10 Hidden Gems in Phuket, Thailand – Nature Guide 2024
We know Phuket is undoubtedly NOT an off-the-beaten-path destination, but there are still hidden gems in Phuket that are not overrun, which can turn your experience in Phuket into an unforgettable journey.
For the most enjoyable and peaceful experience in Thailand, avoid going during the high season, which is the most crowded time of the year. If you don’t want to go during the rainy season, which is understandable, try visiting in the shoulder seasons – usually right after and just before the rainy season. In Phuket, these months are November and April.
READ ALSO: 10 Best Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand
8 BEST Tours in Phuket
Check out our handpicked tours in Phuket and tick off some must-see attractions.
- Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island: Explore Phang Nga Bay caves and visit James Bond Island with This Tour
- Phi Phi Island: Enjoy Maya Bay aka “The Beach” and relax, snorkel and swim on This Day Tour
- Thai Cuisine: Discover authentic Thai cuisine in this Small-Group Cooking Class with an optional market tour
- Food Tour: Taste over 15 dishes on a small-group Southern Flavors Food Tour
- Pukhet’s Highlights Tour: Explore Phuket’s best: Big Buddha, Chalong Temple, & Old Town on this Phuket Highlights Tour
- ATV Adventure: Experience jungle trails on a thrilling ATV Ride Tour
- Similan island: Beat the crowd at the sunning Similan Islands with an early start on the Early Bird Day Tour.
10 Hidden Gems in Phuket
1. Laem Singh Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in Phuket, but not many are unseen and secluded like Laem Singh Beach. This beach is a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and lush greenery, perfect for a beach day.
Laem Singh Beach is perfectly visible from the Laem Singh Beach Viewpoint located right next to the road, but visiting this beach involves a short hike, keeping this place free from mass tourism. Chances are high you will have the beach to yourself or share it with only a few more travelers.
This guide has everything you need to visit Laem Singh Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket.
2. Black Rock Viewpoint
There are some very famous viewpoints in Phuket, like Cape Prom Thep and the Windmill Viewpoint, which get extremely crowded around sunset. This is why we wanted to find a viewpoint as beautiful but with few visitors. We found it!
Second on the list of hidden gems in Phuket is the Black Rock Viewpoint, offering a unique panorama of the coastline, including the famous Nai Harn Beach, Promthep Cape, and many islands beyond. It is best enjoyed at sunset. This viewpoint is less explored due to its location, which includes a dirt road and a short hike.
To get to Black Rock Viewpoint, take the trail that leads to Nui Beach. It starts a few hundred meters to the right after Karon Viewpoint. Drive 1 km on a dirt road, then park your bike and walk a steep trail for 300 meters.
3. Koh Surin National Park
Koh Surin is a national park archipelago consisting of five islands known for their crystal-clear waters, white sand, and breathtaking coral reefs. This hidden gem is a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering spectacular underwater marine life.
The islands are untouched, providing a peaceful escape from crowded tourist hotspots. Join a guided tour to explore the beauty of Koh Surin on a multiple-day trip. There is also a day trip, which is only recommended if you have limited time.
4. Phang Nga Bay Private Boat Tour
While Phang Nga Bay itself is not exactly a hidden gem, exploring it on a private boat tour will give you a secluded experience with hidden coves and lagoons that are off the beaten path. Enjoy the iconic limestone cliffs rising dramatically from the emerald-green waters.
A private tour gives you the possibility to visit lesser-known places or at different times than most tours do. For example, with this sunset boat tour, you could visit James Bond Island without anyone else around.
5. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
If you ask us, the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is the most beautiful one in all of Thailand. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay, with its limestone cliffs, small islands, and emerald-green waters. Due to its remote location, it is still not overrun by tourism, especially if you visit for sunrise, which we highly recommend. Check out this top-rated Samet Nangshe Viewpoint tour!
The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is perfect for a half-day trip from Phuket or a short stay at Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel, a 4-star hotel with luxury rooms, private pools, and bathtubs overlooking Samet Nangshe. If you can manage to get out of bed early enough to arrive here for sunrise, we promise the experience will be magical and a highlight of your Thailand trip.
Our travel guide covers everything you need to know to visit the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.
Extraordinary Stay at Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel
- Luxury rooms
- private pools & bathtubs with views
- 4-star resort with a Thai restaurant
6. Freedom Beach
Another beautiful beach in Phuket is Freedom Beach, not exactly a hidden gem but still a paradise beach with powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters perfect for relaxation and snorkeling.
It is accessible by a hiking trail or boat from Patong Beach, which is why it’s not overrun. However, it gets more crowded the later it gets on the day. We recommend visiting in the morning, as early as you can make it.
7. Nationalpark Khao Sok
Khao Sok National Park is one of the most beautiful ones we have ever seen. This gem boasts lush wilderness, ancient rainforests, limestone cliffs, and a stunning lake. Explore the park’s beauty on a scenic boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake and on a hiking tour starting from Khao Sok Village.
To beat the day tourists coming only for a few hours, consider staying on the Cheow Lan Lake overnight. We highly recommend the top-rated Panvaree Resort, where you can swim and kayak right in front of your room with the best scenic views.
If you choose to go independently, we have a hot tip for you: if you buy the entrance ticket after 4:30 pm, it is valid for the next day too. This means you could use the entrance ticket for a sunset tour on that day and the next day use it for another tour.
8. Nai Thon Beach & Banana Beach
These two beaches are located in the north of Phuket near the airport. With their soft golden sand, clear waters, surrounding hills, and lush greenery, you will find yourself at peaceful beaches perfect for swimming, strolls, and relaxation.
Consider visiting these beaches after arriving at the airport in Phuket or before leaving for the airport. You can easily spend 1 or 2 nights in this beautiful area, only a short 10-minute ride from the airport. Check out the beautiful Pullman Phuket Arcadia Hotel if you want to stay near Nai Thon Beach and Banana Beach in the north of Phuket .
9. Day Trip to Nearby Islands
Instead of visiting only beaches in Phuket, consider visiting the small nearby islands, like Ko Mai Thon, Koh Lone, and Coral Island perfect for day trips.
Just head to the nearest beach on the mainland and ask locals in shops or restaurants where you can hire a boat. Make sure to negotiate the price to a reasonable cost. We like to check the reviews of the piers of the small island to find out what other people did pay for the trip from the mainland to the island.
10. Getaway Island Koh Yao Yai
If you’re looking for a getaway island accessible from Phuket, the lesser-known island Koh Yao Yai offers a peaceful alternative to overcrowded islands like the Phi Phi islands. There is still an authentic local charm, a laid-back experience, and beautiful landscapes. One of the most beautiful places on the island is the sandbank extension at Laem Haad beach.
Where to stay in Koh Yao Yai
- Budget ($): Bankunyaiy Resort
- Mid-range ($$): Saengsuree Villas
- Luxury ($$$): Anantara Resort & Villas