Tropical Family Fun: 10 Kid-Approved Beaches to Explore in Phuket

If you’re traveling to Phuket with children, it’s important to pick the right beach to ensure that everyone has a fantastic vacation. Each of the main resort destinations has a unique atmosphere, with its own special attractions and advantages. The challenge comes in picking the one that best suits your needs, particularly if you’re planning your first visit to Phuket.

We’ve come up with this beginner’s guide on where to stay for families in Phuket, detailing the pros and cons of each beach from the perspective of those planning a trip with children. In each of these top destinations, we’ve also picked out three of the best family hotels: a budget option, a luxury option and something in between.

1. Karon Beach

Family fun by the sea

Good for: Families, Photo

Karon Beach features a large sandy beach with a great range of activities available from parasailing to volleyball. It also has a selection of shops, bars, and restaurants, mostly clustered around the main part of town close to Karon Circle. As nightlife here is more tranquil as in many of the neighboring resorts, Karon Beach had become a firm favorite with families.

There’s a great selection of hotels within easy reach of the sand, many of which have excellent facilities for those traveling with children. You will also find a good choice of beachfront restaurants at the northern end. For a comfortable stay, check in at Paradox Resort Phuket, Centara Karon Resort, or Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa. Read more

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2. Kamala Beach

Beachfront dining and long sandy shores

Good for: Families, Food, Photo

The Kamala beach offers a selection of beachfront restaurants, allowing you to enjoy delicious Thai and international dishes (at a reasonable price) without having to leave the sand. The seafront is also home to at least one beach club and a number of hotels from varying price ranges. While the town has limited shopping options, it has a good number of spas and a modest nightlife.

Families looking for a quiet and safe setting for their vacation will certainly find it in Kamala. Book your stay at Ayara Kamala Resort, Sunwing Resort Kamala, or Kamala Beachfront Apartment. Read more

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3. Patong Beach

A firm Phuket favorite

Good for: Families, Nightlife, Photo

While it’s perhaps best known for its nightlife, Patong beach has an impressive range of other attractions and attributes that can make it a good family destination. There’s a great deal of choice and variety in the accommodation options, which range from the city center to isolated bays and high-end to low-budget ones.

Patong boasts a central location with attractions and activities nearby, so no need to travel far with kids to reach them. Add a lively and pleasant beach into the mix and you’re all set for a fun family vacation. For accommodation, check out Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Phuket Graceland Resort, and Novotel Phuket Vintage Park. Read more

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4. Bangtao Beach

Stellar beach activities for all ages

Good for: Families, Food, Photo

At the heart of Bangtao Beach is the Laguna Complex, a group of some of the best hotels in Phuket, all located around a beautiful lagoon. The resorts each share their facilities with one another, giving guests of any resort easy access to a fantastic choice of restaurants, activities, and amenities. The beach offers a great choice of attractions including horse rides and beach clubs.

With complimentary access to kayaks, pedalos, and some of the best swimming pools in Phuket, there’s a lot to keep the kids entertained while the grown-ups relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Check in at one these popular hotels: Mövenpick Phuket Bangtao, Angsana Laguna Phuket, or Sunwing Bangtao Beach. Read more

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5. Kata Beach

A versatile beach with lots to do

Good for: Families, Photo, Shoppers

Kata Beach is one the finest stretches of coastline on Phuket, being very large, with soft white sand and a beautiful blue sea. In the high season, it’s calm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other beach activities. During the low season, it’s one of the best surfing beaches on the island. A good all-rounder of a destination, Kata has a good choice of shopping and nightlife. The choice of restaurants is excellent, with a huge range of local and international eateries.

Families will love the range of activities available in Kata Beach. For a great stay in Kata Beach, book a family suite at Katathani Phuket, Centara Kata Resort Phuket, or The Beach Heights Resort. Read more

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This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.