10 Hidden Beaches in Phang Nga That Tourists Haven’t Discovered Yet
While Thailand’s pristine beaches attract millions of visitors each year, Phang Nga province still harbors secret stretches of sand that remain blissfully untouched by mass tourism. As someone who’s spent years exploring this stunning corner of Thailand, I’m about to share my most closely guarded secrets – the hidden beaches that even many locals don’t know about.
These secluded shores offer what’s becoming increasingly rare in Thailand: solitude, authenticity, and that magical feeling of discovery. If you’re willing to venture beyond the well-trodden path, these hidden gems will reward you with experiences that can’t be found in any guidebook.
1. Natai Beach: The Luxury Hideaway
Just north of Phuket across the provincial border into Phang Nga lies Natai Beach, a 10-kilometer stretch of golden sand that somehow remains largely undeveloped despite its beauty. While a few ultra-luxury resorts have discovered this coastline, vast sections remain completely empty even during peak season.
What makes Natai special isn’t just the lack of crowds – it’s the quality of the beach itself. The sand is powder-soft and golden, the water clear and swimmable for much of the year, and the sunsets absolutely spectacular. A handful of exclusive villas and boutique hotels like Baba Beach Club and Aleenta dot the coastline, but walk a few hundred meters in either direction, and you’ll likely have the beach entirely to yourself.
How to get there: Located just 25 minutes north of Phuket International Airport. Take Highway 402 north from the airport and continue onto Highway 3006. Watch for small signs to Natai Beach or use GPS coordinates.
Best time to visit: November to April offers calm seas and blue skies, though even in rainy season, this beach sees far fewer storms than those on Phuket’s west coast.
2. Koh Phra Thong’s Golden Buddha Beach: The Robinson Crusoe Experience
Technically an island rather than part of mainland Phang Nga, Koh Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Island) deserves inclusion for its extraordinary 11-kilometer stretch of untouched beach on its western shore. What makes this place unique is its “savannah” landscape – the interior features grasslands that more closely resemble African plains than tropical Thailand.
The beach itself is wild and windswept, with golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Most days, your only companions will be hermit crabs and the occasional sea eagle soaring overhead. There’s a small eco-resort called Golden Buddha Beach Resort with scattered wooden bungalows hidden among the trees, but no large development whatsoever.
Swimming conditions vary with the seasons, but the sheer emptiness of this coast makes it worth the journey regardless of whether you take a dip.
How to get there: Take a boat from Khuraburi Pier, about 2 hours north of Khao Lak. Public longtail boats leave when full, or you can charter a private boat.
Best time to visit: December to February offers the best balance of good weather and accessibility.
3. Bang Sak Beach: The Local’s Picnic Spot
Just north of the more famous beaches of Khao Lak lies Bang Sak Beach, a 5-kilometer stretch that’s popular with local Thai families on weekends but virtually deserted during weekdays. The beach features soft golden sand lined with casuarina trees that provide natural shade – a rarity on Thailand’s beaches.
What distinguishes Bang Sak is its laid-back local atmosphere. Several small Thai seafood restaurants sit directly on the beach, where you can enjoy fresh catches while your feet rest in the sand. Prices are about half what you’d pay in more touristy areas, and the quality is often better.
The northern section of Bang Sak Beach is completely undeveloped and perfect for long walks. The sea here can have stronger currents during the monsoon season, so check conditions before swimming.
How to get there: Drive 15 minutes north of Khao Lak on Highway 4. Look for signs to Bang Sak Beach or the police checkpoint which marks roughly the center of the beach area.
Best time to visit: Weekdays during the dry season (November-April) offer perfect conditions without crowds.
4. Koh Kho Khao’s North Beach: The Island Time Forgot
Just offshore from Takua Pa district lies Koh Kho Khao, an island that feels like it exists in a different decade. While the island’s main beach has a few resorts, its northern stretch – often simply called “North Beach” – remains wonderfully undeveloped.
This 4-kilometer strip of sand features unusually white powder sand for the Andaman coast and water that ranges from turquoise to deep blue. What’s remarkable is the absence of development – no hotels, no restaurants, not even beachside vendors. Depending on the season, you might spot sea turtles, which occasionally nest along this protected coastline.
