Yanui Beach: A Secluded Popular Beach in Phuket

Yanui Beach is one of the more secluded beaches in Phuket.

I would have to say that even though Yanui has become more popular over recent years, it is still one of the more relaxing beaches to visit in Phuket.

The beach has a nice, tranquil atmosphere and is an ideal spot where you can spend the day relaxing on the beach, while enjoying the magnificent scenery and exploring the surrounding areas.

During one of our most recent trips to Phuket, we spent day after day at all our favourite beaches and also lots of time exploring the secluded and quieter beaches around Phuket.

Yanui Beach is situated in a small bay just to the south of Nai Harn Beach near Promthep Cape on the southern tip of Phuket.

The beach is only around 100 metres in length, split in two by a large rock formation that extends out into the water.

Just offshore from the beach, you will see a small Island; this island is called Ko Man.

The main area of the beach is very good for swimming or just chilling out in the shallow water; we found that towards the southern end of the beach is a little rocky underfoot and wished we had brought our reef shoes.

The best area for snorkelling at Yanui Beach is around the northern headland, or just near the rock extension on the southern end of the beach.

Yanui Beach is perfect for families, especially if you're travelling with small kids; here the little ones can play in the sand and explore the sea life in the clear, shallow waters close to the shore.

Throughout the high season, from November through to April, Yanui Beach can get busy with like-minded visitors who stay at nearby hotels and resorts in Rawai.

While the beach can be busy at this time of the year, it's nowhere as busy or noisy as some of the well-known beaches in Phuket.

The best time to visit Yanui is between November and April. If you're driving to the beach, try to get there early in the morning for easy parking and to find the best spot on the beach.

If you plan on staying on the beach through the middle of the day, try to get some shade under the trees.

Late afternoons are incredible; if you love nothing more than a good sunset, get down to the beach to take in the view, or alternatively head to one of the viewpoints. You won't be disappointed.

Activities at Yanui Beach

If lazing on the beach with a good book and soaking up the sunshine and scenery is not for you.

You could hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the waters around Promthep Cape, Ko Man & Nai Harn, or grab your fins and mask and go snorkelling in the calm, clear waters.

If you haven’t got your own snorkelling gear, you can hire masks and fins from the beach vendors.

Unfortunately for sun lovers like me, sunbeds are no longer available for hire, but on our last visit they were still renting umbrellas and beach mats.

Yanui doesn't offer beach activities like jet-skis or parasailing.

Facilities at Yanui Beach

Just across the road from the beach, there are a couple of good restaurants and a dive shop.

When visiting Yanui Beach, take the time to explore some of the other close-by beaches, such as Nai Harn and Ao Sane and take in some of the fantastic views from the nearby viewpoints of Promthep Cape and the Windmill Lookout.

Where to Stay at Yanui Beach

There is no accommodation directly on the beachfront at Yanui Beach, but if you're seeking somewhere to stay close to the beach, there are a couple of cheap beach bungalows situated across the road from the beach.

Alternatively, there are some really good resorts and pool villas, only a short distance from the beach.