The main beach
Freedom Beach
A curve of fine white sand backed by jungle, with clear turquoise water. It is ideal for swimming and lazing in the dry season.
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Phuket, Thailand
Freedom Beach
A small, white-sand beach hidden between wooded headlands south of Patong, reached mainly by longtail boat.
Favourite places
Snorkelling at the rocks
Both ends of the beach
Corals and reef fish can be seen around the rocky ends of the bay when the water is calm.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The longtail ride
From the south end of Patong Beach
The short boat ride along the headland gives fine views back over Patong Bay.
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Local food
Fried rice
Phuket, Thailand
Simple Thai fried rice with egg, vegetables and chicken or prawns — the classic beach lunch.
Fresh coconut
Phuket, Thailand
Young green coconut, chilled and opened for its sweet water and soft flesh.
Where to eat
Beach snack bar
Freedom Beach
There is usually a small beach bar for drinks and simple meals, but bring water and snacks in case it is closed.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Patong restaurants
South end of Patong Beach
Eat before you leave or back in Patong, where restaurants of every kind line the streets.
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Where to stay
Patong
Phuket, Thailand
The nearest place to stay, with many hotels and the longtail boats leaving from the south end of the beach.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Karon
Phuket, Thailand
A quieter base over the hill, around 15 minutes from Patong.
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Culture
With no road access, the beach is kept clean by its visitors: take all your rubbish back with you. Do not stand on or touch the coral when snorkelling. Use reef-safe sunscreen where you can.
History
Freedom Beach has no road access, which keeps it quieter than Phuket's other beaches. Its clear water and fine sand make it one of the island's prettiest spots.
Tour plans
Freedom Beach escape
Half dayStep 1: Boat from Patong
Hire a longtail at the south end of Patong Beach and agree the return time.
Step 2: Swim and snorkel
Spend the morning swimming and snorkelling around the rocks.
Step 3: Back to Patong
Return for a late lunch at Banzaan Fresh Market.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April.
How to get there
By longtail boat from the south end of Patong Beach (about 15 minutes); a steep trail also leads down.
Getting around
Freedom Beach is reached by longtail boat from Patong — agree the return time and pay at the end, not in advance. A steep trail leads down from the road between Patong and Karon, but it is hard going in the heat. There are no roads or shops on the beach.
Travel tips
Agree the return pick-up time with your boatman; bring water and shade.
