Which Beach to Choose for Your Family Holiday?
Picking the right beach makes or breaks a family holiday in Phuket. Each area has a different character, and what works for toddlers doesn’t necessarily work for teenagers. We’ve lived here since 1994 and raised kids on these beaches, so we know which ones deliver for families and which ones don’t.
The short answer: Kata Beach is best for young children, Bang Tao for luxury families, Patong for teens who want action, Karon for active families on a budget, Kamala for a quiet village feel, and Mai Khao if you’re flying in late or want water parks. But the right choice depends on your kids’ ages, your budget, and what kind of holiday you want.
Here’s a breakdown of the beaches popular with families. We’ll add more beach soon!
| Beach | Best For | Water Safety (high season) | Kids Facilities | Atmosphere | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kata Beach | Young children (under 8) | Excellent, shallow and calm | Best variety of kids clubs | Busy but relaxed | Mid-range |
| Bang Tao Beach | Luxury families | Good, gentle slope | Laguna resort complex | Upmarket and Laid-Back | High |
| Patong Beach | Teens and older kids | Excellent, shallow but busy | Shopping, water sports | Hectic | All budgets |
| Karon Beach | Active families | Good, long, shallow stretch | Good resort facilities | Laid-back | Mid-range |
| Kamala Beach | Relaxed families | Good, calm most of the year | Limited but improving | Peaceful | Mid to high |
| Mai Khao Beach | Airport convenience, nature | Less shallow, some currents | Water parks, nature | Very peaceful | Mid to high |
Kata Beach
Best for Young Children Under 8
Kata Beach is where we send families with toddlers and young children. The bay is protected, the water stays shallow for a long way out, and the sand is soft. During high season from November to April, the sea is usually calm enough for small kids to splash around safely. We’ve spent countless afternoons here watching children play in knee-deep water while parents actually relax.
The beach itself is about 1.5 kilometres long, curved into a crescent shape with hills at both ends. The southern end near the Kata Beach Resort tends to be busier with sunbeds and vendors. The northern end near Club Med is quieter. There’s a smaller beach next door called Kata Noi, which is even calmer but has fewer facilities.
Why Families Love It
Kata has more family-focused hotels than any other beach in Phuket. Katathani has a full water park with a lazy river and slides. Pamookkoo Resort has a four-storey waterslide and a 3,000 sqm adventure pool. Novotel Kata Avista runs a kids club until 9 pm, which means parents can actually have dinner alone. These aren’t token efforts. The hotels here compete seriously for the family market.
Beyond the resorts, Kata has Dino Park Mini Golf, which kids love even if the dinosaur models look a bit tired these days. The Kata night market runs several evenings a week with cheap food and souvenirs. Restaurants along the beach road offer kids’ menus and high chairs without making you feel like an inconvenience.
The Downsides
Kata gets busy in high season. The main beach road has traffic, so you’ll be holding hands with young kids. The beach itself isn’t huge, so prime sunbed spots fill up by mid-morning. If you want a quiet, empty beach, Kata isn’t it.
During the low season from May to October, waves pick up, and the red flags come out more often. The beach is still usable, but you’ll need to watch the children more carefully. Some days the water is too rough for swimming.
Getting Around
Kata sits on the southwest coast, about 45 minutes from the airport. The beach area is walkable once you’re there. Taxis and Grab can take you to nearby Karon or Patong in 10-20 minutes. Most families find they don’t need to leave Kata much because everything they need is within walking distance.
Who Should Stay Here
Families with children under 8 who want the best combination of safe swimming, kids’ clubs, and family restaurants. Also good for families who want to be near the action without being in it. Kata is busy enough to feel lively but calm enough to feel safe.
Who Should Skip It
Teenagers who want nightlife and shopping. Couples travelling with older kids who can handle waves and want water sports. Families who prefer empty beaches over convenience.
Best Time to Visit
November to April is peak season with calm seas and minimal rain. December and January are the busiest months with higher prices. February to April offers great weather with smaller crowds. May to October brings occasional rain and rougher seas, but also lower prices and fewer tourists. The beach is still usable most days, even in low season.
Where to Stay for Families in Kata
Kata Beach is one of the best spots in Phuket for families with young children. The beach itself has calm, shallow waters most of the year, and the area around it offers plenty of kid-friendly restaurants, Dino Park Mini Golf, and easy access to night markets. We’ve stayed at many of these hotels over the years and can tell you which ones actually deliver on their family promises.
