Best Phuket beaches for vacation with kids – which one to choose?

Why it is important to choose the right beach for a holiday with children in Phuket

Choosing the right beach plays an important role in ensuring the safety and comfort of the whole family. This is especially true for those traveling with small children. Phuket has many beaches, each with its own characteristics, and not all of them are ideal for a family vacation. The main criteria to pay attention to are:

• Gentle entry into the water: Beaches with a smooth entry into the sea, without sharp changes in depth, are safe for children who cannot swim yet.
• No strong waves or currents: Strong waves and undercurrents can be dangerous for children, especially during the rainy season.
• Shade: Children quickly get tired of the sun, and it is important that the beach has places where they can hide from the hot rays.
• Developed infrastructure: The presence of toilets, cafes, shops and other amenities makes the holiday more comfortable for the whole family.

Phuket Beaches for Holidays with Children

Phuket offers many beaches that are suitable for family holidays. Let’s look at Phuket beaches for holidays with children to help you make the best choice.

Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao is one of the most popular and longest beaches in Phuket. It stretches for 8 kilometers, offering space for games and walks. The gentle entry into the water and fine sand make it ideal for families with children.

• Infrastructure: There are many restaurants and cafes on the beach where you can have a snack. Here you can also find shops, rent water equipment and rent sun loungers. Near the beach there are large resorts such as Laguna Phuket, which offer children’s clubs, swimming pools and animation for children.
• Entertainment: Children can play on the beach, ride water attractions or go snorkeling. Along the beach there are hotels offering children’s clubs and entertainment.
• Pros: Spacious beach with soft sand, calm sea, developed infrastructure, proximity to hotels with children’s clubs.
• Cons: During the rainy season there may be strong waves, distance from the main tourist centers.

Bang Tao is a quiet and safe beach suitable for family holidays, where you can find everything you need for a comfortable stay with children.

Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Phuket, located in the southern part of the island. It is surrounded by green hills and is an ideal place for a family holiday.

• Infrastructure: There are several cafes and restaurants on the beach where you can try local cuisine. Along the coast there are hotels and villas with beautiful views. However, the infrastructure here is not as developed as on more popular beaches, which makes it quieter and less crowded.
• Safety: The beach is famous for its calm waters and gentle entry into the sea, making it safe for children. During the rainy season, be careful as the waves can become stronger.
• Pros: Privacy, clean water, picturesque views, calm atmosphere.
• Cons: Less entertainment, limited infrastructure, may be difficult to find a free place during peak season.

Nai Harn is ideal for those who want to spend time in nature, away from the hustle and bustle.

Kamala Beach

Kamala is a cozy beach located on the west coast of Phuket. It is known for its calm sea and long sandy coastline.

• Infrastructure: The beach has many cafes, restaurants and shops where you can buy everything you need for your holiday. Along the coast there are hotels and resorts, many of which offer services for families with children. Kamala is also famous for its evening market, where you can try local delicacies and buy souvenirs.
• Entertainment: Kamala offers a variety of water sports, and nearby are Phuket FantaSea and Carnival Magic theme parks for fun with kids. Snorkeling and kayaking are also available on the beach.
• Pros: Calm sea, developed infrastructure, proximity to entertainment such as Phuket FantaSea and Carnival Magic.
• Cons: The beach can be busy during high season, strong currents are possible during the rainy season.

Kamala is an ideal place for those looking for a relaxing beach holiday with the opportunity to diversify their leisure time.

Karon beach

Karon is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Phuket, famous for its wide coastline and soft sand.

• Facilities: Karon Beach offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and other amenities. There are also several hotels offering services for families with children. In the evening, you can see local artists performing on the beach, and there are night markets nearby where you can buy souvenirs and try local dishes.
• Safety: The beach has a gentle entrance to the water, but during the rainy season the waves can be strong, so you need to be careful. There are also lifeguards, which increases the level of safety.
• Pros: Spacious beach, developed infrastructure, proximity to tourist attractions, evening entertainment.
• Cons: Possible strong waves during the rainy season, the beach can be crowded with tourists.

Karon is a place where you can find entertainment for the whole family, from swimming in the sea to shopping.

Surin Beach

Surin is a beach with crystal clear water and fine sand, which attracts tourists with its picturesque views and comfortable conditions for relaxation.

