A Scenic Coastal Getaway Awaits At This Beautiful And Relaxing Beach In Thailand

Some of the best places to visit in Thailand include ornate temples, bustling cities, jaw-dropping national parks, and sandy beaches. A trip to The Land of Smiles isn't complete without exploring some of the smaller and lesser-known yet stunning Thai islands off the coast of Phuket. As such, the scenic white sands of Banana Beach offer a relaxing getaway for tourists looking for seclusion.

Located just a short 15-minute boat ride away off the western coast of Phuket, Banana Beach on Coral Island (Koh Hae or Koh He to locals) makes for the perfect destination to include in your relaxing couples beach vacation. Banana Beach seems to be off the radar for most other tourists staying on Phuket, making it a tropical gem and a great option to stop flocking to Southeast Asia's over-touristed hot spots. This small, intimate, and isolated beach stretches approximately 650 feet in length. It is embraced by lush greenery and turquoise water, which captivates visitors as they approach the island from the water. 

Reaching Banana Beach is uncomplicated, and companies such as Get Your Guide and Banana Beach Koh Hey offer many different tours ranging from half-day trips to full-day excursions, as well as lunch. Organizing a more localized and budget-conscious trip to Banana Beach can be done in 30 minutes via long-tail boat, with trips departing Phuket from Rawaii Pier or Chalong Pier. As you approach the beach from the crystal clear water and get a glimpse of its soft white sand and palm trees, it's easy to see why Banana Beach was recently awarded the title of the best beach in Asia according to Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards.

Travelers looking to get away from the bustling streets and beaches of Phuket will be treated to a fair share of relaxation, as well as water activities, while visiting Banana Beach. Thanks to social media, most of the hidden gems in Thailand don't stay hidden for too long. During the dry season, from November through April, Banana Beach can see an influx of tourists, with travelers looking to enjoy its banana-shaped beach and seclusion.

Reviewers have rated the beach highly and have commented praising its beauty. One Tripadvisor user states that they "Would definitely recommend doing this day trip ... The water was beautiful. Plenty of sea life to look at and the snorkelling spots were amazing. Plenty of food with an amazing buffet lunch." Another person on Tripadvisor also spoke fondly of Banana Beach: "Comparing vacation boat and beach tours, this was my match in heaven ... If you [want] just ONE beach to get away from it all, this ONE is the tour to book. Koh Hey Banana Beach."

One look at the photos of Banana Beach online and the beauty of the tiny tropical island is as clear as its water. You can enjoy colorful coral reefs while snorkeling or kayaking, but if you'd rather laze on soft white sand while gazing at the sea and watching hornbills fly overhead, you can do that, too. Sometimes the best thing to do on an island is nothing at all. Thrill seekers can get a dose of adrenaline by parasailing or hopping on a banana boat as speedboats whisk you across the water's surface.

While Banana Beach offers visitors a restaurant, washrooms, and other amenities, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before heading to this idyllic island. For one, bring extra Baht to cover additional costs, such as an entrance fee, which ranges from $5 to $15, and goes toward maintaining the island. Other additional costs can include food, umbrellas, beach chairs, and any water activities you wish to participate in. With no ATMs on the island, it's crucial to carry cash.

To save on costs, day-trippers could pack a lunch if they opted out of a tour that includes a meal. Although there are restaurants along the beach, the reviews don't seem to be favorable in regard to quality and cost, so it may be best to bring your own snacks. When tropical temperatures rise, make a stop at Lady Coco's ice cream stand for a ton of flavors to keep you cool. Alternatively, not a far walk away on Kahung Beach, you'll come across the Coral Beach Club, which seems to have better and cheaper food options.