Book early if you want Katathani during peak season. It fills up months in advance with repeat families. Novotel Kata Avista is a good value if you don’t need beachfront. Pamookkoo is newer and offers excellent water park facilities at mid-range prices. Beyond Kata gives direct beach access without the mega-resort feel.
Read more: Best Family Hotels in Kata Beach
Bang Tao Beach
Best for Luxury Families
Bang Tao is Phuket’s longest beach at around 6 kilometres, but most families stay in the Laguna complex at the southern end. This is where you’ll find Banyan Tree, Angsana, Dusit Thani, and SAii Laguna clustered together around a network of lagoons. The resorts share facilities and run shuttle boats between properties. It feels like a self-contained world.
The beach at Laguna is wide and generally calm. The sand slopes gently into the water, which is good for children. Beach clubs line this stretch, including Catch Beach Club and Xana Beach Club, where families can spend the day with food, drinks, and proper shade. It’s a more polished beach experience than Kata or Karon.
Why Families Love It
The Laguna resorts take family facilities seriously. Angsana has a lazy river and a kids’ pool. Dusit Thani runs the Busy Bee Kids Club. SAii Laguna offers family suites and interconnecting rooms. Banyan Tree is more romantic but has excellent babysitting services. The shared lagoon means kids can kayak and paddleboard between hotels.
Outside the resorts, Bang Tao has developed rapidly in recent years. Boat Avenue is a modern shopping and dining complex with international restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Porto de Phuket has more dining options. There’s good food here that doesn’t feel like hotel food.
The beach club scene works surprisingly well for families during the day. Catch Beach Club has a kids’ menu and welcomes children until early evening. You can have a proper lunch with wine while the kids play on the sand in front of you. It’s civilised in a way that Patong definitely isn’t.
The Downsides
Bang Tao is expensive. The Laguna resorts charge premium rates, and the restaurants and beach clubs follow suit. A family lunch at Catch can easily hit 3,000-4,000 Baht. If you’re watching your budget, Bang Tao will hurt.
The northern end of the beach, past the Laguna area, is quieter but has fewer facilities. Some families prefer the emptiness, but there’s less to do. The whole beach is a long way from Phuket’s other attractions, so day trips mean significant travel time.
Getting Around
Bang Tao is on the northwest coast, about 25-30 minutes from the airport. Within the Laguna complex, shuttle boats and buggies move guests between hotels. Outside the resorts, you’ll need taxis or a rental car. The area isn’t really walkable beyond the immediate beach and Boat Avenue.
Who Should Stay Here
Families with a bigger budget who want quality over value. Parents who appreciate beach clubs and don’t mind paying for convenience. Families who want to stay in one place rather than exploring the island. Also good for multi-generational trips where grandparents want luxury and kids want pools.
Who Should Skip It
Budget-conscious families. Families who want to explore Phuket’s temples, old town, and local markets without long drives. Anyone who finds beach clubs pretentious.
Best Time to Visit
November to April for calm seas and sunshine. Bang Tao’s beach clubs are busiest during high season, especially around Christmas and New Year, when you’ll need reservations. May to October is quieter with lower resort rates, though some beach clubs reduce hours or close for renovations.
Where to Stay on Bang Tao for Families
Angsana offers the best value in the Laguna complex for families, with a lazy river and kids’ facilities. SAii Laguna is more affordable but still connected to the lagoon system. Dusit Thani has an excellent kids’ club and direct beach access. Banyan Tree is more romantic but accommodates families in the larger pool villas. Book Laguna properties through the Laguna website for package deals that include breakfast and shared facilities.
Read more: Best Family Hotels in Bang Tao Beach
Patong Beach
Best for Teenagers and Older Kids
Patong is Phuket’s busiest beach, famous for Bangla Road nightlife, shopping malls, and non-stop energy. Most travel guides warn families away, and for good reason if you have young children. But for families with teenagers, Patong actually works. There’s more to do here than anywhere else in Phuket, and older kids appreciate that.
