Tranquil Escape
With its renowned beaches, buzzing resort towns and iconic landmarks like the Big Buddha, Phuket offers no shortage of spectacular sites keeping the hordes of tourists flocking in. Yet amidst the island’s booming popularity, an idyllic stretch of sand along the eastern shores provides a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Welcome to Banana Beach – a secluded tropical oasis nestled along the coastline of tiny Koh Hey island. Despite its diminutive size, Koh Hey boasts one of Phuket’s finest beaches thanks to the tranquil ambience, powder-soft sand and postcard-worthy sunsets over the Andaman Sea.
Unlike many of Phuket’s packed tourist beaches, Banana Beach remains blissfully undeveloped. You won’t find rows of beach chairs or tchotchke vendors; instead, traditional long-tail boats line the empty golden shores. The beach also offers respite from Phuket’s monsoon rains during stormy summer months thanks to its unique geographic orientation.
The best way to reach Banana Beach is by taking a long-tail boat from Chalong Pier, a quick 45-minute ride across the channel. As your boat nears the palm-fringed shores, you’ll swear you’ve discovered a deserted island paradise.
Once you dock, grab a fruit smoothie and sink your toes into the soft sand while gazing at vibrant coral reefs shimmering just offshore. The swimming is superb here year-round, especially during high tide when you can simply wade out instead of taking a boat to deeper waters.
Be sure to stay for the legendary Koh Hey sunsets when the sky ignites in a riot of color. As darkness falls, settle around a beach bonfire to roast marshmallows and stargaze while listening to gentle waves lapping ashore.
Travelers especially appreciate Koh Hey’s rustic yet charming accommodation options, like oceanfront bungalows and jungle eco-lodges. Rustic restaurants whip up flavorful Thai seafood BBQ with ingredients caught fresh daily. No wonder Banana Beach earned a 5-star “excellent” rating on TripAdvisor, with 92% of visitors proclaiming it a must-see Phuket highlight.
If you desire tranquility paired with tropical beauty during your Phuket travels, then Banana Beach beckons. Though reaching this remote sand spit requires extra effort, lounging on its empty golden shores quickly makes you realize it’s the top place to unwind on the island. Ditch the tourist crowds and escape to serene Koh Hey for the ultimate in off-the-beaten-path beachfront bliss.
