Bangkok Airways Round-Up
- Banana Beach is known as a hidden gem on Koh Hae (Coral Island) in Phuket as it provides a tranquil haven for all travelers. Crowned rank #2 on Best of the Best Beaches on TripAdvisor in 2025, this beach offers the stunning scene of natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
- Dive into the exciting water activities like snorkeling or kayaking and explore the well-preserved marine ecosystem just offshore. If you prefer to stay on the beach, unwind on the soft white sand or practice beach yoga—create a memorable experience at Banana Beach.
Get to Know Banana Beach – Phuket’s Hidden Paradise
Banana Beach is a hidden paradise nestled between Layan and Nai Thon beaches on Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae. This beach is tucked behind rows of tropical trees and cliffs, making it secluded from the bustling city of Phuket.
With its semi-circular shoreline, Banana Beach earned its name from its unique shape. The beach extends nearly 300 meters, offering just enough space for tranquility and relaxation. Famous for its soft sandy beach and turquoise water, Banana Beach is located just off the coast of Phuket. Getting here takes around 15 to 20 minutes by speedboat from the Chalong Pier, a popular departure point in southern Phuket.
World’s Most Stunning Beaches: Banana Beach Ranked #2 on TripAdvisor in 2025
Across a 12-month period, TripAdvisor collects countless reviews and ratings on over 8 million places from the community and awards the top destinations under “Best of the Best” titles. In 2025, Banana Beach on Koh Hae (Coral Island) in Phuket, was ranked #2 in the world in TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches.
With its extraordinary tropical atmosphere and marine ecosystem, Banana Beach has earned its global recognition and captivated travelers from all over the world. Many visitors were stunned by the marvelous snorkeling spots and the abundant marine life and coral formations. The crystal-clear water provides incredible visibility of the underwater world that you might even see all the way down to the white seabed on a sunny day.
Whether it’s the vibrant schools of tropical fish or the graceful glides of sea turtles, Banana Beach offers an unforgettable experience that lingers for a long time. Thanks to its astonishing marine biodiversity and stunning natural beauty, the beach has secured the prestigious title of global second-best on the Best of the Best Beaches list.
Reasons Why Banana Beach Captures Travelers
The beauty at Banana Beach is, hands down, the number one reason why travelers fall in love with this place. It is a perfect destination for those who want to have a quick escape from the bustling area of Phuket and just have a chill time on a beach.
Stretching along the shoreline, rows of lush tropical forest and palm trees are lined beautifully, creating a breathtaking green landscape. This allows the travelers to catch some fresh air and lie down under the trees to cool down from the shining sunlight.
Banana Beach greets you warmly as soon as you set foot on the white sand. As it is a less crowded beach, it offers soft and clean sand that covers the whole beach area. Look out to the sea, and you will find the turquoise water glistening under the sun. As you make your way under the water, the gentle slope in the sea will take you to the deeper part of the sea where you can enjoy a proper swim.
For those who love photography, head to the right side of the beach, and there is an incredible gorge that makes a perfect photoshoot spot. Surrounded by green palm trees and gigantic boulders, these add the extra depth to the natural beauty of the beach beyond the stunning sea.
Things You Can Do at Banana Beach
1. Explore the Underwater World by Snorkeling
Put on a snorkel and dive right in to discover the fantastic marine life, revealing various corals and colorful fish. Banana Beach is a snorkeling paradise because of its crystal-clear waters and well-preserved marine biodiversity. Whether you are a snorkeling amateur or a diving expert, everyone is welcome to enjoy this activity.
Just about 45 meters from the shore, you will find yourself at the “Blue Wall,” a majestic snorkeling drop-off that plunges into deeper waters. Observe schools of yellow-tailed snappers gliding in the water through the rocky formations and parrotfish darting between the corals.
On a lucky day, the reef sharks might come out, lurking in the depths below. These reef sharks are harmless, and they are far more interested in looking for small fish than snorkelers. It is recommended to snorkel between 7 and 9 a.m., as you will have a high chance to encounter many different marine creatures and avoid the scorching midday sun. Don’t forget to pack your snorkeling mask or rent the essential equipment to take on the underwater adventure at Banana Beach.
Note:
Banana Beach is committed to protecting its marine ecosystem. While snorkeling is one of the most popular activities, please note that some areas are designated as marine protected zones and are off-limits to visitors. The local community has established these areas to prevent damages to the coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
2. Glide Through Waves on a Clear Kayak
If you prefer to stay on the water surface, kayaking is one of the best activities at Banana Beach. Explore the hidden coves and allow the waves to take you on a clear kayak, creating a remarkable experience that you will never forget.
Clear kayaking offers a unique experience that lets you immerse in beach life. The transparent vessels allow you to enjoy the water adventure and see through the water. Let the gentle waves sway the kayak, and explore the world underneath the sea without having to snorkel or dive into the water.
Unlike the traditional kayak, this clear kayak features a unique, eye-catching design, which makes it perfect for photographs. Listen to the soothing sounds of the calm waves, and take in the serenity in the middle of the sea with style and class.
3. Connect to Your Body through Beach Yoga
Relax and connect with your mind and body by practicing yoga on the beach. Banana Beach has been gaining more attractions from those who are looking for yoga and meditation retreats. With its isolated location from the busy Phuket, many travelers seek tranquility and escape to this beach.
Nothing is more peaceful than practising mindfulness amidst the lush, green forest and serene natural environment. Take a break from the world and find your inner peace by performing yoga routines right on the white, sandy beach, making an exceptional experience at Banana Beach.
Top Tips:
- Head out in the morning or early afternoon for yoga sessions when the sun is warm and gentle.
- Bring water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
4. Unwind and Relax by Chilling on the Beach
Bask in the sunshine and simply enjoy nature by chilling on the beach. With its pristine soft sandy beach, it is hard not to unwind and take advantage of the beautiful scene at Banana Beach.
This beach has become the ultimate spot for sunbathing and calm activities. Grab your favorite sunscreen and tanning lotion, and lie down on the beach towel to soak up the sun. For extra comfort, rent a lounger and an umbrella and admire the stunning beach view as you read a good book or sip on a cold drink.
Best Time to Visit Banana Beach
Although Banana Beach offers a year-round snorkeling opportunity, the best time to visit is between November to February. During this period, the sea condition appears to be calm with water visibility at its peak. The weather is cool and stays moderate throughout the whole day. You will get to enjoy all beach activities without feeling uncomfortable.
- March – April: The weather is sunny and extremely hot, making it suitable for water activities. It is recommended to stay hydrated and find shade when the sun gets too intense.
- May – October: This is the rainy season with hot and humid weather. The sea can be unpredictable due to monsoons and rainfalls.
- November – February: With cool and dry weather, it’s the perfect time for beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Escape to Banana Beach: Fly with Bangkok Airways to the World’s #2 Best of the Best Beaches in 2025
Discover the secret hidden beach tucked away from the bustling Phuket Town at Banana Beach! Ranked as top #2 Best of the Best Beaches on TripAdvisor in 2025, this place is not to be missed when you visit Phuket, Thailand. Get ready to dive into the turquoise waters and enjoy the relaxing beach activities at this astounding beach. Choose Bangkok Airways to take you to Phuket without any hassles and arrive at your dream destination with comfort.
Bangkok Airways: Experience Unparalleled Comfort and Convenience.
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