The beach itself is about 3 kilometres long with coarse sand and reliable waves. It’s not the prettiest beach on the island, but it has jet skis, parasailing, banana boats, and every water activity you can think of. Beach vendors sell everything from fresh fruit to temporary tattoos. It’s chaotic and commercial, but teenagers often prefer that to pristine emptiness.
Why Families Love It
Patong has the most entertainment options for older children and teens. Jungceylon shopping mall has a bowling alley, cinema, and arcade. Bangla Road is loud and tacky, but walking through it in the early evening is an experience, even if you’re not drinking. The street food scene is excellent if your kids are adventurous eaters.
The hotels in Patong have invested heavily in family facilities because they need to compete. Holiday Inn has six pools and a kids’ club with PS4 gaming. Marriott Merlin Beach offers a private beach with its own snorkel reef away from the Patong chaos. Courtyard by Marriott has a pool with a pirate ship. These resorts create family bubbles within walking distance of the action.
Water sports are better in Patong than on quieter beaches. Your teenager can try jet skiing, wakeboarding, or parasailing without a long drive. The diving and snorkelling day trips to nearby islands often depart from Patong, making logistics easier.
The Downsides
Patong is overwhelming for young children. The traffic is heavy, the pavements are crowded, and the sensory overload is constant. Bangla Road after dark is definitely not family-friendly. If your kids are under 10, you’ll spend a lot of energy shielding them from things they shouldn’t see.
The beach water isn’t as clean as Kata or Bang Tao. Jet skis create noise and safety concerns. The beach itself can feel more like an amusement park than a natural escape. Touts and vendors are persistent. You’ll be offered massages, tuk-tuk rides, and tailored suits every few metres. It’s exhausting if you’re not used to it.
Getting Around
Patong is on the central west coast, about 45-50 minutes from the airport. The beach area is walkable, though crowded. Taxis and Grab can take you to Kata or Karon in 15-20 minutes. The roads get congested, especially in the late afternoon.
Who Should Stay Here
Families with teenagers who want shopping, nightlife to observe, water sports, and energy. Parents who enjoy busy environments and don’t mind crowds. Families combining a beach holiday with city-style entertainment.
Who Should Skip It
Families with young children. Anyone wanting a quiet, relaxing beach holiday. Parents who prefer nature over commerce.
Best Time to Visit
Patong works year-round because most activities don’t depend on the weather. November to April is peak season with calm seas and packed beaches. May to October has fewer crowds and lower prices, though some water sports are reduced during the monsoon. Patong’s indoor attractions, shopping, and restaurants operate regardless of the weather.
Where to Stay in Patong for Families
Marriott Merlin Beach is our top pick for families who want Patong access with a private beach escape. It’s technically on Tri-Trang Beach, but close enough. Holiday Inn is the best option directly on Patong Beach, with six pools and an excellent kids’ club. Courtyard by Marriott offers the pirate ship pool that kids remember. For budget options, stay slightly inland near Jungceylon for walkable access without beachfront prices.
Read more: Best Family Hotels in Patong Beach
Karon Beach
Best for Active Families on a Budget
Karon Beach sits just south of Patong but feels completely different. The beach is longer at about 3.5 kilometres, the sand is softer, and the atmosphere is calmer. It’s a solid middle ground for families who want good facilities without Patong’s chaos or Kata’s crowds.
The beach has a gentle slope into the water, making it good for children. The northern end near the roundabout is busier with restaurants and shops. The southern end near Kata is quieter with fewer amenities. The whole stretch has a wide pedestrian promenade that’s good for evening walks, cycling, or running.
Why Families Love It
Karon has several excellent family resorts at better prices than Bang Tao. Centara Grand has a lazy river and waterslides. Pullman Phuket Arcadia has five pools and a kids’ club. Le Meridien sits on its own private beach at Karon Noi with two pools and supervised kids’ facilities. The quality is high, but rates are often 20-30% lower than equivalent resorts elsewhere.
The beach is long enough for activities. Families can rent kayaks, play frisbee, and build sandcastles without feeling cramped. The promenade is one of the best in Phuket for walking and cycling. Several shops rent bicycles by the hour.
Karon has its own night market on Tuesdays and Saturdays near the temple. It’s smaller than Phuket Town’s Sunday market but less crowded and easier with children. The main road has plenty of restaurants, from cheap Thai food to proper seafood places.
