Categories > Guides and Tips
A Guide to Phuket’s Hidden Gem: Freedom Beach
- Things to Know
- Best Time to Visit Freedom Beach
- How to Get to Freedom Beach
- What to Do in Freedom Beach
- Relax at the beach
- Go swimming
- Go snorkeling
- Tour the nearby organic farm
- Where to Stay in Freedom Beach
- Amari Phuket
- Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong
- Where to Eat in Freedom Beach
- Barefoot Bistro
- Apps to Download
You’d be surprised how such a breathtaking tourist spot as Freedom Beach in Phuket is largely hidden in Patong. A closer look reveals it’s a secluded beach that deserves all the attention—a haven rivaling the best attractions in Phuket.
With all its offerings, Freedom Beach could be just the beach to give you total…freedom! And we’re here to dish out all the information you need so you can zero in on this paradise beach and rightfully put it first on your travel bucket list.
Things to Know
Address: Patong, Kathu, Phuket
Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)
Operating Months: Only open during Phuket’s peak season (November to April)
Nearest Airport: Phuket Internation Airport (38 kilometers)
Admission Fee: Free
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: +66
Nearby Hotspots: Tri Trang Beach (1 km), Patong Beach (3 km), Karon Beach (3 km), Phuket Town (18 km)
Distance from Main Road: 300 m (Ratprachanukroh Road)
Electricity: Thailand uses Type A and Type B electrical sockets. You will have to bring an adapter if your devices are not compatible.
What’s so special about Freedom Beach?
Freedom Beach in Phuket is one of the most beautiful locations in this island province. It screams Instagram friendliness to the max with its white sandy beach and crystal clear waters ripe with marine life.
But what makes this secluded beach even better is it’s largely inaccessible. It’s more peaceful and quiet than other famous beaches in Phuket.
This also means the beach doesn’t typically have massive events, helping it maintain its natural form and beauty. It can be perfect for relaxing while vacationing in the Land of Smiles.
Plus, Freedom Beach has calm and shallow waters that are safe for children, allowing you to have a safe and carefree time.
Best Time to Visit Freedom Beach
The months from November to April are Phuket Island’s high season, so it’s during these times that you can and must visit Freedom Beach. During the high season, this paradise’s crystal clear water is ripe with marine life, making it perfect for snorkeling!
Unfortunately, Freedom Beach isn’t open to the public all year, as it closes temporarily during Phuket’s low season.
How to Get to Freedom Beach
Plane: The nearest airport to Freedom Beach is Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is 30 kilometers to the north. After landing, you can board an airport bus or taxi to Patong Beach, where you can find longtail boats going to Freedom Beach.
Here’s a table showing the difference between taxis and direct-route buses at Phuket International Airport:
| Public Transport Vehicle | Fare | Estimated Travel Time | Availability |
| Airport Taxi | 900 baht | 50 mins | 24/7 |
| Direct-Route Bus | 100 baht | 1 hr and 30 mins | 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. |
Taxi: Hire a taxi from any point in Phuket to Patong Beach, making it the most convenient transport option to reach Freedom Beach. The bridge where the longtail boats dock in Patong Beach is in the south, near Amari Phuket Hotel and Resort.
You can book a taxi using the Grab app, which operates like Uber, or contact taxi service companies through Line or WhatsApp.
Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are similar to taxis because you can hire them from anywhere in Phuket, except they’re open and lack air conditioning. Board a tuk-tuk to Patong Beach and take the longtail boats to Freedom Beach.
Car: Car rental companies are everywhere in Thailand, so you won’t have any issue booking a rental car to get around Phuket more conveniently. Unfortunately, you can’t drive directly to Freedom Beach, so find a parking space in Patong Beach.
Follow the Threp Kasattri Road – Chalermprakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Road – Phra Phuket Kaeo Road route from Phuket International Airport to Patong Beach.
Motorbike: Rental motorbikes are famous transport vehicles in Phuket and are cheaper than cars. Sadly, you must find a parking space in Patong Beach for your motorbike before taking the boat to Freedom Beach.
Longtail Boat: Taking a longtail boat to Freedom Beach is the most recommended option because it’s challenging to access on foot. These longtail boats dock in piers and ports on most Phuket beaches, like Patong, Kata, Karon, and Kamala.
On Foot: Accessing Freedom Beach on foot is challenging but possible. Reach this secluded beach on foot if you follow the dirt road that begins near Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong, which lies south of Patong Beach.
Before reaching Lek Sand Beach Bar, turn off-road to the west and go through the steep slope ahead to find your way to Freedom Beach. If passing through this slope is difficult, returning this way is even more challenging.
