If you’re traveling to Phuket, you’ve probably already heard about its beautiful beaches! However, there is one spot we think you should know about before your trip. Nui Beach Phuket is one of the island’s best-kept secrets and a must-see when visiting. Join us on our Nui Beach hike and see what makes it one of the most unique beaches in Phuket Thailand.
How to Get to Nui Beach Phuket
While most beaches are very accessible in Phuket, Nui Beach is a bit of hike! The island is extremely developed and catered towards tourism, yet you’ll see the road to this secluded area is the opposite. Who isn’t up for a little adventure though?!
Cruising up and over the mountain between Kata Beach and Rawai there is a small dirt road with a sign for Nui Beach. Depending on what time of day you visit, you may see motorbikes parked and large trucks with seats in the back waiting to take passengers.
The road to get down to Nui Beach in Phuket Thailand is unpaved and a little bit sketchy. Fortunately, for 100 Baht ($3 USD) per person you can get a round trip transfer down to the beach!
We took our motorbike as far as we could on the path and decided to walk the 1.5 km down to the beach. While it wasn’t a problem on the way there, going uphill in the hot afternoon sun was not as pleasant!
On our 2nd trip, it was an easy decision to pay for the truck ride both ways. If you are looking for a beach that is more accessible in the area make sure to checkout Nai Harn & Yanui orKata Noi!
Nui Beach Warning: Some travelers with motorbikes choose to ignore the warnings and make the drive all the way down. The road is very steep and mostly dirt so it can be quite dangerous after it rains. We don’t recommend doing this drive yourself!
→ 8 Quick Things to Know About Renting a Motorbike in Phuket Thailand
Nui Beach Cost & Fees
When we first reached Nui Beach Phuket we were in complete shock! There are multiple beach bars, restaurants, sun-beds, and endless photo spots. A 100 Baht fee is required to enter which goes towards maintenance of the area and staff.
If you have an issue with paying to visit the beach there are many beautiful free beaches on the island! Visiting Nui Beach in Phuket Thailand is more about the experience. Plan to go for the full morning or long afternoon to get your money’s worth.
We did the Nui Beach hike first thing in the morning and basically had the area to ourselves. Grab a beach chair, enjoy some drinks, eat lunch, and swim in the beautiful ocean!
Nui Beach Phuket Thailand Cost
- Round Trip Truck Transfer: 100 THB
- Nui Beach Entrance Fee: 100 THB
- Full Day Sun Bed Rental: 100 THB
- Ice Cold Coconut: 50 THB
- Veggie Pad Thai: 100 THB
- Large Chang Beer: 120 THB
* Based on our Nui Beach Phuket visit in February 2022
Exploring Nui Beach Phuket
While the beach is beautiful the owners have transformed the area into a mix of bars, restaurants, and photo spots. So what exactly does that mean? There is everything from swings to couches, and even a bathtub (yes you read that right) where you can take photos!
The actual Nui Beach is the best reason to visit but the other silly and fun things are a nice bonus. If you plan to spend a few hours we recommend getting a beach chair. For another 100 Baht, it’s totally worth it to have some relief from the hot Thai sun.
One of the best views is actually from the restaurants on the left side of the beach. We grabbed a veggie Pad Thai and coconut as we overlooked the stunning ocean. Prices were extremely reasonable, especially since they have to drive all the food and drinks there.
If you couldn’t tell by now, Nui Beach in Phuket Thailand is definitely worth the adventure to get to! When you plan your visit, spend the entire morning or afternoon and enjoy this unique slice of Thai paradise.
→ 22 Fun Things to Do On Phuket Island For Your First Visit
5 Tips for Visiting Nui Beach Phuket
Pack Water: There were only small bottles for sale when we went. Bringing water is especially important if you’re going to do the Nui Beach hike back up!
Plan to Snorkel: The rocky coast to the right of Nui Beach Phuket is home to an abundance of ocean life including sea turtles. Bring your own snorkels or rent them there.
One Way Transfer: If you end up parking your motorbike at the top of the road and hiking down you can pay 50 THB for a one-way transfer back up the steep mountain.
Bring Cash: For everything from the entry fee to drinks and food, make sure to have enough cash to cover what you need.
Morning Visit: While the afternoon is the most popular time, the morning is even better. Nui Beach is quiet and you can take photos and swim without many others. We arrived around 9am and enjoyed being one of the first to experience it!
→ When’s the Best Time to Visit Thailand For Perfect Weather?
Where to Stay in Southern Phuket
5 Star Resort – The Shore At Katathani – Kata Noi – Ultra-luxury 5-star hotel offering rooms with private pools. Located on the far end of Kata Noi overlooking one of the best beaches on the island.
Ultra Luxury – The Nai Harn – Nai Harn Beach – Known as one of the nicest hotels in not just Phuket, but all of Thailand! Amazing beach and sea views from luxury rooms. If you ever want to leave you will be literally steps from the famous Nai Harn Beach.
Royal Experience – Mom Tri’s Villa Royale – Kata Noi– Once a home of the Royal family of Thailand, this converted residence is one of the most unique places to stay on Phuket.
Phuket’s First Hotel – The Memory at On On Hotel – Old Town – Built in 1927, the On On Hotel was constructed in the signature Sino-Portuguese style and retains its historical charm. It was even featured in the 2002 blockbuster “The Beach” with Leanardo DiCaprio.
Unique Stay – Roost Glamping – Rawai – Yes you can go glamping in Phuket Thailand! These upscale tents are set around a gorgeous pool and the cafe serves up healthy tropical dishes.
Hostel Life: – Sino Hostel @ Kata – Kata Beach – Hostels are very popular in Phuket and Sino is in a great location. Choose from dorms and private rooms as you use it as a base to see Kata Beach from.
Have any questions about Nui Beach in Phuket Thailand or want to share your own fun from the Nui Beach hike? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Thailand Travel Planning
Information: Explore all our Thailand articles, amazing destinations around the world, travel planning tips, and street food guides.
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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Phuket: Old Town Food Guide – 6 Sunset Spots – Elephant Sanctuary – Promthep Cape Sunset – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Big Buddha
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Koh Lanta: 10 Things to Do – 8 Best Beaches – One Day Motorbike
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More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
Can you please answer a few questions I have:
1-Do you have to book in advance to visit Nui beach? If Yes, can you tell me how?
2-Is it crowdy? Do you have to wait in the ques to take pictures on Swings and Sun beds and other spots?
3-Is it open for visitors in 2023? I somewhere read it is not.
Your response will be highly appreciated.
Author
Hi Sanj!
1. No you don’t have to book in advance! You pay when you arrive.
2. It does get crowded especially during high season. However, not as crowded as some of the other Phuket beaches. If you want to take photos we recommend going early to avoid the crowds.
3. We visited Phuket a few months ago and it was still open! I haven’t heard anything about it closing so hopefully, you are able to still visit.
Have fun in Phuket!