Two of Phuket's smaller, harder-to-reach beaches, both rewarding the extra effort with clearer water and fewer crowds than the main strips.
Laem Singh
A small cove between Kamala and Surin, reachable via a steep path down from the headland or a short longtail boat ride — no road access directly to the beach itself, which keeps numbers down. Good snorkelling around the rocky points at either end of the small bay.
Freedom Beach
South of Patong, accessible only by boat or a rough scooter track — a genuinely quieter alternative just minutes from the island's busiest beach by water. Longtail boats depart regularly from Patong's southern end for the short crossing.
What to know before going
Neither beach has much in the way of facilities — bring water, cash for the handful of beach vendors that do operate, and confirm return boat times if arriving by longtail.
Best time to visit
Both are noticeably quieter on weekday mornings than weekends or afternoons — arriving earlier in the day also means calmer water for swimming and snorkelling before any afternoon wind picks up.