The interior behind the beach contains fascinating historical remnants, including a Japanese landing strip from World War II now being reclaimed by jungle.
How to get there: Take the car ferry from Baan Nam Khem pier, then drive or motorbike to the northern end of the island (about 20 minutes). The final approach requires a short walk through coconut groves.
Best time to visit: December to March offers ideal conditions, though the isolation means it’s never crowded regardless of season.
5. Thai Muang Beach: The Turtle Sanctuary
Thai Muang district harbors one of Phang Nga’s longest beaches, stretching nearly 14 kilometers along the coast. While the southern section near Thai Muang town sees some visitors, the central and northern portions remain virtually untouched – despite being some of the most beautiful coastline in the province.
What makes Thai Muang special is its status as a protected sea turtle nesting ground. From November to February, endangered leatherback turtles come ashore to lay eggs, making this area ecologically significant. The Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center runs a turtle conservation program here, and if you’re extremely lucky, you might witness a turtle release ceremony.
The beach itself features a wide swath of golden sand backed by pine-like casuarina trees. The water gradient is gentle, making it suitable for swimming when the sea is calm.
How to get there: Thai Muang is located approximately halfway between Khao Lak and Phuket. Access the beach via small roads leading from Highway 4. The least developed stretches lie north of the National Park office.
Best time to visit: The dry season from December to March, with February offering the possibility of seeing turtle release events.
6. Koh Yao Noi’s Ao Klong Jark: The Hidden Cove
While Koh Yao Noi island is gaining recognition, its eastern coves remain some of the most secluded beaches in the region. Ao Klong Jark (Rope Bay) is perhaps the most beautiful – a 300-meter crescent of white sand tucked between two forested headlands.
What makes this beach special is its framing – dramatic limestone karsts rise from the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, creating a postcard-perfect scene that few visitors ever witness. The bay’s protected position means swimming is possible year-round, and the snorkeling around the headlands reveals colorful reef fish and occasional reef sharks.
There’s a single small restaurant nearby serving simple Thai seafood dishes, but otherwise, the beach remains undeveloped.
How to get there: Take a boat to Koh Yao Noi from either Phuket or Krabi, then rent a motorbike to reach the island’s eastern side. The final approach requires a 10-minute walk down a jungle path.
Best time to visit: This east-facing beach is protected from the southwest monsoon, making it accessible year-round, though November to April offers the clearest water.
7. Nang Thong Beach North: The Forgotten Extension
While Nang Thong Beach in Khao Lak is well-known, few visitors venture to its far northern section, which offers a completely different experience from the developed central area. Beyond the last resort, the beach continues for almost a kilometer in splendid isolation.
What makes this stretch special is its convenience combined with seclusion. You can enjoy all the amenities of Khao Lak, then walk just 15 minutes north to find yourself completely alone on an idyllic beach. The sand here is particularly fine, and giant boulders at the northern end create interesting features for photography.
During the green season, the powerful surf makes swimming dangerous, but watching the dramatic waves crash against the shore has its own wild appeal.
How to get there: Start at the northern end of Nang Thong Beach in Khao Lak and simply keep walking north past La Flora Resort.
Best time to visit: December to March offers calm seas for swimming, though the beach is quiet year-round.
8. Baan Nam Khem Beach: The Fishermen’s Shore
Just north of Khao Lak lies the fishing village of Baan Nam Khem, which was devastated by the 2004 tsunami but has since rebuilt. While visitors come to see the tsunami memorial, almost none discover the beautiful beach that stretches north from the village for nearly 3 kilometers.
What makes this beach unique is its authentic glimpse into Thai coastal life. Colorful fishing boats line portions of the shore, and in the early morning, you can watch fishermen bringing in their catches. The beach itself features golden sand and, in some sections, fascinating erosion patterns that have created small sandstone sculptures along the waterline.
A few simple restaurants serve incredibly fresh seafood right on the beach, where you can dine with your feet in the sand for a fraction of resort prices.
