Ao Sane Beach is quietly nestled in the jungle on the southwest coast of Phuket. Surrounded by greenery and hills, this small shoreline attracts those who love to spend time in solitude. The charm of this place is very high, it is a real jungle paradise, which is sometimes even called "Jungle Beach".
The first thing that catches your eye at Ao Sane Beach is the abundance of rocks. They are everywhere, varying in size from small pebbles to large boulders. These features make the area a great spot for photo sessions.
Ao Sane Beach is conditionally divided into two small beaches. One can be accessed from the parking lot, it is considered public and attracts dozens of casual tourists who come for the picturesque scenery. The second beach can only be reached through the Baan Krating Phuket Resort, which is part of the hotel’s territory and is primarily for its guests. However, anyone can get there without any problems and relax on the shore.
Ao Sane Beach is one of the smallest and coziest beaches in Phuket. It is tiny, just over 100 meters long, well-arranged for a comfortable stay, and the road to it is quite beautiful. There are always many people, and by midday, the parking lot is almost full. The only chance to enjoy solitude here is to come early in the morning.
A few years ago, Ao Sane Beach in Phuket could be called little-known and deserted. Now, almost everyone knows about it. Entrepreneurial locals have long set up sunbeds and umbrellas on the shore, which can be rented for just 200 baht.
Budget travelers lay their towels on the sand and use umbrellas for shade. You can also come early to find a nice shaded spot under the trees, which cover about half of the beach. But these prime spots are quickly taken, so an early start is a must.
The sand is coarse and yellow, mixed with small pebbles in some places. Overall, walking along the shore is comfortable, though it is best to wear water shoes when entering the sea. Swimming is more comfortable during high tide to avoid scratching your hands and feet on the rocks. The water entry is shallow, and there is little space for swimming between the rocks. However, this place is great for visiting during the low season because, due to the shallow waters, the waves here are smaller, allowing for at least some splashing in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea.
Nestled in greenery, this beach cannot boast developed infrastructure. The public area has a diving center, so you can rent a mask and fins right on the shore. And there is plenty to see, as a small coral reef nearby attracts marine life. A diving school operates here, where beginners can receive a short briefing before their first dive.
The entire beach is occupied by a Thai restaurant, and there is a small shop, as well as paid toilets and showers. Even in the evening, it remains quiet and peaceful, with no pushy vendors trying to sell goods to sun-drenched tourists.
However, if you visit here on Christmas or New Year’s, you won’t recognize the usually quiet Ao Sane Beach. During the holidays, the shore turns into one big lively party.
Looking for entertainment at Ao Sane Beach is pointless. The coarse sand is unsuitable for beach games, and the rocky shoreline makes it impossible to ride boats or kayaks. This place is for peaceful relaxation under a thick layer of sunscreen. It is essential not to forget about it, even if you find a good shaded spot.
Nearby attractions include:
- Wat Nai Harn Temple – a beautiful Asian-style structure located on the shore of the same-named lake. The lake is also used for sports activities and is a great place for a holiday stroll.
- Promthep Cape with an excellent viewpoint. The views here are breathtaking and are a must-see for anyone visiting Thailand.
- Yanui Viewpoint, which offers stunning views of Yanui Beach.
- Karon Viewpoint, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of three Phuket beaches – Kata, Karon, and Kata Noi.
Seeing all these attractions without transportation is quite difficult, as they are 2-4 km from the beach. It is better to rent a bike or a car and enjoy the journey.
Ao Sane Beach is compact in every sense, and the accommodation near it is also limited. There are a few tiny bungalows, but only the luckiest travelers manage to book them. Demand for lodging is quite high, despite the almost complete lack of infrastructure.
Above the beach, there is one single hotel – Baan Krating Phuket Resort. This is the very same resort that owns a part of the beach. Its cozy Thai-style interiors will surely appeal to guests, as well as the excellent service provided by the hotel staff.
Budget travelers can stay at the Naiharn On The Rock hotel. It does not offer direct beach access and is located halfway between Ao Sane and Nai Harn Beach. However, the walk to the sea from the hotel takes about 7 minutes – not too long to refuse a comfortable and affordable stay near the desired Jungle Beach.
Bungalows and hotels near Nai Harn are also a good option. Guests can stay within walking distance of both Ao Sane and Nai Harn beaches, allowing them to choose where to spend their next beach day on Phuket Island.
