Are you looking for a secluded and scenic beach in Thailand, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure? If yes, then you should visit Banana Beach Phuket, a hidden gem on the west coast of Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae.
This beach is one of the best kept secrets in Phuket, and a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Banana Beach Phuket, such as how to reach, best time to visit, things to do, tips, and nearby attractions.
How to Reach Banana Beach Phuket
Banana Beach Phuket is not easy to find and requires some guidance, but it is worth the effort. You can reach the beach by boat or by car, depending on your preference and budget.
By boat
The easiest and fastest way to reach Banana Beach Phuket is by boat, either by joining an island hopping tour or by hiring a private longtail boat or speedboat. The boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes from Chalong Pier or Rawai Beach, and costs around 1,000 to 2,000 baht per person for a tour, or 2,500 to 4,000 baht for a private boat. The boat will drop you off at the beach, where you can enjoy the view and the activities. You can book your boat online, by phone, or in person, from various tour operators, hotels, or agencies.
By car
The alternative and cheaper way to reach Banana Beach Phuket is by car, either by driving yourself or by taking a taxi or a tuk-tuk. The drive takes about 45 to 60 minutes from Patong or Phuket Town, and costs around 500 to 800 baht for a taxi or a tuk-tuk.
The car will take you to the entrance of the Coral Island Resort, where you have to walk down a steep and narrow path for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the beach. The path is not well marked and can be slippery, so you need to be careful and follow the signs.
Best Time to Visit Banana Beach Phuket
The best time to visit Banana Beach Phuket is from November to May, which is the dry and high season in Phuket. During this time, the weather is sunny and pleasant, with an average temperature of 28°C and a humidity of 75%. The water is calm and clear, with an average temperature of 27°C and a visibility of 20 to 30 meters. The beach is open and accessible, and the activities are safe and enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Banana Beach Phuket is from June to October, which is the wet and low season in Phuket. During this time, the weather is rainy and stormy, with an average temperature of 26°C and a humidity of 85%. The water is rough and murky, with an average temperature of 26°C and a visibility of 5 to 10 meters. The beach is closed and inaccessible, and the activities are dangerous and prohibited.
Things to Do on Banana Beach Phuket
Banana Beach Phuket offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and banana boat riding. You can also relax on the beach, get a massage, or enjoy a seafood meal. Here are some of the things you can do on Banana Beach Phuket:
Swimming
One of the most relaxing and refreshing things to do on Banana Beach Phuket is swimming in the turquoise water, which is clean and shallow. You can swim along the shore, or venture out to the coral reef, which is about 50 meters from the beach. You can also swim with the colorful fish, which are friendly and curious.
Snorkeling
One of the most exciting and adventurous things to do on Banana Beach Phuket is snorkeling in the clear water, which is rich and diverse. You can snorkel on your own, or rent a snorkel and a mask from the beach for 100 baht per hour. You can also join a snorkeling tour, which will take you to the best spots around the island, such as Long Beach and Freedom Beach, for 300 baht per person.
Kayaking
One of the most active and enjoyable things to do on Banana Beach Phuket is kayaking in the calm water, which is smooth and serene. You can kayak on your own, or rent a kayak from the beach for 200 baht per hour. You can also join a kayaking tour, which will take you to the nearby islands, such as Racha Island and Bon Island, for 500 baht per person.
Parasailing
One of the most thrilling and exhilarating things to do on Banana Beach Phuket is parasailing in the sky, which is high and scenic. You can parasail on your own, or with a partner, for 800 baht per person. You will be attached to a parachute and a speedboat, which will lift you up to 100 meters above the water, and give you a panoramic view of the island and the sea.
Banana boat riding
One of the most fun and hilarious things to do on Banana Beach Phuket is banana boat riding in the water, which is bumpy and splashy. You can ride on a banana-shaped inflatable boat, which can fit up to six people, for 300 baht per person. You will be pulled by a speedboat, which will make sharp turns and sudden stops, and try to flip you over into the water.
Relaxing on the beach
One of the most simple and satisfying things to do on Banana Beach Phuket is relaxing on the beach, which is soft and shady. You can rent a sunbed and an umbrella from the beach for 100 baht per hour, or bring your own towel and mat. You can also get a massage from the beach for 300 baht per hour, or enjoy a drink and a snack from the beach bar.
Tips for Visiting Banana Beach Phuket
To make the most of your visit to Banana Beach Phuket, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
1. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, snacks, and cash, as there are no ATMs or convenience stores on the island, and the prices are higher than on the mainland.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as the walk to the beach can be steep and slippery, and the sand can be hot and coarse.
3. Respect the environment and the local culture, as the island is a natural and sacred place, and the people are hospitable and respectful. Do not litter, damage, or disturb the beach, the forest, or the wildlife. Do not wear revealing or offensive clothes, or behave inappropriately or disrespectfully.
4. Book in advance, as the beach is small and popular, and the tours and transfers are limited and busy. You can book online, by phone, or in person, from various tour operators, hotels, or agencies.
Nearby Attractions to Banana Beach Phuket
If you want to explore more of Phuket, you can also visit some of the nearby attractions that are worth seeing, such as:
Long Beach
A long and wide beach on the east coast of Coral Island, with golden sand, blue water, and green hills. It is more crowded and commercial than Banana Beach, but it has more facilities and services, such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and spas. It is also a good spot for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
Freedom Beach
A small and secluded beach on the west coast of Coral Island, with white sand, crystal water, and rocky cliffs. It is more quiet and peaceful than Banana Beach, but it has fewer facilities and services, such as a small restaurant and a few sunbeds. It is also a good spot for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.
Patong Beach
A famous and lively beach on the west coast of Phuket, with fine sand, clear water, and colorful lights. It is more vibrant and dynamic than Banana Beach, but it has more noise and traffic, such as bars, clubs, markets, and malls. It is also a good spot for surfing, jet skiing, and partying.
Phuket Town
A charming and historic town on the east coast of Phuket, with old buildings, cultural monuments, and local markets. It is more authentic and diverse than Banana Beach, but it has more crowds and chaos, such as temples, museums, galleries, and festivals. It is also a good spot for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Banana Beach Phuket is a hidden paradise in Thailand, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure. It is one of the best kept secrets in Phuket, and a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers. If you are planning to visit Phuket, make sure to include Banana Beach Phuket in your itinerary, and you will not regret it.