The Downsides
Karon isn’t as pretty as Kata or as polished as Bang Tao. The main road behind the beach has typical Thai tourist infrastructure: massage parlours, tailors, and convenience stores. It’s functional rather than charming.
The southern end of the beach can get strong waves during the low season. Red flags go up more often here than at Kata. The beach doesn’t have the natural bay protection that makes Kata so reliable. There’s less nighttime entertainment than in Patong. Teenagers might find Karon boring after a few days.
Getting Around
Karon is on the southwest coast, between Patong and Kata. The airport is about 50 minutes away. The beach area is walkable along the promenade. Taxis to Patong take 10-15 minutes, to Kata 5-10 minutes.
Who Should Stay Here
Active families who want good resort facilities at reasonable prices. Parents who prefer a quieter beach than Patong but more space than Kata. Families who enjoy walking, cycling, and beach activities. Budget-conscious families who still want quality.
Who Should Skip It
Families wanting the very best kids clubs, which are slightly better at Kata. Anyone who values village charm or boutique atmosphere. Teenagers want action.
Best Time to Visit
November to April for the best swimming conditions. Karon’s beach gets more waves than Kata during the monsoon season, so May to October requires more caution. The shoulder months of May and November often offer good weather with fewer crowds. The Karon Temple market runs year-round.
Where to Stay in Karon for Families
Centara Grand is the top family choice with a lazy river and waterslides. Pullman Phuket Arcadia offers five pools and a solid kids club. Le Meridien occupies its own cove at Karon Noi, away from the main beach bustle. For value, look at the smaller hotels along the beach road, which offer basic rooms at much lower prices than the resorts.
Read more: Best Family Hotels in Karon Beach
Kamala Beach
Best for Relaxed Families
Kamala is quieter than its neighbours. The beach is about 2 kilometres long with a proper Thai village behind it rather than tourist infrastructure. Fishing boats still launch from the sand in the morning. The Muslim community that lives here gives it a different character from the Buddhist areas further south.
The beach has calm water most of the year and a gentle slope that’s good for children. The southern end near the headland is the prettiest, with some rock pools to explore at low tide. The northern end near the Hyatt is wider and more developed.
Why Families Love It
Kamala offers a genuine village experience. The Friday market in the village centre sells local food and goods alongside tourist items. Small restaurants along the beach road serve fresh seafood at local prices. It’s the kind of place where shop owners remember your face after a few days.
The Hyatt Regency dominates the family resort scene here. Camp Hyatt is one of the better kids’ clubs in Phuket, with proper programming and trained staff. InterContinental sits on Kamala’s quieter stretch with its own excellent facilities. These are quality resorts in a peaceful setting.
The beach itself is less crowded than Kata or Patong. Families can spread out without fighting for space. The atmosphere is genuinely relaxed rather than trying to be relaxed.
The Downsides
Kamala has limited entertainment beyond the beach and village. There’s no shopping mall, no cinema, no water park. Teenagers may get bored. Families who want activities beyond swimming and eating will need to drive elsewhere. The village infrastructure can feel basic. The main road through Kamala isn’t particularly attractive. Some families find it too quiet after a few days.
The resort options are limited compared to Kata or Bang Tao. If Hyatt or InterContinental doesn’t suit you, there aren’t many alternatives at the same level.
Getting Around
Kamala is on the central west coast, about 40 minutes from the airport. The village is walkable. Taxis to Patong take 15-20 minutes, to Kata 25-30 minutes. The roads are less congested than around Patong.
Who Should Stay Here
Families wanting genuine quiet and village atmosphere. Parents who prefer Thai culture over tourist infrastructure. Families with young children who don’t need constant entertainment. Anyone escaping the Patong energy.
Who Should Skip It
Families with teenagers (except for Cafe del Mar). Anyone wanting intense shopping, nightlife, or variety. Parents who get restless without activities.
Best Time to Visit
November to April for swimming and beach time. Kamala stays calm most of the year but can get waves during the monsoon season. The village operates year-round regardless of the weather. Low season means lower resort prices and a more authentic village atmosphere with fewer tourists.
Where to Stay in Kamala
Hyatt Regency is the obvious choice for families, with Camp Hyatt kids club and excellent facilities. InterContinental sits further south with its own beach stretch. Keemala offers pool villas in the hills above Kamala for families wanting something unusual. Budget options exist in the village, but facilities are basic.
