Tri Trang - Emerald Beach
A quiet Beach in Phuket
Emerald Beach — also known locally as Tri Trang Beach or Naik Rang Beach — lies in the southern portion of Patong Bay. It’s a tranquil bay with beautiful sand and water, though the area is undergoing noticeable changes: a large beachfront resort is being built on what was once open sand. Last time I passed by (December 2016), the long-established surf-themed restaurant Windsulf Restaurant (as its signboard calls it) was still granting access toward the far end of the beach. If you want to reach Paradise Beach from there, you follow the road up into the lush hill right after that restaurant.
How to get there
To reach Emerald Beach, cross the road bridge at Patong’s southern end, turn left into the hill road. Continue until you pass Merlin Beach Resort on your left; Emerald will be on your right shortly afterward. Note that parts of the route climb into green hills and that construction and development may affect views, access, and the natural feel.
What it’s like now
Emerald Beach remains appealing for its emerald-green waters, white sand, and relatively easy access from Patong. However, the construction of the resort has altered the horizon, and parts of the bay are now more developed than before. The once-serene feel of a secluded little beach is less strong than it used to be, especially as hotel buildings and infrastructure grow nearby.
Fact: I did not go there for a while (the photos date back to 2017...)
Emerald Beach Highlights
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Lovely white sand and clear water in a peaceful bay
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Easy to reach from Patong, without needing to go too far off the beaten track
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Good photo-opportunities, especially early morning or during sunset
Emerald Beach Drawbacks
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The development of a large beachfront resort means part of the serenity and natural skyline is diminishing
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The beach may feel “almost private” in places or less secluded than it once was due to surrounding resorts and restricted views
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Emerald Beach is between December and April, when the weather is dry, the sea calm, and the skies clear — ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and photography. Early mornings in this period are particularly lovely, with fewer visitors and softer light. Outside of these months, some people still come but expect more cloud cover, occasional rain, and possibly less favorable sea conditions.
Emerald Beach Photos
Emerald 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: Emerald/Tri Trang Beach — 27 September 2007
