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Banana Beach is a beautiful hidden gem in Phuket, Thailand. Nestled in the southern part of the island, this hidden beach is embraced by vibrant greenery and sparkling waters, creating a little slice of paradise for both nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. Despite its hidden location, Banana Beach has become well-loved by both locals and visitors as one of the most stunning beaches in Phuket.
A pristine Banana Beach with a lush green surround (Source: Klook)
According to local legend, pirates once used the beach as a hiding spot for their loot. Today, this beach is a favorite spot for travelers looking for a relaxing getaway from the busy city life.
In 2025, Banana Beach was voted the second most beautiful beach in the world in the "Top 25 Best Beaches in the World 2025" category, as chosen by Tripadvisor users over 12 months. It is described as "a place that has everything travelers need for a perfect day of relaxation by the sea."
Underwater experiences are highly favored by visitors (Source: Banana Beach)
Some of the most cherished experiences that attract traveler are snorkeling to explore coral reefs, surfing, and relaxing with a beachfront massage while enjoying a refreshing drink and savoring delicious Thai cuisine.
Banana Beach on the high season (Source: Friday)
This category is included in Tripadvisor's annual Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best, which is based on user reviews and ratings gathered over the past year. This list comes from travelers around the globe, who have kindly shared their personal experiences and stories.
Kayaking on a transparent boat – a must-try experience (Source: Phuket)
When people visit beaches, they often look at things like how clear and clean the water is, the beautiful scenery around, the space to relax, how easy it is to get there, the tourism services available, and the overall fun and memorable experiences they might have.
Read more: Phuket Tour 7 Days: Unforgettable Memories
Located under a gentle slope, Banana Beach invites visitors to enjoy a short stroll to the shore. This location makes it a bit tricky for road vehicles to get to, which helps keep the beach nice and clean from dust and engine noise.
Relaxing with family on a peaceful beach (Source: Pepe)
Imagine yourself relaxing on a beach chair, surrounded by the gentle sway of coconut trees, while the soothing sound of long-tail boats in the distance drops you into a peaceful sleep. If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon or an exciting day by the water, Banana Beach is the perfect spot with its special vibe.
It might be a bit surprising that the infrastructure of a wonderful retreat like Banana Beach is still in the process of being fully developed. A lovely restaurant with a varied menu serves up a delightful selection of seafood dishes.
Enjoy delicious meals under the cool shade of trees (Source: Phuket101)
This place really shines with its impressive level of service, setting it apart from more casual eateries. Additionally, there are some lovely spots in Phuket where you can enjoy a meal under the gentle sway of coconut trees, with your toes nestled in the soft, white sand.
Snokering in Banana Beach with a professional trainer (Source: Bananabeachkohhey)
With its shallow, crystal-clear waters, this is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. A few long-tail boats gently bob on the clear water, and just a few fortunate tourists get to enjoy this hidden gem. Just beyond the shore, you can have a great time exploring the colorful marine life.
Snokering in Banana Beach Beach in crystal-clear waters (Source: One Map)
While joining a catamaran tour with a welcoming guide, you can enjoy a relaxing time at sea and discover unique marine species during a snorkeling session in the crystal-clear waters of Coral Island. Swim alongside clownfish and seahorses, and take in the beauty of the stunning fan coral reefs.
In Phuket, there are some lovely spots where you can savor a tranquil lunch on the beach, with your toes in the sand and the shade of coconut trees above you! If you're lucky or have planned well, the tide will be low, the sky crystal clear, and Banana Beach will be absolutely stunning. Whether you're enjoying a cool drink or treating yourself to a delicious seafood meal, dining at Banana Beach is a delightful experience for the senses.
Dining at Banana Beach with ocean waves and swaying palm trees (Source: Banana Beach)
The beach has a little local restaurant that opens during the high season, locals style with a few plastic chairs and tables right on the sand. Recently, they’ve begun serving cocktails too! The setup is straightforward, and the team is always warm and inviting.
Taking a tropical drink while relaxing on the beach (Source: Papa Restaurant)
Dining at Banana Beach is a wonderful culinary experience, featuring a range of dishes and drinks that cater to every palate. You can have a great time sipping on a refreshing drink or enjoying a tasty meal while taking in the beautiful beach views. Be sure to enjoy local specialties like Tom Yum soup, green curry, and Pad Thai, along with fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea!
Banana Beach is a wonderful spot for photography lovers, providing endless background to capture. For a stunning shot, consider capturing a panoramic view with a drone, showcasing the beautiful curve of the turquoise shoreline.
Checkin while snorkeling in Banana Beach (Source: Phuket Live)
If you enjoy the crystal-clear waters, snap some photos right at the water’s edge, where the emerald-green sea meets the shore. For a truly unique experience, explore beneath the surface while snorkeling will be the best photo ever. And be sure to check out the charming pier that stretches out into the sea—it’s an ideal spot for capturing beautiful travel photos!
The most iconic swing at Banana Beach (Source: Pelago)
You can also check in on a hammock by the beach or take photos from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) to showcase the untouched beauty of this tropical paradise. To capture the best shots, try to shoot during early morning or sunset, use a wide-angle lens, and brighten up the scenery with fun outfits like flowy maxi dresses, bikinis, or straw hats. A gentle color edit in ocean blue and sandy white tones will really bring out that dreamy island vibe.
Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, swim, or explore the underwater world, Banana Beach is a must-visit destination in Phuket. With its mesmerizing natural scenery and rich history, it’s no surprise that this hidden gem has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Read more: Check-in top 7 most wonderful beaches in Thailand
