Surin Beach is a short, beautiful bay of about 800 metres on Phuket’s west coast, 24 km from Phuket Town, backed by casuarina trees and known for some of the clearest water on the island. Since May 2025 the sand has been cleared of bars, restaurants and sunbed rentals, so it is now one of Phuket’s most natural-feeling beaches: bring your own shade and snacks.
Surin sits between Kamala to the south and Bang Tao to the north. For years it was the home of Phuket’s beach-club scene; today it is a quieter, simpler place, and many regulars think it is better for it. A family with young children, a honeymooning couple and a group of friends can all have a brilliant day here, just in slightly different corners of the same bay.
At a Glance
- Where: West coast, between Kamala and Bang Tao, 24 km from Phuket Town
- Beach: About 800 m of fine pale sand under casuarina trees
- On the sand: No bars, restaurants or sunbed rentals since the May 2025 clearance (as of September 2026)
- Swimming: Calm from November to April; surf and strong currents from May to October
- Nearby: Catch Beach Club, which began here, now operates on Bang Tao, about 10 minutes north
In This Guide
- About Surin Beach
- Swimming and Conditions
- What Happened to the Beach Clubs
- Where to Eat
- Where to Stay
- Getting to Surin Beach
- Best Time to Visit
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
About Surin Beach
Surin Beach runs for about 800 metres in a gentle curve, backed by casuarina trees that give it a naturally elegant frame. The sand is fine and pale and the water a striking blue-green. The beach shelves more steeply than Phuket’s shallower bays, which brings a stronger shore break in the wet season but also the particularly vivid water colour of the dry season.
Behind the beach is a piece of island history: according to Phuket Province, the golf course here was built in the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). Today the beach itself is open and uncluttered; you can lay a towel anywhere.
Swimming and Conditions
Surin is excellent for swimming from November to April: the water is clear and conditions are generally calm. A current can run along the shore at some states of the tide, so watch the water for a few minutes before going in.
From May to October, Surin gets a real shore break, and Phuket Province advises that it is not suitable for swimming during the monsoon. Red flags mean stay out of the water. On calmer days the surf draws bodyboarders, but only competent swimmers should go in.
What Happened to the Beach Clubs
Surin’s famous beach clubs are gone. Catch Beach Club and Bimi, along with beachfront restaurants, were demolished in 2016 in a government order to clear businesses from public land; Catch later reopened on Bang Tao Beach, about 10 minutes north. Makeshift bars, restaurants and sunbed stations then returned, and on 14 and 15 May 2025 the Phuket governor and Thalang District officials removed them again.
What that means for your visit (as of September 2026): there are no sunbeds or food stalls on the sand, so bring water, snacks and something for shade, or use the casuarinas. Tukta, a restaurant built on the rocks rather than the sand, has been reported as still operating. If you want the full beach-club day, go to Bang Tao.
Where to Eat
With nothing on the sand, eat on the roads behind the beach or inland. Surin and the surrounding Cherngtalay (Choeng Thale) area have become one of Phuket’s strongest dining areas: casual Thai restaurants for local seafood and, a short drive inland, higher-end Italian, Japanese, fusion and Thai restaurants with a culture comparable to Phuket Town but closer to the beach.
Kamala, 10 minutes south, adds a relaxed village beach road with more places to eat by the sea.
Where to Stay
The Surin Phuket, a cottage resort on Pansea Beach just north of the Surin headland, is the landmark hotel. Beyond it, the hills and roads behind Surin have a dense concentration of private villas that are among the most sought-after on the island.
This is where we at Silqhaus come into the picture. Silqhaus, a Phuket and Pattaya holiday-rental company, has apartments in Bang Tao (Choeng Thale), a few minutes north of Surin, including Zcape1 with its big terrace and the ZcapeX2 pool-view units. You get Surin’s water and Bang Tao’s beach clubs and restaurants within easy reach, and booking direct is always at least 10% below Airbnb and Booking.com for the same home and dates.
Getting to Surin Beach
Surin is 24 km from Phuket Town, according to Phuket Province, and roughly 30 minutes from the airport. From Patong the coast road north takes around 25 minutes. Grab and taxis serve the area well, and a scooter is the most practical way to combine beaches: Kamala is about 10 minutes south and Bang Tao about 10 minutes north.
Best Time to Visit
November to April is when Surin is at its best, with the clearest water and calmest sea; January and February usually bring the best conditions, and December is the busiest month. For the island-wide picture, month by month, see our guide to the best time to visit Phuket.
In the wet season the beach takes on a different character: the surf arrives, visitors thin out and prices across the area drop. Late October or early November catches the end of the wet season with improving conditions and pre-season rates. Find more ideas in our Phuket travel guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there beach clubs on Surin Beach?
Not any more. Surin Beach’s clubs, including Catch Beach Club, were demolished in 2016, and the remaining beachfront bars, restaurants and sunbed rentals were removed on 14 and 15 May 2025. Catch Beach Club now operates on Bang Tao Beach, about 10 minutes north.
Are there sunbeds at Surin Beach?
No sunbed rentals operate on the sand since the May 2025 clearance (as of September 2026). Bring a towel, water and shade; the casuarina trees give natural shade along the back of the beach.
Is Surin Beach good for swimming?
From November to April, yes: the water is clear and usually calm. From May to October there is a strong shore break and currents, and Phuket Province advises against swimming during the monsoon.
What should I bring to Surin Beach?
Everything for the day: drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, a towel or mat and something for shade, because nothing is sold or rented on the sand. Reef-safe sunscreen is a good habit here too. Restaurants and convenience stores are on the roads behind the beach if you run out, a short walk from the sand.
How far is Surin Beach from Phuket Town?
About 24 km, according to Phuket Province: roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car. From the airport it is about 30 minutes.
