How to Get There & What to Expect in 2026
Freedom Beach Phuket is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The 300-metre stretch of soft white sand and turquoise water is just 10 minutes by longtail boat from Patong Beach, but it feels like a different world. I’ve been visiting this beach for years, and it remains one of my favourites for its clear water and relatively quiet atmosphere.
Getting here takes a bit of effort. You can either pay for a longtail boat (1,200-1,500 Baht round trip) or hike down a steep jungle trail from the road above. There’s a 200 Baht entry fee if you walk in. The beach has basic facilities, a small restaurant, and decent snorkelling at both ends. It’s not for everyone, but if you want a proper beach day away from the crowds, Freedom Beach delivers.
Quick Summary
Between Patong and Karon
300 metres
200 Baht
1,200-1,500 Baht round trip
Boat from south Patong (Amari)
15-20 min from Lek Sand Beach Bar
December to May, early morning
Basic restaurant, no showers
Pros and Cons of Freedom Beach
Pros:
- Beautiful and secluded: Known for soft white sand and clear blue waters, offering a tranquil escape.
- Limited crowds: Generally peaceful, except during peak season in January.
- Good snorkelling: Both ends of the beach are ideal for snorkelling.
- Picturesque location: Easily accessible by longtail boat from Patong or nearby beaches, providing scenic views along the way.
Cons:
- Limited access: Only accessible by boat during high season or via a steep, challenging hike.
- Costly boat rides: Longtail boat fares range from 1,200 to 1,500 baht, varying by group size and mood of boat operators.
- Few amenities: Basic facilities like toilets and showers are available, but amenities are limited.
- Inconsistent accessibility: The dirt road gate may or may not be open, making hiking access unpredictable.
Freedom Beach Video
Subscribe to our YouTube for more videos!
How to Get to Freedom Beach?
There are two ways to reach Freedom Beach: by longtail boat or on foot. The boat is easier but costs more. The hike is free (apart from a 200 Baht entry fee) but requires decent fitness and proper footwear.
By Longtail Boat
The easiest option. Boats depart from the southern end of Patong Beach near the big bridge at Amari Phuket. The ride takes about 10 minutes and costs 1,200-1,500 Baht for a round trip, depending on the number of passengers and the boatman’s mood. You can also catch boats from Kata, Karon, or Kamala, but it takes longer and costs more. Boats generally operate from December to May when the sea is calm. During monsoon season (June to November), boat access is limited or unavailable.
By Foot – Two Trail Options
If you prefer to walk, there are two trails down to the beach. Both start from the road between Patong and Karon.
Trail 1: Lek Sand Beach Bar (Easier)
This is the more popular route. Search “The Lek Sand Beach Bar” on Google Maps. Park your scooter here (100 Baht) and follow the trail down. It takes 15-20 minutes and has some steep sections with ropes to help you. Wear proper shoes, not flip-flops. You’ll pay 200 Baht entry fee at the top.
Trail 2: Patong Hill Road (Steeper)
The second trailhead is on Patong Hill Road, about 80 metres past Rasta Baby Bar (coming from Patong). Look for an opening in the fence on the right. This trail is steeper and rougher, taking 25-30 minutes. Only recommended if you’re fit and don’t mind scrambling over rocks and roots.
Getting Back Up
The hike back up is harder than going down. If you don’t fancy the climb, you can sometimes negotiate a longtail boat from the beach to take you to Patong (around 800-1,000 Baht). Alternatively, a 4×4 tuk-tuk service occasionally operates from the beach to the parking area for 100 Baht per person.
Longtail boats to Freedom Beach
We embarked from the floating pontoon once we agreed on the price, and the fun ride began. The pilot chose the best route, and we were a bit surprised to see him driving away from our destination; he knew better how to get us there without having us seasick or drenched. Most of the time, we got splashed by the waves created by the boat, so we learned to keep sensitive electronic equipment in a plastic bag or at least behind our backs.
On our way to the beach, we passed several hidden but busy little sandy coves, Merlin Beach, Paradise Beach and Tri Trang Beach, to finally approach this tiny paradise. Depending on the time, a few longtail boats anchored on the beach with a few people already enjoying this secluded haven. We had to jump into shallow waters to disembark, but we were prepared and were already wearing our swimsuits! We just had to be careful not to drop our cameras or mobile phones.
This lovely crescent of soft, white sand was all ours from that moment on. The water was warm and incredibly clear, a perfect place to spend time. Once we grew tired of being in heaven, our boat was ready to take us back where we left in the morning, and each time was an unforgettable day.
What to Do on Freedom Beach?
The beach is so beautiful that we can relax and enjoy the incredibly warm and clear water. We had the good idea to bring our snorkelling gear as both beach ends are excellent for seeing fish and small marine life. Beach chairs are available for rent for a small fee at Barefoot Restaurant.
Barefoot Bistro
Barefoot Bistro is a new and excellent open-air restaurant serving delicious locally-made hamburgers and some of the best Pad Thai on the island. If you spend the day on Freedom Beach, nothing beats having a casual lunch with your bare feet in the sand and one of their excellent cocktails to go with it.
360 Panorama
Fast Facts about Freedom Beach
| ⛱️ Beach condition: | Amazing |
| ⛱️ Main beach nearby: | Patong Beach |
| ⛱️ Beach nearby: | Paradise Beach |
| 📷 Things to do: | Good for snorkeling |
| 🍴 Best restaurant: | Barefoot Bistro |
| 🚶🏽 Distance from Patong by walk: | 2.7 km |
| 🚤 Distance from Patong by boat: | 6 km |
| ✈️ Distance from Phuket International Airport: | 23 km |
Map to Freedom Beach
If you are on mobile, add the map here: https://goo.gl/maps/eGNXwkMTJ46pb2XB8.
More Photos of Freedom Beach
More Beaches in Phuket
