In the western part of Phuket Island, not far from Patong Beach, there is another picturesque coastline – Tri Trang Beach. This is a favorite spot for tourists during the low season.
Until recently, this coastline was mostly visited by locals who enjoyed relaxing in the shade of casuarina and palm trees. Gradually, more people have discovered this stunning beach, making it busier. However, random visitors are rare – most vacationers here are guests of the namesake hotel or tourists from nearby areas of Phuket.
The shoreline stretches for 700 meters, which is not much, but still enough for tourists to comfortably spread out. There are even smaller beaches on the island. The width of the sandy strip depends on tides, which change quickly, sometimes transforming the 30-meter-wide sandy shore into a vast beach with an extensive area.
The sand is light gray and fine, with some natural debris like tree branches and dried leaves. At the water’s edge, there are some rocks and shell fragments – not many, but an uncareful step could lead to cuts.
Tri Trang Beach on Phuket Island is particularly attractive during the low season. While storms rage on other coastlines, creating house-high waves, this beach remains cozy and relatively calm. A cape protects the shore from strong winds, and the extensive shallow water prevents large waves from forming.
You shouldn’t expect perfectly calm waters, as summer in Phuket is still "rainy season," but the waves here are small and gentle enough for a relaxing swim. However, this only applies when the visit doesn’t coincide with low tide. During low tide, the water recedes far out, revealing a wide stretch of sand and sometimes exposing rocky seabeds.
The water entry is gentle and sandy during high tide, offering enough depth for a pleasant swim. Small children particularly enjoy this beach – they can play safely at the water’s edge, digging in the soft sand while enjoying the warmth of the Andaman Sea.
During the high season, beachgoers are always looking for shade. Fortunately, at Tri Trang, there is plenty in the morning, thanks to casuarinas and tropical palms that extend their branches overhead. If shade is unavailable, sun loungers can be rented. They are arranged in two rows and don’t take up all the available space on the beach. Budget travelers can still find a spot, enjoying relative solitude from other visitors.
Tri Trang Beach cannot be classified as a typical tourist spot. Many popular vacation spots in Thailand are noisy and crowded, but here, there is an unusual sense of tranquility. Despite the absence of loud entertainment, there are still a few amenities for visitors. The proximity of the hotel ensures a steady presence of guests on the shore.
The restaurant business hasn’t yet flourished in this area, but you can enjoy a good meal at the hotel restaurant, where all visitors are welcome. Prices are average for Phuket, sometimes higher. A light snack can be purchased from a small stall near the hotel.
The hotel also has a massage salon – a perfect option for relaxation. Showers and toilets are available but are paid services for non-hotel guests. There is a small parking area near the beach for motorbikes. That’s about it for infrastructure!
There are no attractions near Tri Trang Beach, but plenty can be found near Patong Beach, which is just a 20-minute leisurely walk away. A short stroll is enough to discover something new, and hotel guests even have access to a free shuttle service.
There are no persistent sounds of banana boat riders screaming or the rhythmic clatter of boats bumping against each other. However, water activities are available.
Banana boat rides are infrequent and happen further from the shore due to the shallow waters, so the excitement of riders is not as noticeable. You can rent a kayak, jet ski, or inflatable mattress for floating on gentle waves. Snorkeling in shallow water may not be very enjoyable, but if you have the equipment, it’s worth a try.
Near the hotel building, you can find a ping pong table and a beach volleyball net. You can play with your own sports gear.
The highlight of the beach is the adorable baby elephants, with whom you can take an amazing photo right in the water. Who could resist the chance to meet these lovely animals? Kids, in particular, are thrilled, so be prepared to spend a few hundred baht for an unforgettable experience! Convincing children to leave without a photo is usually quite a challenge!
The main accommodation option on Tri Trang Beach is the Tri Trang Beach Resort. You can book a room in advance, as this hotel specializes in package tours.
At the edge of the beach, there is a small hotel, Phuket At Zea Hotel. All of its rooms are designed to offer a sea view from the balconies, making it a good choice for a quiet stay.
There are a few more hotels nearby, but the selection of accommodations is not very large. There are no bungalows, nor is there an option to rent private apartments. More accommodation options can be found within walking distance of Tri Trang – near Patong Beach. However, in that case, tourists may not want to visit this beach with its tides daily. For a one-time visit, staying near the beach is not necessary.
Tri Trang Beach is located between Patong and Karon Beaches. These serve as landmarks for those looking for the "Emerald Coast" on their own.
If traveling from Patong, you need to reach the fork with the sign for Tri Trang Hotel – it’s not very noticeable, so keep an eye out! After the sign, the road slopes sharply downward, so drive carefully and park near the hotel. For those who don’t want to walk, there is a small path to the left of the hotel that leads directly to the main beach gate.
