Banana Beach is a small quiet beach on the northwest coast of Phuket, Thailand, looking out to the blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The sandy part is about 180 meters long and is in between the more famous Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches. It is quietly hidden behind some tropical trees and rocks, which makes the place feel very private and tucked away. The water is often calm and turquoise, shallow near the shore, and gentle waves lap against the sand while leaning palms give some shade.
The beach is in Thalang district, around 25 kilometers north of Patong and 15 kilometers from Phuket International Airport. Also called Banana Rock Beach, it stays quiet most of the time, with only a few dozen visitors on busy days. There are no large resorts or crowded party areas, making it a place for people looking for Phuket’s natural side without the usual crowds.
Local authorities and nearby resorts such as Trisara manage it in an informal way, keeping development minimal. The only permanent structure is a small seasonal Thai seafood shack. Visitors often come here for clear snorkeling, calm swimming, and the experience of discovering a secluded paradise that is still mostly unknown to most travelers.
Fun Fact About Banana Beach
Banana Beach got its name from a rock at the southern end that is shaped like a banana. Locals say from the sea it looks like a bunch of bananas. One of the most interesting things here is that wild monkeys can often be seen in the trees at low tide, watching people and sometimes trying to take fruit. Fishermen sometimes call it “Monkey Beach” because of this. It is better not to feed them, as they have sharp teeth and are very hungry.
History of Banana Beach
The story of Banana Beach is quietly tied to Phuket’s long coastal history, rooted in the island’s fishing traditions. For many centuries, the northwest shore was used by Chao Lay sea nomads and Malay fishermen, who traveled the Andaman Sea in long-tail boats and sheltered behind the cove’s natural rock formations during monsoon storms. Nearby archaeological sites suggest people have been in the area for more than 1,000 years, and it served as a stop for tin traders during the Srivijaya Empire’s spice routes.
In the 19th century, Phuket’s tin industry attracted Chinese workers to the hills behind the beach, but Banana Beach itself remained mostly unnoticed. Its rocky terrain made access difficult, and colonial powers like the Portuguese and British barely mentioned it in their records. It was not until the 1960s, during the hippie trail, that backpackers exploring from Patong discovered the area. They traveled through jungle paths drawn by stories of untouched sands, and by the 1970s, long-stay travelers quietly referred to it as “Banana,” inspired by the curved rock at its southern end.
The tourism boom of the 1980s largely passed it by, as attention focused on Bang Tao’s luxury developments. A small Thai shack appeared in the 1990s, serving seafood to visitors, but the 2004 tsunami altered the shoreline, eroding some sand but leaving the heart of the beach intact. Rebuilding after the disaster emphasized eco-friendly rules: no tall buildings, restricted entry points, and careful measures to prevent erosion.
Today, Banana Beach represents both the wild and preserved sides of Phuket. Local patrols and the national park protections keep it safe, while fishermen still haul in catches at dawn. Occasional eco-tours show visitors its natural charm, maintaining its status as one of Phuket’s few remaining “secret” beaches.
Things to Do at Banana Beach
Banana Beach has simple activities mostly focused on nature, giving visitors chance to relax and enjoy a little adventure.
Sunrise and Sunset: Early mornings the hills glow pink and the sand turns golden. It is good for quiet yoga or coffee from the small shack. Sunsets are very pretty, with red and orange light reflecting on the banana-shaped rock. A gentle breeze usually moves along the shore.
Snorkeling and Swimming: The bay is quite shallow and full of fish and other sea creatures. Visitors can take snorkel gear from the small shack and see parrotfish, clownfish, and sea stars around the coral. The water is generally calm and also quite warm on most days. When the tide is low, small pools even appear along the sand where children can even play and search for little sea creatures.
Beach Lounging: Visitors can sit or lie under the palms on mats or sunbeds. The sand is soft and fine, quite good for reading a book or taking a short nap. There is no Wi-Fi, which makes the place feel far away from the busy world.
Seafood Shack: At the south end of the beach, a small Thai shack serves fresh seafood, like squid, prawns, and fish, with sticky rice and chili sauces. People can watch small boats on the water while eating.
Jungle Trail: A short trail of 5 to 10 minutes winds through casuarina trees. Butterflies and monitor lizards are sometimes seen. The path is a little steep in parts, so care is needed.
Nearby Visits: Walking a short distance south leads to Nai Thon beach with more facilities. A boat can take visitors to Sirinat National Park for paddling through mangroves. Dolphins are sometimes seen on calm days.
Eco-Watch: Seasonal talks by rangers explain marine life around the beach and how the rocks protect young turtles during nesting.
