51points · on 8 of 12 lists: Abound Holidays, HolyCow Phuket, Phuket Expat Guide, Hotels.com, Boat in the Bay, Faszination Südostasien, Phuket 101 and Visit Thailand Today
For close to two decades Banana Beach could only be reached on foot through the jungle, and it stayed quiet for most of that time. Tall palms and shade trees line the back of the sand, the shore slopes gently into the water, and the rocks at both ends hold crabs and small fish. Banana Beach Restaurant, a seafood and Thai restaurant opened by a local family in the early 2000s, still serves at bamboo tables, and a newer beach club rents sunbeds and kayaks.
“The Sand is soft and white and the water cristal clear”
a Google reviewer
“the little monkeys wandering around made the experience even more unique.”
a Google reviewer
47points · on 6 of 12 lists: Abound Holidays, HolyCow Phuket, Phuket Expat Guide, Hotels.com, Boat in the Bay and Phuket 101
Ao Sane is three small coves divided by granite boulders, with coarse pale gold sand mixed with coral and jungle close behind. The seabed drops away fast over rock and small coral reefs where butterflyfish, moray eels and sea stars live, and the water stays calm enough to snorkel through the rainy season. A simple beach restaurant in the first cove serves Thai food, seafood and fresh juices, and masks and fins can be rented beside it.
“the snorkeling here is great, particularly out to the right following the line of rocks.”
a Google reviewer
“Beautiful cozy and clear water.”
a Google reviewer
41points · on 5 of 12 lists: Abound Holidays, Boat in the Bay, Phuket 101, Visit Thailand Today and Тонкости туризма (tonkosti.ru)
Freedom Beach is a 300 meter crescent of white sand below a forested headland, reached only by longtail boat or a steep trail down through the trees. People come to swim and to snorkel at both ends of the bay, where the fish gather, and the season runs December to May, quietest before 10 in the morning. The walk down takes 15 to 20 minutes with a 200 baht entry fee, and the climb back takes longer, so bring water.
“The water was incredibly clear, the sand felt soft underfoot”
a Google reviewer
“Freedom Beach has a more natural feel, with big rocks and a scenic coastline.”
a Google reviewer
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Sixth, with 29 points from 5 lists.
“Somewhat subculed beach with clear water, fine sand, and great rocks for snorkeling.”
Google review
Fourth, with 33 points from 5 lists.
“One of the most peaceful beaches in the south of Phuket.”
a Google reviewer
Fifth, with 32 points from 4 lists.
“It is one of the cleanest places I’ve visited.”
a Google reviewer
The lists we counted
- Abound Holidays · April 2026
- HolyCow Phuket · August 2025
- Phuket Expat Guide · April 2026
- Hotels.com · May 2026
- Boat in the Bay · December 2023
- Faszination Südostasien
- Phuket 101 · April 2026
- Visit Thailand Today
- Phuket Insider · September 2026
- awd.is
- Villa Finder (villa-phuket.com magazine) · July 2025
- Тонкости туризма (tonkosti.ru)
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
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