• Infrastructure: There are cafes, restaurants and shops offering a variety of goods and services. Hotels on the coast provide everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The beach is also known for its luxury resorts that offer high-class service and amenities for families with children.
• Entertainment: Surin Beach offers snorkeling and kayak rentals for sea excursions. The beach also offers yoga classes and massages right on the beach.
• Pros: Clean water, developed infrastructure, possibility to rent water equipment.
• Cons: High prices for services and accommodation, limited shade on the beach.

Surin is a great place for those who appreciate peace and comfort against the backdrop of stunning natural scenery.

Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao is one of the longest and most secluded beaches in Phuket. It is a tranquil place, ideal for those looking for peace and privacy.

• Infrastructure: There are several hotels and resorts on the beach, offering all the necessary amenities for families with children. However, the beach is located in a remote part of the island, which makes it less accessible to tourists.
• Safety: The beach has a gentle slope into the water and rarely has strong waves. Mai Khao is located within a national park, making it especially attractive to nature lovers.
• Pros: Solitude, pure nature, opportunity to see rare animals such as sea turtles.
• Cons: Remoteness from major tourist centers, limited infrastructure.

Mai Khao is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy natural beauty and silence, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Patong Beach

Patong is Phuket’s most popular and lively beach, offering plenty of fun and activities for the whole family.

• Infrastructure: Patong is famous for its developed infrastructure. Here you can find many restaurants, cafes, shops, night clubs and bars. The beach has various attractions, excursions and water sports. For children, there are water parks and play areas.
• Entertainment: Patong offers a variety of activities, from water sports to nightlife. You can take surfing lessons, ride a banana boat, or attend the Phuket Simon Cabaret show.
• Pros: Developed infrastructure, lots of entertainment for children and adults, convenient location.
• Cons: Noisy and crowded beach, strong waves possible during rainy season, limited amount of shade.

Patong is a place where life is in full swing 24/7. It is ideal for those who want to combine a beach holiday with an active nightlife.

Kata Beach

Kata is one of the most popular beaches among families with children in Phuket. It is known for its clean sand and calm sea.

• Infrastructure: Kata offers a developed infrastructure with many cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels. The beach has sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, which ensures a comfortable stay.
• Safety: The gentle entry into the water and the calm sea make Kata ideal for swimming with children. There are also lifeguards, which adds confidence in safety.
• Pros: Calm sea, convenient location, developed infrastructure, many restaurants with children’s menus.
• Cons: The beach can be crowded during high season, limited parking.

Kata is a great choice for families looking for a comfortable and safe holiday in Phuket.

Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi is a small but cozy beach, which is often chosen by those who are looking for a quiet place to relax with children.

• Infrastructure: Although the beach is less developed than its neighbor Kata, you can still find several cafes and restaurants here. Along the beach there are hotels that offer services for families with children.
• Safety: The beach is known for its cleanliness and calm waters, making it safe for children.
• Pros: Privacy, calm sea, proximity to main tourist areas.
• Cons: Limited infrastructure, beach can be busy during peak season.

Kata Noi is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy peace and quiet, away from the noisy tourist areas.

Layan Beach

Layan is a quiet and secluded beach in northwest Phuket, offering a relaxing holiday amidst picturesque scenery.

• Infrastructure: There are a few cafes and restaurants on Layan Beach, but overall the infrastructure here is poorly developed. This place is more suitable for those who prefer peace and privacy.
• Safety: Layan is famous for its calm waters and gentle entry into the sea, making it safe for children.
• Pros: Privacy, silence, picturesque views.
• Cons: Limited infrastructure, distance from tourist areas.

Layan is a place where you can enjoy nature and silence, away from the crowds of tourists.

Panwa Beach (Cape Panwa)

Panwa is a cape jutting out into the sea in the southeast of Phuket, offering a tranquil atmosphere and clear waters.

• Infrastructure: Panwa Beach has several restaurants and cafes, as well as hotels that offer comfortable accommodation for families with children. However, the infrastructure here is less developed than on the west coast of the island.
• Safety: Panwa Beach is known for its shallow waters and gentle slopes, making it safe for children. However, during the rainy season the water may be less clear.
• Pros: Privacy, calm atmosphere, clean water.
• Cons: Limited infrastructure, distance from main tourist areas.

