Banana Beach is one of the few remaining 'hidden' beaches in Phuket due to its lack of visible signage from the main road.
The beach is seasonally inaccessible or dangerous for swimming during the peak monsoon months when sea conditions are rough.
The name 'Banana Beach' is a colloquial term among expats and locals, officially referred to in Thai as Hat Hin Kluay.
It is frequently used as a stopover for private boat charters and yachts cruising the west coast of Phuket.
The beach is flanked by large granite boulders that create natural partitions between the shore and the surrounding jungle.
There is a small, family-run seasonal shack that provides basic Thai food and drinks, but it is subject to seasonal operation.
Banana Beach, locally known as Hat Hin Kluay, is a secluded 180-meter-long cove situated between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches on Phuket's northwest coast. The beach is characterized by its fine, pale sand, clear water, and a backdrop of dense, mature trees that provide natural shade. Unlike many popular Phuket beaches, it remains largely undeveloped, lacking high-rise hotels or major commercial infrastructure. The seabed is relatively rocky, making it a suitable spot for snorkeling compared to nearby sandy-bottom beaches. Accessibility is restricted by the surrounding steep cliffs and forest terrain, which has historically prevented mass-market development. The beach is most accessible via the sea or a narrow, unmarked jungle path from the main coastal road.
From the rocky headland at the northern end looking back across the entire cove.
Bring non-slip water shoes to navigate the rocky sections of the seabed safely.
Pack snorkeling gear, as the coral reefs located off the rocky ends of the beach are the primary attraction.
Visit during the morning to secure a spot under the natural tree canopy, as shade is limited as the sun shifts.
Attempting to swim during the monsoon season when warning flags are displayed due to strong rip currents.
The beach amenities may close or be completely removed during the low season (May through October) due to weather.
Respect the 'carry-in, carry-out' policy for trash; swimsuits are appropriate, but nudity is prohibited by Thai law.
