Pon Beach

Pon Beach, or Yae Beach as locals know it, is a 500 meters (547 yards) long beach facing almost due south. Because of the hill to the west, sunset won’t be the best, as you won’t likely see its last moments above the horizon.

Pon beach is not typically available unless you’re staying at the resort (The NAKA) which occupies the entire beach, but if you’re on a motorbike or bicycle and want to give it a try, here’s how you can try. Drive north past Patong Beach on Kamala-Patong Road (Hwy 4233). In about 4 km. (2.5 miles) you’ll come up to the Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa. Make a left and travel down a paved road for 150 meters (164 yards). Then you will make another left and follow until it reaches a dirt trail. From there, it’s a 100-meter (109 yard) walk to the beach. There is no parking, and the resort might tell you that motorbike and vehicle parking is not available. You’re out of luck then because Yae beach is not accessible by boat due to the shallow coral reef during high or low tides.

Pon beach is certainly not one of Phuket’s nicest beaches, so unless you’re staying at this resort, there’s no real reason to go to see it. The water is shallow and usually clean, and the sand is deep. There are some shade trees in the middle of the beach. If you’re staying nearby, there are other amazing beaches like Surin Beach, Banana Beach, or one of the other dozens of beautiful beaches on the island that are easier to access.

Note, during western swells, the Pon beach here will have very strong rip currents which can pull people out to sea. Do be cautious as the waves pick up in size.