Freedom Beach by longtail or on foot

A cove with white sand and clear water, hidden behind the headland south of Patong.

Area

West coast beaches

Start from

Patong

Distance

about 15 min by boat from Patong

Time needed

half a day

Best season

November – April

Difficulty

Moderate

Transport

Longtail boat from Patong, or steep trail from the road

Tickets & rules

An access fee is usually charged by the landowner

Why go

Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful small beaches on Phuket. Surrounded by jungle and rocks, it feels far from the noise of Patong, though it's only a short boat ride away.

The sand is fine and white, the water clear, and there's decent snorkelling at both ends of the bay.

Arriving by longtail boat, with the cliffs sliding past, is half the fun.

The beach has a simple restaurant and toilets but little else, which is the point. You spend the day swimming between the rocks, reading in the shade of the trees and watching longtails come and go.

Late in the afternoon, when the boats leave, the light turns warm and the cove becomes quiet and beautiful. If your boat driver agrees to a later pick-up, it's worth it.

Snorkelling is best at the rocks on the northern end, where small coral heads attract parrotfish, angelfish and the occasional turtle.

The story

Several stories explain the name; one says it was a favourite escape of backpackers in the early days of tourism.

The land behind the beach is privately owned, which is why access rules have changed over the years.

Before tourism, fishermen used the bay as a shelter during storms. Today the longtail drivers at Patong, many from local Muslim fishing families, earn their living taking visitors to coves like this one, and the price negotiation is part of the ritual.

Getting there

Most people take a longtail from the south end of Patong beach; agree a price and a pick-up time.

There's also a steep jungle trail from the coastal road; it's hard work in the heat.

A suggested plan

1. MorningLongtail from Patong.
2. DaySwim, snorkel, lunch at the simple beach restaurant.
3. AfternoonReturn before the boat traffic of the evening.
4. OptionalAsk the boat driver to stop at Paradise Beach or a snorkelling spot on the way back.

Where to stay

Day trip from Patong or Karon.

Good to know

• Bring cash for the boat and the access fee.
• Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it.
• Morning visits are less crowded.
• Bring water; drinks on the beach are expensive.
• Carry a dry bag for phones on the boat.