Banana Beach is a beautiful cove on Phuket’s northwest coast, tucked between Nai Thon and Bang Tao beaches. Not to be confused with the more famous Banana Beach on Coral Island, this one sits on Phuket’s main island and still feels pleasantly removed from the busier parts of Phuket.
The beach has soft sand, clear water, and a quieter beach day that still feels a little tucked away. It is no longer quite the old secret it once was, but it remains one of the lovelier spots for swimming, snorkelling, and a lazy lunch by the sea. It’s also a great spot for snorkelling, with a range of marine life to be seen just off the shore.
*Updated: April 2026.
Things to do in Banana Beach
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 works well with nearby spots like Nai Thon Beach or the Bang Tao–Layan side if you want to turn the day into a little west-coast beach crawl. These are much more practical nearby add-ons than trying to squeeze in beaches on the opposite side of the island.
- 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.
Restaurants Near The Beach: Where to Eat
Cielo & Spice at Trisara Restaurant
Trisara is a luxury resort on the northwestern coast of Phuket Island, and its 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, 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 flavours. 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 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.
Takieng
Takieng serves up classic Thai and Phuket favourites. Each dish is made to showcase the real Thai flavours. The restaurant has a modern vibe with classical touches, with two dining areas, stunning beach views and delicious food. The wine list is also well-balanced to pair with the food. Plus, the easy beach stroll allows you to walk off the sumptuous meal afterwards. No wonder it won TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024.
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.
There are other options that you might want to consider, such as:
- Vero at Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon
A very easy pick for sunset drinks and an Italian dinner with a view. Good if you want something romantic without going full tasting-menu mode. - ECHO at Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon
A stylish option if you want a more contemporary resort meal close to Nai Thon. - Local restaurants around Nai Thon
If you are after a more casual meal, Nai Thon has a handful of simpler local spots that work well before or after the beach. These are better for an easy seafood lunch or a no-fuss Thai dinner.
Note: Some of these options are not directly on Banana Beach and may require transportation. All the restaurants mentioned above can be reached in less than a 15-minute drive.
Banana Beach Travel Guide: Useful Tips
- Arrive early if you want the calmer version of Banana Beach. It tends to feel much better before the late-morning crowd shows up.
- Bring cash. It is useful for parking, beach extras, simple food purchases, and small facilities.
- Check sea conditions before swimming. High season is usually the safest and clearest time for a swim and snorkel, while low season can bring rougher waves.
- Bring snorkeling gear if you already have it. The rocky ends of the beach are the best part for peeking underwater.
- Pack light, but don’t arrive empty-handed. There are more facilities than before, but sunscreen, water, and a dry change of clothes are still smart.
- Respect the beach. It is prettier when everyone behaves like they’d like it to stay that way.
How to get to Banana Beach at Phuket
Banana Beach is on Phuket’s northwest coast, between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach, and closer to Nai Thon.
The easiest way to get there now is by car or taxi. If you are driving from Patong, Bang Tao, or Phuket Town, travel time will depend on traffic, but the route is straightforward once you are on the west-coast road heading toward Nai Thon.
Before, there used to be a hidden roadside entrance and a steep jungle walk down. That is no longer the main access. The easier current way in is through the parking area at the north end of the beach.
Drive toward Nai Thon Beach, pass Andaman White Beach Resort, and keep going until you see the parking entrance on your right before Trisara. From the parking area, it is only a short walk to the sand.
There are also paid toilet and shower facilities near the entrance, which makes the visit a little easier than it used to be.
FAQs about Banana Beach Phuket
Where is Banana Beach in Phuket?
Banana Beach is on Phuket’s northwest coast, between Nai Thon and Bang Tao beaches. It is on Phuket’s main island, not out on a separate island.
Is this the same Banana Beach that got famous on social media?
Not exactly. A lot of people confuse this beach with Banana Beach on Coral Island. They are two different places, so it is worth double-checking before planning your day.
Do you still need to hike down to Banana Beach?
Not in the old way many articles describe. Access is easier now through the parking area near the north end of the beach.
Is Banana Beach good for snorkeling?
Yes, especially around the rocky edges where the water is clearer and more interesting. High season usually gives the nicest conditions.
Is Banana Beach good for families?
It can be, especially in high season when the sea is calmer. It suits families who want a quieter beach day, but it is still better for relaxed swimmers than for lots of built-in beach entertainment.
Are there restaurants and toilets at Banana Beach?
Yes. There are now dining options on-site as well as paid toilet and shower facilities near the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Banana Beach?
The best time is usually during Phuket’s dry season, when the sea is calmer and the water is clearer. Early in the day is also better if you want fewer people around.
Is Banana Beach still worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a beach that feels calmer than Phuket’s more obvious choices. It is not the ultra-secret cove older guides describe, but it is still a very pretty beach day.
Stay Close to Your Favorite Beach
Banana Beach is one of those places that feels much better when it is easy to reach. Staying in the right part of Phuket makes a big difference, especially if you want a relaxed beach morning instead of a long cross-island drive.
If Banana Beach is on your shortlist, it makes sense to look at villa stays around Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Layan, or the wider north-west coast. Villa Finder can help you choose a location that actually fits your beach plans, so your Phuket holiday feels smoother from the start.
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