In almost every itinerary for a trip to Thailand, is the city of Phuket, and for good reason. Being one of the most photographed destinations in Asia, if not in the world, Phuket is home to several wonders.

In this article, we want to discuss a natural wonder of unknown beaches in phuket. While there is no question that Phuket is home to some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve discovered, the experience of these places is usually blemished by the presence of swarms of tourists that they attract.

Thankfully, we’ve found these relatively unknown beaches, and thus, offer a serene and tranquil experience to those willing to explore.

• Yanui Beach

Yanui Beach or Ya Nui Beach lies close to Phuket’s two very popular viewpoints, Phromthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint. Ya Nui beach forms a charming little cove that is blissful snorkeling, kayaking and fishing destination. The soft sand is strewn with plenty of shells for kids to collect. The beautiful Ko Kaeo Yai island lies 700 meters away from Ya Nui Beach. 

Distance from Patong Beach 

Yanui Beach is located at a distance of around 20 kilometers from Patong Beach. It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Yanui Beach, Phuket, from Patong Beach via Route 4030. 

How to Reach

The distance from Patong Beach to Yanui Beach is around 20 kilometers which takes a total of 1.5 hours to cover by bus, including transfer. Bus fare would be 80 – 170 baht. The bus from Patong Bus Station takes you to Ban Sai Yuan in about 55 minutes with a bus fare 80 – 170 baht. After deboarding, you need to cover the rest of the journey, of about 2.7 kilometers, by walking or tuk-tuk. Walking takes around half an hour.

The journey from Patong Beach to Ya Nui Beach can also be covered by hired taxis. Driving down to the beach by a rented two-wheeler or car is another option that can save the hassle of public transport. Renting rates depend on the type of bike or car rented and the duration for which it is being rented.

No regular public transport runs directly to Ya Nui beach from Phuket Town or other beaches. You might get Songthaew to either Rawai or Nai Harn beach and then get a tuk-tuk from there. There are three ways to approach Ya Nui Beach of Phuket if you are self-driving or have rented a vehicle at your disposal. From Nai Harn, you can drive south over a hill and cross the Windmill Viewpoint and reach down to the beach.

From inland, take the road leading from Rawai and keep going straight and follow the main Rawai-Phrom Thep road that curves left and goes on till you reach Ya Nui Beach. Also, you can drive down the northern side of Phrom Thep to reach the Ya Nui beach. 

• Kata Beach

Kata Beach is a beautiful and picturesque bay that lies close south of Karon Beach. This beach has white sands and clear waters which attracts visitors with its splendid charm. This beach is a popular family haunt and enjoys a lot of attention due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, lively restaurants, vibrant nightlife and plentiful accommodation options along the beach. 

Distance from Patong Beach

Kata Beach is located at a distance of around 11.3 kilometers from Patong Beach. It takes around 17 minutes to reach Kata Beach from Patong Beach via Route 4030.

How to Reach

You can reach Kata Beach from Patong Beach by bus by spending 55 to 170 baht. The bus travel duration is about 25 minutes. The other option is to travel by taxi that takes around 9 minutes to reach and costs 320 to 400 baht. Or you can plan a half-day trip to Kata Beach to enjoy the nearby attractions and activities such as the Karon or Kata Viewpoint, the Kata Noi Viewpoint Bars, Dino Park Mini Golf, Surf House Phuket, Kata Noi, snorkeling and diving, Kata Night Market and some pleasant experiences such as the Boathouse Oceanfront Cooking Classes.

Take a taxi to reach Kata Beach from Patong for something around 426 baht. You can visit Kata Beach from Patong beach in rented bikes or cars which will cost you about 250 baht per day. In case you hire cars or bikes for a long time, you can rent for a week for around 1,200 – 2,000 baht and a month for approximately 3,500 baht. Renting a bike will cost you about 150 – 450 baht per day, depending on the model of motorbike chosen. 

• Ao Yon Beach

Ao Yon Beach has two parts separated by a rocky headland. It is located near Cape Panwa in Phuket. The smaller one is attractive and deserted and the home to a shrimp farm. It offers great views of Chalong Bay and Koh Lon. Over the hill, lies the larger part of Ao Yon Beach with fine white sands, coconut palms, glistening waves, and a bright blue sea.

Distance from Patong Beach

The Ao Yon Beach is located at a distance of around 21.5 kilometers from Patong Beach. It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Karon Temple Market, Phuket, from Patong Beach via Routes 4020 and a few minutes more via Route 4029 and still more via Route 4030. 

How to reach

The distance from Patong Beach to Ao Yon Beach, Phuket, can be covered by hired taxi which takes 40 minutes to reach. Driving down to Ao Yon Beach by rented two-wheeler or car is another option that can save the hassle of looking for public transport. Rates depend on the type of bike or car rented and the duration for which it is being rented. Alternatively, book a day trip for sightseeing of Phuket City that includes Ao Yon Beach in its itinerary.

• Tri Trang Beach

Tri Trang Beach is a beautiful and heavenly piece of beach, quiet and secluded. It is a favorite haunt for the locals who come on weekends for a barbecue. There are some tropical palm trees to give it a warm feel. The colors of dawn at this beach are charming. Referring it sometimes as Emerald Beach or Crystal Beach.

Distance from Patong Beach

The Tri Trang Beach is located very close to Patong Beach, at a distance of around 4 kilometers. It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Tri Trang Beach, Phuket, from Patong Beach via Route 4055. 

How to Reach

Tri Trang Beach can be easily reached by taxi in about 10 minutes by paying 180-230 baht. There are no direct routes from Patong Beach to the Tri Trang Beach. Tri Trang Beach is just a few kilometers from Patong.  Tri Trang Beach, Merlin Beach, Paradise Beach, and Freedom Beach are the four picturesque and serene beaches and perfect places for catching some sun rays near Patong. Book a day trip to cover all these beaches of Phuket. It can be covered by tuk-tuk too. Or you can enjoy the beach by rented vehicle too, be it two-wheeler or four-wheeler.

• Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach lies at the southernmost tip of the island of Phuket. This is a pleasant west-facing beach with plenty of shady trees. Just west of Rawai is Promthep Cape or Laem Promthep, which is a small peninsula offering mesmerizing views of the Andaman Sea. Rawai Beach is a great choice for family outings. The sea is quite shallow and when the tide goes out mudflats and rocks are seen.

Distance from Patong Beach

Rawai Beach, Phuket, is located at a distance of approximately 22 kilometers from Patong Beach. It takes around 34 minutes to reach Rawai Beach from Patong Beach via Route 4028 or 4030. It takes a bit longer via Route 4024.

How to Reach

You can reach Rawai or Chalong Pier from Patong Beach by bus by spending 90 to 170 baht via Route 4028, 4030 or 4024. Direct buses are departing from Patong and arriving at Rawai running on an hourly basis and operating every day. The journey takes approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours. The fastest way to get to Rawai or Chalong Pier from Patong is to take a taxi that will cost 490 – 600 baht and takes around half an hour.

You can also take a half-day tour visiting Rawai Beach and the adjoining areas such as Promthep Cape, Nai Harn Beach, Yanui Beach, Seafood Market, Laem Ka Beach, Phuket Cobra Show, and Snake Farm, and a lot more. If you have a rented vehicle at your disposal, it offers hassle-free and convenient conveyance from Patong to Rawai.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about the unknown beaches in Thailand. For complete information on any destination in Thailand like Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. If you have any suggestions then feel free to leave a comment in our comment box and we will be happy to reply to that.