Ao Sane Beach

Ao Sane Beach is one of those places where you need to know that it exists in order to be able to find it. Located west of Nai Harn Beach through the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, Ao Sane Beach is a cluster of at least two separate beaches divided by a small headland. It is a bit small and the sand is quite rocky in certain areas, but it is worth checking out if you have the time.

At the first beach, which is really the only easily accessible beach, there is a small restaurant and bar. The restaurant serves Thai food and Seafood, typically prepared Thai style. The prices are quite low and it is a good place to grab a bite to eat if you get hungry. It is also the only place to eat, so unless you want to jump on your bike and head to another restaurant, you won’t have much of a choice. There aren’t any lounge chairs to rent, which is to be expected considering there are never more than a handful of people on the beach, so just be sure to bring something to sit on.

The major allure of Ao Sane Beach is the solitude of the place, which can be rather inviting after leaving tourist filled Nai Harn Beach. If you are feeling adventurous, travel along the western edge of the beach. If you go up and over the rocks you will eventually arrive at the other beach. Just be careful when you are walking on wet sea rocks, they are often covered in algae which can be very slippery.

Ao Sane Beach may not be the best Phuket beach, but it is worth seeing if you are in the area. It is a nice break away from the tourist scene where you can enjoy the wonderful Phuket weather in relative solitude. It is a bit of a locals secret in Phuket Island that you will probably never stumble upon by accident.

Beach Activities

When the tide is in, Ao Sane Beach is a great place to go snorkeling. The rocks located close into the beach are home to many colorful fish as well as a large number of black spiny sea urchins. It is also possible to go SCUBA diving straight from the shore, but only when the tide is in. At one point in time you could rent kayaks, but I haven’t seen any in my most recent visits, so they may have discontinued that service..

Getting There

From Nai Harn Beach just drive west to the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. Stay to your left and go down into the tunnel under the resort. You will arrive on the other side on a small road that winds along the coast and up a hill. When you come down the hill you will see the sign for Ao Sane Beach on your left. There is a car park at the top of the beach and a very steep hill that you can choose to either drive down or walk if you are on a motorcycle.