Banana Beach: A Hidden Gem with Soft Sand & Clear Water
Tucked between Nai Thon and Bang Tao on Phuket's northwest coast, Banana Beach takes its name from its distinctive semi-circular bay shape — a compact, roughly 200 to 300-meter stretch of soft sand and clear turquoise water that remained one of the island's best-kept secrets for years.
Note: there are two beaches in Thailand that share the name "Banana Beach" — one on Phuket's main island between Nai Thon and Bang Tao (covered here), and a separate, similarly named beach on nearby Coral Island (Koh Hey), reached by boat from Rawai or Chalong. This page refers to the mainland version, situated near Trisara and the Andaman White Beach Resort area.
For years, reaching Banana Beach meant spotting an unmarked entrance along the coastal road, parking wherever space allowed, and walking down a steep, shaded path through the jungle. That changed with new development in the area — a parking lot and a beach club with numbered sunbeds, music, and shower facilities now serve the beach, making access considerably easier, though it's changed the once-secluded atmosphere the beach was known for. A single beachfront café serves food and drinks, and rocks naturally divide the shoreline into northern and southern sections, both offering good photo opportunities.
Despite the changes, Banana Beach retains genuinely attractive natural surroundings — clear water, decent snorkeling, and views that make the walk or short drive worthwhile. It's best visited outside of peak hours or peak season for the quieter experience the beach was originally known for.
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Highlights
- A distinctive semi-circular bay that gives the beach its name
- Soft sand and clear turquoise water, good for swimming and snorkeling
- Located between Nai Thon and Bang Tao, near Trisara Resort
- Now served by a parking lot and beach club (access has become easier over time)
- Rocky divisions creating photogenic northern and southern coves
- A single beachfront café for food and drinks
Quick Facts
| Location | Between Nai Thon and Bang Tao, near Trisara Resort |
| Length | Approximately 200–300 meters |
| Water conditions | Clear, calm; good for swimming and snorkeling |
| Best for | Photography, snorkeling, a quieter beach day |
| Best time to visit | November–April; early in the day for fewer crowds |
| Getting there | ~35–45 min from Phuket International Airport |
Things to Do at the Beach
- Swimming in clear, calm water within the sheltered bay
- Snorkeling, with colorful fish reported near the rocks
- Photography, especially of the bay's distinctive semi-circular shape
- Relaxing at the on-site beach café
- Renting a mat and umbrella, since traditional sunbeds are limited
- Short walks along the rock divisions separating the northern and southern coves
Nearby Attractions & Activities
Banana Beach's hidden-gem setting pairs well with:
- Nai Thon Beach — a short drive south, another quiet, natural beach within Sirinat National Park
- Bang Tao Beach — a short drive north, offering more dining and resort amenities
- Layan Beach — a short drive away, a quiet extension of Bang Tao
- Trisara and Andaman White Beach Resort area — nearby upscale accommodation options
- Splash Jungle Waterpark — a family-friendly water park within reasonable driving distance
- Sirinat National Park — encompassing the broader coastline nearby
Getting There
Banana Beach sits between Nai Thon and Bang Tao on Phuket's northwest coast, near Trisara Resort, roughly 35–45 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport. Follow the coastal road toward Nai Thon Beach and look for signage or parked vehicles marking the beach entrance; a parking lot now serves the beach directly, replacing the older, less marked hillside path. Taxis, Grab, and motorbike rentals are the most practical way to reach the area.
Need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questions answered
About Banana Beach
Banana Beach guide — a hidden gem with soft sand and clear water between Nai Thon and Bang Tao in Phuket. Access details and nearby attractions.
All Phuket guidesYes — this page covers the mainland Banana Beach between Nai Thon and Bang Tao. A separate, similarly named beach exists on nearby Coral Island (Koh Hey), reached by boat.