Banana Beach on Koh Hey Named Asia's Most Beautiful Beach in 2026

A small island just 15 minutes by speedboat from Phuket has claimed a major prize. Banana Beach on Koh Hey (also known as Coral Island) has been named Asia's most beautiful beach in Tripadvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations. If you're planning a visit, our Phuket travel guide covers everything you need to know about the island.

Why Banana Beach Won

Tripadvisor's ranking is based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings collected over the past year. Banana Beach stood out for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and vibrant coral reefs just offshore. Visitors consistently praise the snorkeling — you can spot colorful fish and healthy coral formations without venturing far from the beach.

The beach sits in a sheltered cove on Koh Hey's western side, which keeps the water calm and visibility high during the peak season from November through April.

What You'll Find There

Banana Beach is relatively compact compared to Phuket's main beaches, which adds to its charm. Facilities include:

• Hornbill Restaurant serving Thai and international dishes right on the sand
• Sun lounger and umbrella rentals (prices vary by season; expect to pay around 200–300 baht)
• Snorkeling gear rental available on-site
• Parasailing and kayaking for those who want more than just swimming

The beach does get busy during peak hours (roughly 11:00–14:00) when day-trip boats arrive from Phuket. For a quieter experience, arrive early in the morning or stay past mid-afternoon. Check the best beach clubs in Phuket if you want to combine your trip with a full beach-club day.

How to Get There

Most visitors reach Koh Hey from Chalong Pier in southern Phuket. Speedboats take about 15 minutes and cost around 800–1,500 baht for a round-trip day tour, depending on the operator and inclusions. Longtail boats are cheaper but take longer (30–40 minutes).

Several Phuket-based tour operators offer half-day and full-day packages that include snorkeling stops, lunch, and beach time on Koh Hey. You can also arrange a private longtail boat for more flexibility. If you want to combine this trip with island hopping, our Thailand island hopping guide is a great starting point — nearby options include the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lipe.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Best months: November through April, when seas are calm and skies are mostly clear — see our best time to visit Thailand guide for full seasonal advice
• National park fee: Koh Hey is not inside a national park, so there is no entrance fee for the island itself — though some tour packages include fees for nearby snorkeling spots that are
• Bring cash: card payment options on the island are limited
• Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended to help protect the coral that earned this beach its reputation

Whether you're already planning a Phuket trip or looking for a reason to book one, Banana Beach now has the Tripadvisor seal of approval as the best beach experience in all of Asia for 2026. For accommodation, browse the best hotels in Phuket or explore our is Phuket worth visiting in 2026 honest guide before you book. Don't forget to sort out travel insurance for Thailand before you go, and take a look at the Old Town Phuket walking guide if you plan to spend a day in town.