Phuket Beach Guide: Surin Beach – Full Circle on the Sands

What is Surin Beach like?

Surin Beach, located between Kamala and Bang Tao on Phuket’s scenic west coast, is widely appreciated for its expansive golden sands and calm, inviting waters. This easily accessible beach offers ample shaded parking and natural tranquility, making it ideal for relaxation, swimming, and leisurely strolls.

Quick Facts

Location: West coast Phuket, between Kamala and Bang Tao
Access: Direct coastal road access; plenty of shaded parking
Swimming: Safe and calm from November to April
Food/Facilities: Currently none available on-site (as of May 2025)
Shade: Abundant natural shade from sea almond and casuarina trees
Best For: Couples, photographers, tranquility seekers
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Dogs Allowed: Unofficially tolerated

How to Get There

Surin Beach is directly accessible via Phuket’s west coast highway. Clearly marked entrances lead to ample shaded parking areas, and the beach is just a short walk from the parking lot.

Google Maps: Surin Beach

What Makes Surin Beach Special

Surin Beach’s appeal lies in what it deliberately avoids—there are no hotels along its shore, no rooftop cocktail bars, no noisy nightlife. Instead, visitors find a pristine, spacious beach environment untouched by heavy commercialization. Its peaceful simplicity sets it apart from other Phuket beaches.

Easy Access: Convenient parking directly behind the sand
Natural Beauty: Wide, clean sands, shaded by mature trees
Quiet Charm: Tranquility preserved through deliberate minimalism

Surin Beach: A Story of Rise, Fall, and Reset

Surin Beach has witnessed dramatic transformations over recent decades:

2004 – Post-Tsunami Reconstruction: Temporary housing built for tsunami survivors
2005–2014 – Commercial Expansion: Temporary structures evolved into exclusive beach clubs and restaurants, encroaching on public land
2014–2015 – Military Reclamation: Authorities removed illegal structures, restoring beach accessibility
2016–2022 – Gradual Return: Small businesses and vendors gradually returned, reviving an informal atmosphere
May 18, 2025 – Second Reset: Authorities again cleared the beach, removing all commercial structures and returning the sands to public use

Today, Surin Beach awaits the next chapter in its evolving narrative.

Current Developments (May 2025)

Surin Beach is currently undergoing significant developments. At the northern end, construction is underway on a high-profile "Glass Terrace" project. This new facility, valued at 198 million baht, will include two elevated observation decks offering 360-degree panoramic views of Surin and adjacent Pansea Beach. This initiative represents a significant tourism enhancement planned for the area.

With these ongoing developments, Surin Beach stands at the threshold of change, poised between tranquility and transformation.

Nearby Beaches

Surin Beach’s evolving narrative contrasts with other nearby beaches, each offering unique experiences:

Bang Tao Beach: Extensive, more commercialized with resorts and restaurants
Kamala Beach: Family-friendly, bustling with shops and dining
Laem Singh: Secluded and quiet, accessible via seasonal trails or boats

Closing Reflection

Surin Beach has once again completed a full circle—from peaceful isolation through commercial growth back to serene simplicity. Surin Beach continues to evolve with construction underway and the future uncertain, inviting visitors to witness its changing story.

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Written by Mads D

Photography by Mads D

Learn more about Mads D:KamalaBeachEstate.com/mads-d