful being more hidden but easily accessible by car. The huge Kata Thani Resort and Mom Tri's Villa Royale restaurant are based here making it an upmarket area. Kata Noi also boasts a very popular viewpoint, Koh Saam Haad (three beaches view) uphill to the south.
Kata Beach from Villa Oriole: 34.1km approx 74 mins by car read more
NAI HARN BEACH
Probably the best of the Southern beaches, Nai Harn boasts unspoilt sands, with a lake and temple to the south with a small stream running into the sea which is great for the kids to paddle in. It is also a safe harbour so you will find many yachts, from small to superyacht at anchor, giving you the opportunity to swim up to or paddle around on the kayaks available for hire.
Nai Harn Beach from Villa Oriole: 42.1km approx 80 mins by car read more
AO SANE BEACH
Up until recently this little gem was only accessible by driving underneath the Nai Harn Hotel, now there is a more direct road. It makes for some amazing snorkelling and beach diving as there are corals and rocks just a few yards from shore. Parking is not so easy and there's a bit of a climb to the beach but we promise it is worth it!
Ao Sane Beach from Villa Oriole: 41.9km approx 84 mins by car read more
YA NUI BEACH
A beautiful and again very tropical cove nestled between two viewpoints, Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint. Tucked away with just a lovely restaurant in the trees and a few shacks, easy parking and a selection of kayaks and snorkel gear for hire it makes for a perfect, family day out. Worth the drive down from Villa Oriole, taking in the quaintness of Nai Harn Village at the same time.
Ya Nui Beach from Villa Oriole: 41.2km approx 77 mins by car read more
RAWAI BEACH
Very much a locals beach, lovely vistas and with a long promenade you will see groups of Thai families picnicking and relaxing on their day off, this goes on well into the evening too. Not suitable for swimming as the water is very shallow within Chalong Bay and goes a long way out at low tide. You will however be able to see the traditional thai fishing fleets at anchor and savour something of how life used to be on Phuket.
Rawai Beach from Villa Oriole: 37.4km approx 70 mins by car read more