What to Do in Freedom Beach
Relax at the beach
Since Freedom Beach is off-limits for most of the year, it maintains its natural beauty and pristine condition. As a result, this paradise destination is among the cleanest and most beautiful beaches tourists will find around Phuket Island.
Once you’re at Freedom Beach, you can appreciate the scenic view from its white, sandy beach. You can do so by renting a beach chair and umbrella from the only restaurant in the area, which they also offer for free with each food order.
It’s not rare for visitors to have the beachfront to themselves if they arrive early since the area is tricky to access on land. It makes Freedom Beach ideal for relaxation and sunbathing while enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the calming sound of the tides.
Go swimming
The crystal clear water in Freedom Beach makes it a good swimming location. Plus, the water is calm and shallow during the high season, so everyone, including children and non-swimmers, can swim around without issues.
Although they don’t have a lifeguard stationed at the beach, they have safety measures to prevent swimmers from straying too far from the safe areas. Also, you don’t have to worry about jet skis because only longtail boats go to Freedom Beach.
Pro Tip:
Watch out for red flag markers in the waters of Freedom Beach. These are indicators for “No Swimming” areas that you must avoid.
Go snorkeling
Snorkeling is another must-do at Freedom Beach because of its crystal clear waters, making it ideal for observing the marine life thriving around the beach area.
The best snorkeling spots are along the rock formations on each side of the beach because it’s where most fishes swim around and live. This arrangement works perfectly since most swimmers stay in the central areas anyway.
Pro Tip:
Bring your own swimming and snorkeling gear since no establishments are selling these in Freedom Beach.
Tour the nearby organic farm
The lone restaurant and bar in Freedom Beach, Barefoot Bistro, uses the produce from their nearby organic farm, which explains their fresh and delicious food. Here, you get Thai dishes and seafood at their freshest.
However, most people may be unaware that they offer a tour of their organic farm. It would be a huge disservice on your part if you don’t get an eyeful; just visit them on their Facebook page to book a tour.
Although the place lacks establishments on most Phuket beaches, visiting the organic farm will make up for it. Not only is it the perfect activity for families, especially those with kids, but it’s also a gastronomic journey of epic proportions.
Where to Stay in Freedom Beach
Sadly, accommodations aren’t available in Freedom Beach. So, you must book a hotel in nearby areas that you can travel to via a longtail boat service.
Here are some of the best hotels near Freedom Beach:
Amari Phuket
Address: 2, Meun-Ngern Rd, Patong, Phuket
Operating hours: daily, 2 p.m. (check-in) and noon (check-out)
Contact: +6676340106
Website: https://www.amari.com/phuket
Costs: $$
Amari Phuket is a 5-star hotel and resort, so you can expect superb accommodations and services during your stay. The rooms and suites in this hotel are spacious and conducive for those who enjoy working while on vacation.
Most of the rooms in Amari Phuket also have dedicated balconies that offer an excellent view of Patong Bay. It’s fantastic because the hotel’s idyllic location makes it the perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset near Patong Beach.
Not only do you get three outdoor pools here, but also, you also have two restaurants serving Thai and seafood. Even if you go around, the hotel has you covered with its free shuttle in and around the Patong area.
Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong
Address: 39/9, 2, Meun-Ngern Rd, Patong, Phuket
Operating hours: daily, 2 p.m. (check-in) and 12 p.m. (check-out)
Contact: +6676681681
Website: https://www.avistahideawayphuketresort.com/
Costs: $$$
Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong is a luxurious hilltop hotel and resort near Freedom Beach. Due to its location, Avista Hideaway provides a scenic and panoramic view over the Andaman Sea and the nearby Tri Trang and Patong beaches.
Also, as it’s a 5-star hotel and resort, you can enjoy top-tier services and accommodations in Avista Hideaway, which is more than your money’s worth.
Where to Eat in Freedom Beach
Barefoot Bistro
Address: Freedom Beach, Patong, Phuket
Operating hours: 10:00 a.m. (check-in) and 6:30 p.m. (check-out)
Contact: 081 370 4664
Barefoot Bistro is the only option for you at Freedom Beach, as no other restos exist.
But no worries; the humble establishment sitting on the southern part of the beach could be the only resource you need. You can even rent beach umbrellas here!
Plus, they serve a yummy selection of homemade burgers and excellent Thai food, using all-organic ingredients they grow from their nearby farm. What’s more, you can enjoy their colorful handcrafted cocktails, the perfect companion to admire the view.
Don’t expect a whole course of varied cuisine here, though, but we’re telling you the quality you get is undeniable!
Pro tip:
Barefoot Bistro offers a private tour of their organic farm. This is an excellent experience you don’t want to miss at Freedom Beach.
Apps to Download
- Grab App – Grab is a taxi booking app in Southeast Asia. It’s the best app for booking taxis from anywhere in Phuket.