Mai Khao Beach
Best for Airport Convenience and Water Parks
Mai Khao is Phuket’s northernmost and longest beach, at about 11 kilometres. Most of it sits within Sirinat National Park, which means no beach vendors, no jet skis, and no development. It’s beautiful but wild. The family hotels cluster at the southern end near the airport.
The beach is dramatic: long, empty, with occasional planes passing overhead on their approach to the runway. The sand is coarser than southern beaches. The water can have currents, and swimming requires more attention than at Kata or Kamala.
Why Families Love It
Mai Khao makes sense for families arriving on late flights or leaving on early ones. JW Marriott is 15 minutes from the airport and has one of the best kids’ clubs in Phuket with age-specific programming. SALA Phuket offers a more boutique option with pool villas. These resorts feel remote and luxurious despite being minutes from the terminal.
Splash Beach Resort is the big draw for families who want water parks. The resort is built around Splash Jungle, Phuket’s largest water park with 12 slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Hotel guests get included access, which saves around 1,200 Baht per adult per day. For families with water park kids, this alone justifies staying here.
The national park setting means the beach is genuinely pristine. No beach bars, no vendors, just sand and sea. Sea turtles nest here from November to February, and some resorts run conservation programs where kids can learn about marine life.
The Downsides
Mai Khao is isolated. There’s almost nothing outside the resorts, no village, no restaurants, no shops. If you want to explore Phuket or eat somewhere other than your hotel, you’re looking at long taxi rides. It’s at least 45 minutes to Patong, over an hour to Kata.
The beach isn’t always safe for swimming. Currents can be strong, especially during the low season. The sea can look inviting, but requires more caution than the protected bays further south. Young children need constant supervision in the water.
The planes are either charming or annoying, depending on your perspective. If you’re trying to relax on the beach and a 747 roars overhead, you might reconsider the location.
Getting Around
Mai Khao is at the northern tip of the island. The airport is 10-15 minutes away. Everything else is far: Phuket Town 30 minutes, Patong 45 minutes, Kata over an hour. Without a car or expensive taxi rides, you’re staying at your resort.
Who Should Stay Here
Families who want water parks and don’t care about exploring. Families with late-arriving or early-departing flights. Anyone who values empty beaches over convenience. Nature-loving families interested in turtle conservation.
Who Should Skip It
Families who want to see Phuket. Anyone who gets restless staying in one resort. Budget travellers, since there’s no alternative to hotel restaurants. Families want easy access to shops, markets, and local life.
Best Time to Visit
November to April for the best beach conditions. Sea turtle nesting happens from November to February, which some resorts celebrate with conservation activities. May to October brings stronger currents and occasional rough seas, requiring more caution. The water park at Splash Jungle operates year-round.
Where to Stay on Mai Khao for Families
JW Marriott is the flagship family property with age-specific kids programming and excellent facilities. Splash Beach Resort makes sense if water parks are the priority. SALA Phuket offers a boutique alternative with pool villas. Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach, sits slightly south and offers similar quality with beach club access.
Consider Mai Khao for the first or last night of your trip to minimise airport travel, then move to Kata or Bang Tao for the main holiday.
Our Final Recommendation
If you’re still unsure, here’s our simple advice:
- Young children under 8: Start with Kata Beach. Safe swimming, great kids clubs, plenty of restaurants, and enough to do without overwhelming small children.
- Teenagers: Consider Patong if they want action, or skip the beach focus entirely and base yourselves in Phuket Town for culture and food.
- Luxury budget: Bang Tao gives you quality without compromise. The Laguna resorts deliver exactly what they promise.
- Best value: Karon Beach offers good facilities at better prices than comparable resorts elsewhere.
- Peace and quiet: Kamala for village charm, Mai Khao for isolation.
- Water park obsession: Mai Khao with Splash Beach Resort, or Kata with Pamookkoo or Katathani.
Whatever you choose, Phuket works well for families. The infrastructure is excellent, the people are welcoming, and the beaches are genuinely beautiful. You’d have to try quite hard to have a bad family holiday here.
Disclaimer: Once you’ve chosen your hotel, it’s always a good idea to contact them directly before booking. While we do our best to keep this information accurate, kids club hours, age policies, and facilities can change without notice.
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