Voted 2nd Best Beach in the World in 2025
Banana Beach on Coral Island (Koh Hae) is now one of the most famous day trip beaches near Phuket. Ranked the world’s number 2 beach by Tripadvisor for 2025, it’s a busy spot with clear water, white sand, and many activities.
Some people get confused because there’s also a Banana Beach on Phuket Island itself, north of the airport. This beach is less developed and harder to find, reached by rough tracks through the trees between Nai Thon and Bang Tao. It still feels like a hidden spot, much quieter than Coral Island and without major restaurants or tour groups.
We remember when there were just longtail boats and an empty restaurant here. Now, big groups arrive by speedboat from 9.30 am, and there’s a row of restaurants and shops for the crowds. Staff meet each group, assign beach chairs, and explain how the day will run. There’s usually an orientation about activities, lunch time, and extra activity prices. The basic tour package includes speedboat transfers, snorkel gear, and a buffet lunch. This costs about 2,200 baht per person. You can book tours at hotels or travel agencies’ counters, and they’ll include transfers to Chalong Pier.
If you catch the first speedboat, you might have 30 minutes on the beach almost to yourself. After that, more boats land, and it gets much busier. We’ve seen many people taking photos and relaxing by the water. If the crowds are too much, you can walk farther down the sand to find a quieter area. The water is turquoise and good for snorkelling right off the beach. Extra activities like kayaking and parasailing cost more and are paid onsite.
What to Do on Banana Beach
Swimming: The beach has soft sand and calm water, so it’s perfect for swimming.
Sunbathing and Relaxing: Most tours include a beach chair and umbrella, making it easy to relax and enjoy the view. You can also rent extra loungers if needed.
Thai Massage and Beach Yoga: Some packages or beach providers offer yoga sessions or Thai massages for a bit of relaxation during the day
Snorkelling: The beach is known for crystal-clear water and vibrant coral reefs. You can snorkel right off the beach or join a boat session for deeper spots. Snorkelling equipment is usually included in tour packages.
Kayaking: Clear kayaks are popular for seeing fish and coral beneath you. You can paddle along the coast and explore quiet corners.
Parasailing: For an aerial view of the island, you can try parasailing. This is an extra cost activity offered on the beach.
Sea Walking & Scuba Diving: For a closer look at marine life, sign up for sea walking (using a helmet to walk underwater) or beginner scuba diving sessions. These cost extra.
Paddle Boarding: These are available for rent, adding more options for active visitors
Hornbill Spotting: Watch and listen for hornbills in the beach trees; they’re loud and draw attention with their unusual calls.
Henna and Body Paint: Local artists offer henna tattoo designs and colourful body painting, popular with many visitors.
Food and Facilities
Buffet or Set Lunch: Most Banana Beach day tours include a buffet or set menu lunch at the Hornbill Restaurant, right by the sea.
Long Beach is next to Banana Beach.
If you don’t like crowds on the beach and the overwhelming infrastructure built all over the place to accommodate hundreds of tourists, walk to the left end of the beach when facing the sea. There is a small dirt path leading to the other beach, just a ten to fifteen-minute walk, but you’ll be quieter there. Just remember to come back in time for your trip back!
How to Get to Coral Island?
More Photos of Banana Beach
Coral Island Map
This story was first published on June 6, 2016
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