How to get there: Drive north from Khao Lak to Baan Nam Khem village. Follow signs to the tsunami memorial, then continue north along the beach.
Best time to visit: The dry season from November to April, with January and February offering the most pleasant temperatures.
9. Koh Ra West Beach: The Eco-Paradise
Koh Ra is a large, mountainous island off the coast of Khuraburi that few tourists have even heard of. Its western coast features a stunning 2-kilometer beach with views towards the Surin Islands in the distance.
What makes Koh Ra extraordinary is its biodiversity. The island is home to crab-eating macaques, hornbills, sea eagles, and a stunning array of marine life offshore. The beach itself is backed by primary rainforest that climbs up steep slopes, creating a jungle-meets-sea landscape that feels prehistoric.
Accommodation is limited to a single basic eco-resort that focuses on conservation, making this a true escape from civilization.
How to get there: Arrange a boat from Khuraburi pier through the Koh Ra Ecolodge, as no public boats serve the island.
Best time to visit: December to February offers ideal conditions, though the island’s isolation means visitor numbers remain tiny year-round.
10. Laem Pakarang: The Coral Cape
Translating to “Coral Cape,” Laem Pakarang juts into the Andaman Sea between Khao Lak and the Thai Muang beaches. While its southern section has a few resorts, the northern stretch remains one of the area’s best-kept secrets.
What makes this beach special is its unusual crescent shape and the quality of its sand – softer and whiter than most beaches in the region. At low tide, fascinating tidal pools form among the rocks at the cape’s tip, creating natural aquariums filled with small marine creatures.
The waters offshore contain patches of recovering coral reef, making for decent snorkeling during calm sea days. Several small islands visible on the horizon add to the picturesque setting.
How to get there: Laem Pakarang is located about 5 kilometers north of Khao Lak. Take Highway 4 and watch for signs to Cape Pakarang or the W Retreat (which sits at the southern end of the beach).
Best time to visit: November to April provides calm seas ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Tips for Visiting Hidden Beaches
Discovering these hidden gems comes with responsibility. Here’s how to ensure these beaches remain pristine for future visitors:
Respect the Environment
- Take all trash with you – there are no cleaning services on most hidden beaches
- Never touch or collect marine life or corals
- Use reef-safe sunscreen if swimming near coral reefs
- Stay on existing paths when accessing beaches to prevent erosion
Be Prepared
- Bring adequate water and snacks as most hidden beaches have no facilities
- Pack basic first aid supplies – help may be far away
- Download offline maps before setting out, as cellular service can be spotty
- Check tide tables, as some beaches are best visited at specific tide levels
Safety First
- Never swim alone on isolated beaches
- Be aware of seasonal conditions – the Andaman Sea can be dangerous during monsoon season (May-October)
- Respect warning flags and signs
- Let someone know your plans when visiting very isolated areas
Cultural Sensitivity
- Some beaches may be near fishing villages or local communities – dress modestly when passing through
- Ask permission before photographing local people
- Support local businesses if they exist near these beaches
When to Visit Phang Nga’s Hidden Beaches
The ideal time to explore Phang Nga’s secret shores is during the dry season from November to April, with December to February offering the most reliable weather. During these months, seas are typically calm, skies are blue, and underwater visibility is at its best for snorkeling.
That said, the rainy season (May to October) has its own charm – landscapes are lusher, waterfalls flow more dramatically, and you’ll have even fewer fellow visitors. Just be prepared for afternoon showers and check sea conditions carefully, as some beaches can have strong currents during this period.
What makes Phang Nga’s hidden beaches so special isn’t just their physical beauty – it’s the increasingly rare opportunity they offer to connect with nature away from crowds and commercialization. On these shores, you can still experience the Thailand of decades past, where the natural rhythms of tide and time take precedence over tour schedules and development.
As you explore these hidden gems, remember that their unspoiled nature is fragile. Travel responsibly, tread lightly, and perhaps keep your very favorite discoveries to yourself – after all, some secrets are worth preserving.
Have you discovered any hidden beaches in Phang Nga that I’ve missed? Share your experiences in the comments below – or keep them as your own special secret!