Panwa is a place where you can enjoy the silence and natural beauty of Phuket.

Beach infrastructure for children

When choosing a beach in Phuket for a holiday with children, you should take into account the availability of amenities and infrastructure that will ensure a comfortable holiday:

• Sunbeds and umbrellas: Many of Phuket’s beaches offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, making your stay more comfortable.
• Toilets and Showers: Having public toilets and showers on the beach is an important convenience, especially for families with small children.
• Cafes and Restaurants: Most of the beaches in Phuket have cafes and restaurants where you can have lunch or grab a snack.
• Playgrounds: Some beaches offer playgrounds where children can have fun while parents relax on a sun lounger.
• Shops and Markets: Popular beaches have shops and markets selling souvenirs, food and drinks.

Things to do with kids on the beaches of Phuket

There are plenty of activities for children on the beaches of Phuket:

• Swimming and Water Play: Calm waters and soft sand make Phuket’s beaches ideal for swimming and water play with children.
• Snorkeling and diving: Some beaches offer snorkeling and diving equipment for rent. Children can explore the underwater world under adult supervision.
• Water attractions: Bananas, canoes, water scooters are popular entertainment on the beaches of Phuket.
• Nature Walks: Some beaches are surrounded by tropical forests and mountains, making it possible to enjoy exciting nature walks.
• Festivals and Shows: At different times of the year, Phuket’s beaches host festivals, shows and parties where the whole family can have fun.

Phuket Beach Safety for Kids

When choosing a beach for a holiday with children, safety is an important aspect. Here’s what you should pay attention to:

• Availability of lifeguards: Many Phuket beaches are equipped with lifeguard stations. This is especially important for families with children, as in case of danger help will be provided immediately.
• Beach flags: Pay attention to the color of the flags on the beach. The red flag indicates danger and prohibits swimming, the yellow one warns of possible underwater currents.
• Rainy season: During the rainy season, Phuket can have strong waves and currents, making swimming dangerous. It is better to choose beaches protected from strong winds and waves.

Where to Stay on Phuket Beaches with Kids

Phuket has a variety of accommodation options that are ideal for families:

Hotel recommendations

• Family Hotels: Many hotels in Phuket offer special facilities for families with children, including kids clubs, entertainment and babysitting services.
• Hotels with swimming pools: Choose hotels with swimming pools as children can enjoy swimming even if the sea is rough.
• Beachfront Hotels: Beachfront hotels provide easy access to the sea and allow you to quickly return to your room for relaxation.

Private apartments and villas

• Apartments: Apartments in Phuket are a great choice for those who prefer to cook their own meals and want more space to live.
• Villas: Villas offer a high level of privacy and often have their own swimming pools and gardens. They are ideal for families who want to enjoy their holiday with their family.

How to get to Phuket beaches

Phuket is a large island, and the choice of transport plays an important role in comfortable movement between beaches:

• Taxi and transfers: Taxi is a convenient way to get to the desired beach. You can also use the transfer service from the hotel.
• Car Rental: For those planning to explore the island, renting a car is the best option. It allows you to choose your own routes and not depend on public transport.
• Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis: Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are a popular and colourful form of transport in Phuket. However, it is important to be careful, especially with small children, as this type of transport is not always safe.

Tips for Holidaying with Kids in Phuket

To ensure your holiday with children in Phuket goes without worries and troubles, follow a few simple tips:

• Take everything you need with you: Sunscreen, hats, bathing suits and inflatable rings – all this is necessary for a comfortable stay on the beach.
• Plan your time at the beach: The best time to be at the beach is in the morning and evening when the sun is not as strong.
• Keep an eye on children: Even on the safest beaches, it is important not to leave children unattended.
• Avoid sunburn: Use a high SPF sunscreen and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.
• Drink plenty of water: Phuket’s hot climate requires regular hydration, especially for children.

Map of the best beaches for kids in Phuket

Before you go on holiday, check out the Phuket Beach Map for Kids . This will help you plan your route and choose the best place for your holiday.

Reviews of beaches for holidays with children in Phuket

Reviews from other tourists can be a great source of information when choosing a beach. It is important to consider both positive and negative aspects to be prepared for possible surprises.