Surin Beach
Surin Beach is a small village located on the west coast of Phuket, bordered by Kamala in the south and the town of Cherng Talay/Bang Tao up north. Believe it or not, it used to be a party destination, with several beach clubs, which have now been demolished or relocated elsewhere, before the army stepped in in 2014-5, to reclaim the public land. Since then, the village is visited by a clientele who appreciates the calm and quietness of the area and the gorgeous view over the Andaman Sea.
The main road crossing Surin Beach is where you will find a couple of shops and restaurants, while the majority of hotels, restaurants and spa are located on the beachfront, on Soi 8. Some large international chains are available, all offering stunning views and proximity to the beach, as well as some bed & breakfast and smaller hotels, all within walking distance to the white sand.
The majority of the restaurants here focuses on Thai food, but it is possible to find a few restaurants serving international cuisine as well. Some very good spa are also available, which is perfect to relax after a long day by the sea or simply to release the tension after a long flight.
There are tuk-tuks available if you do not have any mean of transportation, though it can be pricey, as it is everywhere in Phuket. The good news is that the Phuket Smart Bus is going through the village, allowing you to travel either north, to Cherng Talay or the airport, or south, to Patong or Karon Beach, for a fraction of the cost.
Surin is a great alternative for travelers who are looking for a quite place to relax, yet wish to be not too far off from the night scene of Patong or Bang Tao. Plenty of beach clubs are located within a few minutes of driving, and attractions like Phuket Fantasea are only one hill away.
As a little trivia, Surin Beach was one of the few beaches that were visited by His Late Majesty, King Rama IX, during a visit on the island in 1959, and therefore has a sentimental value for a lot of locals, who appreciate the natural state of the village.
