Banana Beach Phuket: How to Visit This Secret Hidden Gem

5/5 - (1 vote)

One of the Most Beautiful Hidden Beaches in Phuket

Banana Beach Phuket is a hidden sanctuary tucked away on the northwestern coast between Nai Thon and Layan Beach, this intimate shoreline spans only about 100 meters long, making it feel like a private personal paradise.

The white sand and calm turquoise sea of Banana Beach under a clear blue sky

Conveniently located just 3 minutes away from the famous Michelin-starred PRU Restaurant and the luxury Trisara Phuket Resort with its exclusive private pool villas, this area combines pristine nature with high-end hospitality.

Aerial drone view of Banana Beach in Phuket showing the turquoise bay white sand and dense tropical forest

While many travelers head straight to Patong or Kata Beach, I prefer escaping to this tranquil cove where turquoise waters meet a lush jungle backdrop. It is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket, but also one of the best snorkeling beaches in Phuket for anyone looking to unwind, swim, or enjoy the vibrant marine life.

Traditional longtail boats anchored on the white sand and turquoise water of Banana Beach

Getting to this peaceful haven is straightforward thanks to recent updates to the site. The beach offers a great mix of local charm and modern comfort, whether you want Thai food at the local Banana Beach Restaurant or cold drinks and international food at the new beach club.

Whether I am spending the whole day on this stretch of sand, renting a kayak, taking in the views, or taking photos as usual, visiting Banana Beach Phuket always delivers that perfect, relaxed island vibe. But keep in mind, during the peak season the beach can be busy.

A single longtail boat floating in the clear blue sea of Banana Beach Phuket framed by lush tropical foliage

Sunset Magic & Photography Tips

This beautiful hidden cove is an incredible spot to watch spectacular sunsets, especially during the high season. Watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon—casting vibrant colors across the sky with traditional longtail boats floating in the foreground—creates a true postcard-worthy view you simply cannot miss.

For the best photography spot, head over to the rocky area at the northern end of the beach. This is my go-to trick for capturing clean shots without anyone else in the frame. I love using the low-hanging tree branches to naturally frame the horizon, which adds a unique touch and instantly elevates the photo into a one-of-a-kind memory.

Pro Photo Tip for My Readers:

You can actually use this natural framing technique on almost any beach you visit! Look for overhanging palm leaves, coastal rocks, or greenery along the edges. It’s an easy trick to hide background crowds, add depth to your composition, and turn standard beach photos into professional-looking postcards. Check out my drone photos and shot examples right here in this blog post to see the incredible contrast between the turquoise water, the coral seabed, and the surrounding jungle!

Essential visitor Guide

Useful Info	What You Need to Know
Where to find it	Nestled on the northwest coast, between Naithon and Layan Beach.
Beach size	A cozy 100-meter stretch of golden sand.
How to access	Park at the main north-end lot (100 THB fee). The steep old hilltop path is closed.
Facilities on-site	Restrooms and freshwater showers are available for 20 THB.
Amenities	No loungers allowed on the sand. Grab a sunbed inside the Beach Club instead!
Where to eat	Choose between Thai dishes at Banana Beach Restaurant or drinks at the modern Beach Club.
Best For	Crystal-clear swimming, reef snorkeling, and relaxing beachfront lunches.
Airport Distance	Located just 21 km south.
Ideal season	November to April for calm, turquoise waters and sunny days

Where to Eat & Drink at Banana Beach

While Banana Beach feels secluded, you won’t go hungry or thirsty during your visit. The beach offers two distinct dining options right on the sand to suit different tastes and vibes.

Banana Beach Restaurant

If you are craving authentic local flavors and a peaceful atmosphere, head down to the southern end of the beach to find Banana Beach Restaurant. This is my personal go-to spot whenever I visit the beach. Unlike the nearby beach club, there is no background music here—just the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the shore and birds singing in the surrounding jungle trees.

The setup features a charming, down-to-earth vibe with bamboo tables, plastic chairs, and colorful umbrellas providing shade right on the sand. Personally, I love sitting right near the single swaying coconut palm tree—it is one of my absolute favorite spots to have lunch and take photos, as it adds such a wonderful touch of tropical ambiance.

Bamboo dining tables and green parasols overlooking the turquoise sea

Supporting the local Thai community here is something I always feel passionate about. Every single day, the dedicated owners carry all the supplies down the steep cliff path just to set up the restaurant, making supporting them a true pleasure.

The Thai family running it is incredibly friendly, polite, and welcoming, making every visit feel warm and genuine. They serve fresh seafood, classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum and Pad Thai, and cold drinks at very reasonable, budget-friendly prices.

Tip on Cash Payments: To pay for your meal, parking, or showers, it is strongly recommended to bring cash in small piece. The local spots do not accept card payments, and there are no ATMs in the immediate vicinity. The nearby ATM is on Naithon Beach!

Banana Beach Club Phuket by Solis 2.0

Conveniently located right next to the main north parking area, Banana Beach Club Phuket by Solis 2.0 offers a more modern and laid-back lounge experience as soon as you arrive. This stylish beachfront venue features comfortable sunbeds, cold cocktails, refreshing drinks, and a menu filled with international bites and light meals. It’s the ideal spot to relax with a cold drink, enjoy the ambient music, and soak in the tropical surroundings in style.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
Phone / Reservations: 093 185 5946

Wooden sunbeds and beach chairs neatly arranged under tall palm trees on the white sand of Banana Beach

How to Get to Banana Beach Phuket

Finding this hidden gem is easy once you know where to go, especially with the updated access route at the north end of the beach.

