Banana Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the southern tip of Phuket, just a few kilometers away from the popular beach of Nai Harn. The beach is named after the banana-shaped bay that it sits in, and is known for its crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
Due to its location, Banana Beach is relatively untouched and is a popular spot for those looking to escape the crowds of the more popular beaches in Phuket. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling, with a range of marine life to be seen just off the shore.
BANANA BEACH TRAVEL GUIDE: THINGS TO DO
Banana Beach Phuket is a relatively secluded and less touristy beach on the island, offering visitors a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere. Here are some things you can do at Banana Beach Phuket:
- Relax on the beach: The pristine, white sandy beach at Banana Beach Phuket is the perfect place to soak up the sun and relax. There are loungers and umbrellas available for rent if you want to make yourself comfortable.
- Snorkeling: The clear, turquoise waters of Banana Beach Phuket offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling. You can rent snorkeling equipment on the beach and explore the vibrant underwater world.
- Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around the calm waters of the bay, exploring the coastline and taking in the stunning views.
- Beach hopping: Banana Beach Phuket is located near several other beaches, such as Freedom Beach, which is accessible by a short hike through the jungle, and the popular Patong Beach, which is just a short drive away.
- Dining: There are a few beachfront restaurants at Banana Beach Phuket, offering delicious Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, and refreshing drinks.
- Photography: The picturesque scenery and stunning views at Banana Beach Phuket make it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. You can capture breathtaking photos of the beach and surrounding areas.
- Hiking: The surrounding hills and jungle offer numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, providing a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area.
BANANA BEACH TRAVEL GUIDE: WHERE TO EAT
- Trisara Restaurant – Trisara is a luxury resort located on the northwestern coast of Phuket island, and the resort’s restaurant offers a fine dining experience with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. The restaurant serves contemporary Thai and western cuisine using fresh local ingredients, including seafood, meats, and organic produce from Trisara’s own garden. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring a unique dining experience every time you visit.
- PRU Restaurant – Pru Restaurant Phuket is a fine dining restaurant located within the luxury resort Trisara Phuket, which is situated on the northwest coast of the island. The restaurant has received a Michelin star, and is known for its modern European cuisine that incorporates local Thai ingredients and flavors. The restaurant’s name “Pru” means “plant” in Thai, and reflects the focus on using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients in the dishes. The restaurant’s menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients, but dishes may include items such as Andaman sea crab with a spicy Thai herb dressing, roasted pigeon with black garlic and beetroot, and Hokkaido scallop with oyster cream and green apple. The restaurant also offers a tasting menu with wine pairings for a full culinary experience.
- Tony Restaurant – Tony Restaurant is a popular dining establishment located in Nai Thon Beach, Phuket. The restaurant offers a variety of Thai and international cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, which is sourced from the nearby Andaman Sea, as well as its authentic Thai dishes like Tom Yum soup, green curry, and pad Thai. They also have a selection of Western dishes such as pasta, pizza, and grilled meats. Tony Restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, with a spacious outdoor dining area that provides stunning views of the beach and ocean. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and they also offer a daily happy hour with discounted drinks.
- Baan Phutawan – Baan Phutawan is a friendly and affordable local restaurant that is located right outside the Pullman’s front door. They specialize in seafood, and it’s proud to serve fresh seafood since local fishermen deliver the day’s catch directly to the restaurant. Try their Tom Yum, Larb Gai, and Som Tum crab as visitors praise these meals.
- The Hill – The Hill Restaurant is a well-known dining spot in Nai Thon Beach, Phuket, known for its panoramic ocean views and delicious food. The restaurant is perched on a hillside, providing diners with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and Nai Thon Beach below. The menu features a wide range of Thai and international dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. Some popular dishes include tom yum soup, green curry, pad Thai, and fried rice. The restaurant also offers a good selection of cocktails, wine, and beer. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and the sunset view is especially popular with diners. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, as the restaurant can get busy. The Hill Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion while taking in the beautiful views.
Note: Keep in mind that some of these options are not directly on Banana Beach and may require transportation to get there. All the restaurants mentioned above can be reached in less than 15 minutes drive away.
BANANA BEACH TRAVEL GUIDE: TIPS
- Be prepared for the steep climb: To reach the beach, you will need to climb down a steep staircase. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and take care while descending.
- Bring your own supplies: There are limited facilities on the beach, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food, drinks, and sunscreen.
- Arrive early: The beach can get quite crowded during peak season, so it’s a good idea to arrive early in the day to secure a spot on the sand.
- Take a boat tour: You can explore the surrounding islands and beaches by taking a boat tour from Banana Beach. This is a great way to see more of the beautiful coastline.
- Watch out for rip currents: While the water at Banana Beach is generally calm, there can be rip currents during certain times of the year. Be sure to swim in the designated areas and take note of any warning signs.
- Respect the environment: Banana Beach is a protected area, so be sure to take your trash with you when you leave and be mindful of the local flora and fauna.
- Bring cash: There are no ATMs or credit card facilities on the beach, so be sure to bring enough cash for any purchases or services you may need.
BANANA BEACH TRAVEL GUIDE: HOW TO GET TO BANANA BEACH PHUKET
Banana Beach is located on the northwestern coast of Phuket, between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi. From the popular tourist areas of Patong or Phuket Town, it will take approximately 40-60 minutes by car depending on traffic.
There are a few different routes you can take, but one common way is to head north on Route 4018 (Srisoonthorn Road) until you reach the intersection with Route 4026. Turn left onto Route 4026 and follow it for about 3 km until you reach the entrance to the beach, which will be on your left. There is a small parking lot near the entrance where you can park your car or motorbike. From there, it’s just a short walk down to the beach.
Note: To get to Banana Beach, you’ll need to travel down a winding, narrow road that leads to the beach. There’s a small car park at the top of the hill, and from there it’s a short walk down a steep set of stairs to the beach.
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