Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful with a 300m crescent of soft white sand and clear blue water backed by lush green mountains. Located on the west coast of Phuket, you can reach this private beach by longtail boat from Patong which lies just to the south. You can also take a strenuous hike down the cliffs path from the beach parking lot at the top of Patong Hill.

Freedom Beach offers some of the best snorkelling in the area with spectacularly colourful fish close to the shore despite much of the coral in the area dying. The north end of the beach is best for swimming while the south end has some granite rocks and is good for snorkelling.

The central area is roped off to allow longtail boats to safely come ashore to pick-up and drop-off passengers. You will have to wade a few metres so wear your bathing suit and carry your valuables in a plastic bag.

The beach is quiet and secluded without the drone of motorized jet skis and hawkers. Being privately owned there is a fee of 200 baht (around US$6) for a round trip which takes 10 minutes each way. Beach chair rentals are available and there is a beach snack bar serving Thai food and icy drinks.

Other activities include beach soccer (goalposts provided), beach volleyball and sunbathing. For the best souvenir photos, climb the concrete stairs up the cliffs.