Transportation Options

By Sea / Longtail Boat: For a truly memorable arrival, you can hire a traditional longtail boat from Bangtao Beach or Layan Beach (which is much closer). Cruising along the coastline offers stunning panoramic views of the lush headland and the luxurious Trisara Phuket Resort with its secluded private cove. Be sure to negotiate and agree on the fare with the boat captain before stepping on board!
Motorbike / Scooter: This is my preferred way to reach the beach. Riding along the scenic coastal roads between Bang Tao, Layan, and Naithon gives you complete freedom.
Car or Rental SUV: Driving a car is simple via Highway 4018, and you can now take advantage of the dedicated parking facilities.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps: You can easily book a Grab or Bolt driver to drop you off. I recommend scheduling your return trip in advance as taxis can be scarce in this quieter area.

Top-down drone view of multiple longtail boats anchored neatly on the shallow blue waters of Banana Beach

Parking & Entrance Access

Accessing the beach has changed recently, making it much easier to park safely near the shoreline.

Parking Area: Head to the large dedicated parking lot located at the north end of the beach. Parking costs 100 Baht.
Closed Trail Warning: Please note that the old steep hilltop dirt path is now closed. Use the main designated entrance path starting from the north parking area instead.

Shaded parking lot surrounded by tall palm trees and tropical green jungle

How is the Beach on Low Season?

While Banana Beach is a true tropical paradise during the dry months, the atmosphere changes dramatically during the southwest monsoon season (typically from May to October).

If you visit during this low season, you will find a much wilder and raw side of the cove. However, it is vital to know that swimming is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous. Because there are no lifeguards on duty, no official safety supervision, and no warning flags or security controls deployed on the sand, you are entirely on your own.

The monsoon winds bring strong underwater currents, rough conditions, and high, powerful waves that crash directly onto the shore. Venturing into the water during this period can put your life at serious risk. Enjoy the dramatic scenery, the fresh sea breeze, and the peaceful isolation of the empty beach from the safety of the dry sand, but please stay completely out of the water!

A scenic view of Banana Beach framed by green palm fronds and coastal trees

How Banana Beach Used to Be

When I first moved to Phuket in 2011, Banana Beach was a true hidden gem. I only knew about it because I had spotted it on Google Earth, and reaching it was an adventure full of surprises. Back then, smartphones and GPS weren’t like they are today, so I had to rely on paper maps, stop along the coastal road to check my bearings, or even ask friendly locals for directions.

Finding the unmarked entrance wasn’t easy either, as everything looked abandoned and overgrown with high, wild vegetation. But once I located it, tackling that steep, shaded jungle path down to the sand felt like discovering a secret world.

Tourists enjoying the calm tropical waters and white sand of Banana Beach

For nearly two decades, the only development on the sand was a small, family-run restaurant positioned at the southern end. Back then, with very few tourists around, the amount of supplies they needed to carry down was minimal compared to today. Even so, watching the owners carry everything down the cliff regularly made supporting them always a pleasure.

In late 2025, everything changed with the opening of a north parking lot, a new beach club, and the permanent closure of the old trail. It is worth noting that Banana Beach technically falls within the protected coastal boundaries of the Sirinat National Park, which is supposed to safeguard its natural environment. Yet, seeing modern concrete structures and a beach club suddenly pop up in a protected zone leaves many wondering how such development was permitted in what was once a pristine cove.

Aerial view of coral reefs, swimmers, and beachfront facilities nestled under the trees at Banana Beach

Now that the new parking lot and beach club make access so much easier for everyone, you can officially say goodbye to the days of finding this beach empty. During the high season, expect it to be quite crowded. While the beach is much simpler to visit now, I will always miss the quiet sand, the untouched nature, and the adventurous trek through the trees from back in 2011.

Banana Beach Phuket Photos

White sand and lush green jungle coastline of Banana Beach in Phuket under a clear blue sky

A rustic wooden sign that reads Banana Beach set among lush tropical jungle greenery in Phuket

Traditional longtail boats moored together in the crystal-clear water near a rocky islet at Banana Beach Phuket

Leaning coconut palm trees casting shadows on the white sand of Banana Beach Phuket

Yellow and green rental kayaks resting on the white sand of Banana Beach in Phuket beneath overhanging tree branches

Wooden sun loungers with yellow cushions and white umbrellas on the sandy beach of Banana Beach in Phuket

Banana Beach Phuket Map

Use this interactive map to easily locate Banana Beach, find the best jungle access points, discover where to relax under the shade of tropical trees, and find the ideal spots for snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Explore this hidden tropical paradise to plan your perfect day by the sea. You are warmly invited to join my community on Facebook and Instagram, where I regularly share fresh updates, local tips, and vibrant photo stories from Phuket’s finest beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Banana Beach Phuket free to enter?

Yes, access to the beach itself is completely free. However, if you bring a car or scooter, there is a 100 Baht parking fee for the dedicated north parking lot.

Where is Banana Beach located?

It is located on the northwestern coast of Phuket, tucked between Nai Thon Beach and Layan Beach. Note that this is different from the Banana Beach on Coral Island (Koh Hey).

Can you rent beach chairs or beds at Banana Beach?

No, sunbeds and beach chairs are strictly not allowed on the sand at Banana Beach. However, you can rent a sunbed inside the beachfront Beach Club to relax in comfort right next to the shoreline.

Are there bathrooms and showers available?

Yes, basic toilet and shower facilities are available on-site for 20 Baht.

What is the best time of year to visit Banana Beach Phuket?

The best time to visit is during Phuket’s high season from November to April, when the sea is calm, crystal-clear, and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.