68points · on 9 of 9 lists: Hotels.com Go Guides, Phuket 101, Holidify, Saltwater Dreaming, Tusk Travel, Surf Atlas, The Thailand Life, Phuket Insider and Phuket Expat Guide
Kata curves for about a mile around a bay, with the small green island of Koh Pu just offshore and a river meeting the sea at the quieter northern end. From June to November the swell suits beginner surfers and a contest is held each September; from December to April the water turns blue and calm. Lifeguards work the beach and raise red flags when rip currents run in the monsoon months.
“The sand is very soft and fine, making it perfect for walking barefoot.”
Google review
“Sunset was phenomenal.”
a Google reviewer
64points · on 9 of 9 lists: Hotels.com Go Guides, Phuket 101, Holidify, Saltwater Dreaming, Tusk Travel, Surf Atlas, The Thailand Life, Phuket Insider and Phuket Expat Guide
Kalim is the reef break just north of Patong, where swells can be ridden for about 100 meters and waves reach three meters. The break works best from mid to high tide, when there is water over the shallow coral. It is a contest beach too, hosting rounds of the Quiksilver Thailand surf competition.
“some of the best sunsets near Patong.”
Google review
“What truly elevates Kalim Beach is the street food scene along the road by the beach.”
a Google reviewer
62points · on 9 of 9 lists: Hotels.com Go Guides, Phuket 101, Holidify, Saltwater Dreaming, Tusk Travel, Surf Atlas, The Thailand Life, Phuket Insider and Phuket Expat Guide
Nai Harn is a monsoon surf beach with two breaks, a reef at its northern end and a permanent sandbank at the south, in front of a small lagoon. When the southwest monsoon swell arrives, waves reach three meters, and the beach can be surfed at any tide. Green hills ring the bay behind the lineup and make a fine backdrop for surf photos.
“Nai Harn Beach gave me one of the most phenomenal sunsets I’ve experienced in Phuket.”
a Google reviewer
“Beautiful beach with soft sand and turquoise water.”
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
Fourth, with 51 points from 8 lists.
“The beach is super wide, so you can comfortably lay down on the sand and really enjoy the space.”
a Google reviewer
Fifth, with 50 points from 9 lists.
“Loads of natural shade from the trees.”
a Google reviewer
The lists we counted
- Hotels.com Go Guides · February 2026
- Phuket 101 · August 2026
- Holidify · June 2023
- Saltwater Dreaming · September 2026
- Tusk Travel · March 2024
- Surf Atlas · December 2024
- The Thailand Life · December 2022
- Phuket Insider · November 2025
- Phuket Expat Guide · March 2026
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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