What to Do on Tri Trang Beach?
Tri Trang Beach is just a few kilometres south of Patong Beach and is a superb and unsuspected haven of peace. There used to be a lot of confusion about the names of the four beaches around this peninsula: Merlin Beach, Tri Trang Beach, Paradise Beach and Freedom Beach. In the past, Tri Trang was sometimes called ‘Emerald Beach’ or ‘Crystal Beach’.
Because it is at the end of a long and winding road off Patong, Tri Trang has maintained the modest charm of the old days when Phuket was not too famous. It is now mostly the home of the luxurious Rosewood Hotel.
How to get to Tri Trang Beach?
To get to Tri Trang Beach, drive south of Patong and cross the tall bridge that leads to the Amari Phuket Resort, but turn left just before reaching the hotel. Follow the road for a few kilometres, and you will first reach the Phuket Marriott Resort Merlin Beach on your left, and 500 metres on the right is the main entrance of Tri Trang Beach.
Tri Trang is the second most beautiful after Freedom Beach among the four beaches around this peninsula. Its only downside might be when the sea reveals some rocks and corals during low tide. Fortunately, there are more than enough sandy areas for a decent swim at high tide.
Tri Trang Beach was quiet and empty for a long time, and locals would come on weekends for a barbecue. It nearly felt abandoned, but there was always a restaurant and a dozen beach chairs. The 2004 tsunami badly damaged this area, and the massive wave toppled many casuarina trees. Since they planted palm trees instead, nothing makes a beach more tropical than a couple of coconut trees!
Tri Trang Beach has changed a lot, and in a good way, which is somewhat unusual. Rosewood Hotel has kept most of the beach frontage intact, and the beach hasn’t been disturbed by a long line of restaurants and shops as is often the case on other beaches. You’ll find a few beach chairs but only one row and enough space, so you don’t have to smell your neighbour’s sun lotion. You won’t get a sunset shot from this beach, as the sun disappears just behind the cape, but the colour of dawn is often beautiful.
WHERE TO STAY ON TRI TRANG BEACH?
There are only one or two hotels on Tri Trang Beach at this time, but there seems to be more coming soon. Rosewood is right on the beach and is beautiful, but because this is a top luxury hotel, the rates are staggering. Thankfully, there are a couple more hotels nearby that are more affordable. The closest is Phuket Marriott Resort Merlin Beach, a bit further is The Crest, and next to it is Avista Hideaway Phuket.
WHERE TO EAT ON TRI TRANG BEACH?
There are now a lot of places to eat in Tri Trang on the roadside at the south end of the beach on the way to Paradise Beach. The Tri Trang Resort and restaurants at the other beach end have all been demolished. This restaurant was on the beach, which is a rare luxury nowadays.
On the way to Paradise Beach, up the hill is a set of small and cheap restaurants overlooking the bay. Most of them are modest, but the view of Tri Trang beach from up there is beautiful. It’s great for a quick bite or a refreshing drink at any time of the day.
Ta Khai Restaurant
A bit further, Ta Khai restaurant at the new Rosewood resort is the most attractive and most expensive. Ta Khai serves excellent Thai food in a beautiful rustic design, a perfect romantic evening out.
Sunshine View Restaurant
The Cozy Cafe
Pitbull Bar
More Photos of Tri Trang Beach
Tri Trang Beach Street View
TRI TRANG BEACH MAP
If you are on mobile, add the map here: https://goo.gl/maps/qXqNjx2mq3BbbE7B8
