Banana Beach - Phuket
From Secret Beach to Beach Club
Banana Beach underwent a major transformation in 2026: the construction of a beach club that occupies the entire northern section of the beach. Renamed Banana Beach Club, this magnificent natural spot has lost much of its charm, a final farewell (?) to the secret beach known only to a select few some twenty years ago.
Access to the beach, which used to be somewhat unconventional—parking on the side of the road and walking about fifty meters through the jungle—is now a thing of the past: a gigantic, dusty parking lot has been built north of the beach. There is now an entrance fee: 100 baht for cars and 50 baht for motorcycles.
The beach club building runs along the entire northern section of the beach. It includes a raised terrace with tables, a bar, a DJ booth, a massage parlor, and restrooms (also for a fee). In front of the terrace, tables and sun loungers allow customers to sit directly on the sand.
Just south of the beach club, a small local shop sells buoys and rents snorkelling equipment. The northern and southern ends of the bay offer surprisingly good snorkelling, with clear water and plenty of colorful fish gliding over rocky reefs. For those who enjoy exploring, the small jungle paths and rocky creeks north of the beach are worth wandering — an untouched pocket of nature that still feels like old Phuket.
Banana Beach Highlights
Beautiful, secluded beach with postcard-perfect scenery
Excellent snorkeling at both ends of the bay
Food and drinks available
Banana Beach Heads Up
Remote location between Naithon and Layan beaches — best accessed by motorbike or long-tail boat
The beach loses its natural and timeless charm with this giant beach club
Beach access fee: 50 baht for two-wheeled vehicles and 100 baht for cars
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Banana Beach is from December to April, when the sea is calm, clear, and ideal for swimming or snorkelling. The steep path can be slippery after rain, so visiting during the dry months ensures easier access and better conditions on the sand.
Morning visits are particularly magical, with soft sunlight filtering through the trees and few people around.
Banana Beach Photos
Banana Beach Map
Stéphane Audiger - Photographer & Writer
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
Last visit & photos: Banana Beach — 16 April 2026
