Surin Beach is a 600-metre bay backed by casuarina trees on Phuket's west coast, about 15 kilometres north of Patong. The sand is golden and the setting is handsome, but Surin is best known for its atmosphere rather than its swimming — the steep sand shelf and strong undertow during the monsoon make the water temperamental, and red flags are not always heeded.
From November to April the sea calms and snorkelling becomes worthwhile at the rocky headlands on both ends of the bay. The beach road is lined with local seafood restaurants at the southern end and some of the island's most discreet luxury hotels in the hills above. It draws a quieter, older crowd than Patong, and on weekday mornings you may have long stretches of sand almost to yourself.