I'm planning on taking my wife and 1 yr. daughter to Phuket in 2 months when I return. All I know is Patong Beach. Any advice on where to go for a more natural beach setting with trees for shade for enjoyable days at the beach versus the beaches with no shade other than beach chairs with umbrellas. Some place with nice affordable rooms and restaraunts nearby. And distance from Airport would be great.

Thanks in advance..................

Kata beach has trees most of the way along the beach above the water line. You can give the beach chair/umbrella guys a miss but still take advantage of their beach bar services. Plenty of affordable guest houses and eateries within a short walk to the beach.

The Mai Khao/Nai Yang area would seem to be what you are looking for. Quiet regardless of season, and very natural. Some time ago I wrote about a lunch that the wife and I had in the area, and posted some photos. They'll give you an idea of the area etc. The closest beaches to the airport.

http://www.thaivisa....t/page__st__450

Kata Beach looks like more to my wants and needs. I was checking hotel prices and its amazing how the prices soar for high season in Nov. I'm looking to spend up to 1 month there. But, yeah Kata Beach looks fine. I'm sure the beach the 2nd. reply is nice to but can tell by names of hotels also more pricey and remote than I need.

Thanks for the replies.

Mai Khao up at Talang for sure!

alot 5 star hotell up there...

I always recommend to our restaurant customers to try a day out relaxing at Mai Khao beach. Definitely worth the effort to get there.

http://www.phuketsecretcliff.com/

best place i ever stayed in Phuket...

great ocean views loveley place...

on the hills between Patong and Karon....

got a better price than websight through Agoda....

give it a try very nice with free breakie to...

only thing i not like is walking up and down the hill..

but they got an on call for room pick up golf cart to get you if your lazy or tired..

wish I was there now..

Secret Cliff from Agoda better rate......

http://www.agoda.com/pages/agoda/default/DestinationSearchResult.aspx?asq=dvPFObYSxzoR7vzTBex%2bQ%2bTA8dBp6NQkkK0bVb1GI697lkqsR6giyNpltEPQWHkRt1xTgZXxENB6AdSbEcxVqmHBTV92MVk2tlW79gxUU9kSHxSsuh4dL6XG8yT7vFzY

non Thailand post removed.

http://www.phuket-info.asia/

i'm shocked no one has mentioned Nai Harn, easily the best looking beach on the island and not too busy

keeping it a secret - like the other one near there

i'm shocked no one has mentioned Nai Harn, easily the best looking beach on the island and not too busy

Mai Khao, Nai Thon and Nai Yang are your best bets. Lovely quiet beaches with plenty of shade and near the airport. Plenty of reasonably priced restaurants/bars around too. Nai Yang is probably best for swimming with a young child.

Mai Khao, Nai Thon and Nai Yang are your best bets. Lovely quiet beaches with plenty of shade and near the airport.

"And distance from Airport would be great."

i'm shocked no one has mentioned Nai Harn, easily the best looking beach on the island and not too busy

Also, very nice shady tree areas.

For those mentioning Mai Khao, yes, somewhat near the airport but not much else, you are in the boonies up there.

Kata Beach seems like a good mixture of nice beach, resaurants and possibly get a bungalow for a month. Everything within walking distance makes it nice. Not a big fan of riding motorbike with baby for a long distance. There's always next time for a different place. I'm a fan of Lamaii beach on Samui but the Airfare keeps me away and Its nice to experience other places.

Thanks for all the input.