Looking for the best places to play pickleball in Phuket? Whether you’re a beginner picking up a paddle for the first time or an experienced player chasing rallies, Phuket now offers a growing number of courts and clubs across Rawai, Kathu, Bang Tao, and beyond. With its mix of expats, locals, and holidaymakers, the island has quickly become one of Asia’s hottest destinations for pickleball.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Pickleball Hits Phuket
Pickleball — part tennis, part ping pong, part pure fun — is officially the world’s fastest-growing sport. What started as a backyard game in the U.S. has exploded into a global craze, and now it’s hit Southeast Asia hard. Phuket, with its perfect mix of expats, tourists, and locals, has become one of the sport’s newest hotspots.
If you’ve heard the word but aren’t sure what the fuss is about — you’re not alone. But step onto the court once and you’ll get it: the rallies are quick, the learning curve is short, and the social side is unbeatable. From Kathu to Rawai to Bang Tao, new courts and clubs are popping up, giving players of all levels a chance to join the fun.
What is Pickleball?
Think of pickleball as tennis and badminton having a baby, with a dash of ping pong thrown in. You play on a smaller court with paddles and a plastic ball full of holes (kind of like a whiffle ball). The rules are simple, the rallies are quick, and anyone can pick it up in a single session.
The magic of pickleball is that it’s easy for beginners but still competitive for advanced players. You don’t need years of lessons or perfect technique — just grab a paddle and jump in. That’s why it’s booming worldwide: people of all ages can play, from kids to retirees.
🎥 Want the basics in under two minutes? Check out this quick explainer video: [link placeholder]
Why is Pickleball Growing So Fast?
Pickleball isn’t just another passing trend — it’s a sport that’s taken off because it ticks all the boxes.
- Fun + Social: Games are quick, partners rotate often, and you end up meeting people every time you play.
- Accessible: Smaller courts and lighter paddles make it easier on the body than tennis, but still a solid workout.
- Easy to Learn: Most beginners are rallying within their first game. No months of lessons needed.
- Community Vibe: Clubs and open-play sessions are all about mixing skill levels, sharing tips, and keeping the atmosphere friendly.
It’s exactly this mix that’s made pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. — and now that energy is spilling into Asia. Phuket, with its expat-heavy communities and love of active social life, has turned into the perfect launchpad.
Pickleball in Phuket
A couple of years ago, nobody in Phuket had even heard of pickleball. Fast forward to now, and it’s everywhere. Courts have popped up in Kathu, Rawai, Boat Lagoon, Bang Tao, and even at resorts in Karon. What started with a handful of players has turned into a thriving community of expats, locals, and holidaymakers all picking up paddles.
The island now has dedicated clubs with membership options, open-play sessions where anyone can show up and join, and even coaching programs for beginners and juniors. Whether you’re here for a week or living in Phuket full-time, there’s a court nearby waiting for you.
This is just the beginning. With demand growing fast, new venues are already under construction — and Phuket is quickly shaping up to be one of Thailand’s pickleball hotspots.
Pickleball in Phuket: Courts & Clubs Directory
Pickleball has exploded in Phuket over the last couple of years, with new courts and clubs popping up across the island. Whether you’re a curious beginner, a social player looking for games, or a seasoned competitor, there’s now a spot for you. Here’s a roundup of where you can play pickleball in Phuket right now.
1. Shark Bites (Rawai)
📍 79 Soi Saiyuan, Rawai → Google Maps
- Courts: 2 outdoor professional-grade courts with lighting
- Booking: Walk-in/social, details TBC
- Extras: Pool, bar & restaurant, equipment rental
💬 Why play here? Great community vibe — you can show up in the evenings, get a game, then grab a drink after.
2. Coconut Tennis Academy (Kathu & Boat Lagoon)
📍 Kathu (Prince of Songkla University) → Google Maps
📍 Boat Lagoon → Google Maps
🔗 Facebook
- Courts: 2 covered outdoor pickleball courts (Kathu), plus Boat Lagoon facility
- Surface: High-performance cushioned hardcourt
- Booking: WhatsApp, ~450 THB per court/hour
- Extras: Coaching with Shico (Master of Tennis), equipment rental, social nights, pool, football pitch, table tennis
💬 Why play here? Covered courts are a lifesaver in Phuket heat and rain. Coconut has quickly become a hub for both local players and expats.
3. Daidee Cafe Beergarden & Pickleball
🔗 Facebook
📍 Google Maps
- Opening hours: Open daily 7.00 – 22.00
- Courts: 3 outdoor
- Booking: Free play all day 200 baht per person
- Book a private court per hour* 400 baht per hour
- Private coaching per hour* 800 baht – max 4 people
- Padel and Ball hire 50 Baht
- * All players must pay the 200 baht free play cost
- * For larger group coaching please ask a member of staff
- Extras: Cafe & beergarden on-site
💬 Why play here? A casual spot combining food, drinks, and court time — more details needed on number of courts and pricing.
4. Pickleball Phuket Club (Kathu)
📍 Kathu → Google Maps
🔗 Website | Instagram
- Courts: 4 outdoor pickleball courts
- Membership: ฿1,800/month (unlimited open play)
- Fees: Court booking = 300 THB + 200 THB per player/hour (≈1,100 for 4 players)
- Open Play: 200 THB per person, starts 5 PM daily
- Extras: Lounge with food & drinks, coaching (led by Roman), ball machines
💬 Why play here? The biggest club in Phuket — social, competitive, and very well-organized.
5. Phuket Karon Beach Resort (Pullman)
📍 Karon → Website
- Courts: Pickleball & tennis courts on-site
- Fees: 600 THB per hour for visitors, free for hotel guests
- Extras: Full resort facilities
💬 Why play here? Perfect for holidaymakers who want to combine their stay with casual games.
6. PTP Club Phuket (Thalang/Bang Tao area)
📍 Thalang → Google Maps
🔗 Instagram | Facebook
- Courts: Pickleball + tennis + padel
- Hours: 8:00–22:00
- Extras: Cafe, sports shop, recovery zone, social media-friendly vibe
💬 Why play here? A full racquet-sports complex — padel, tennis, and pickleball in one spot.
7. Raccoon Pickleball (Bang Tao)
📍 Bang Tao → Google Maps
🔗 Instagram
- Courts: 4 outdoor pickleball courts + 3 indoor tennis courts
- Facilities: Showers, chillout area, coaching available
- Daily Open Play 5–9 PM
- 250THB / person – 2,500THB / month
- Court Rental 500 THB/hr
- Court Rental Off Peak 09:00 AM – 16:00 PM – 300 THB/hr
- Booking: +66 65650 5195 (Whatsapp)
💬 Why play here? Indoor tennis courts mean you can play rain or shine. Stylish new addition to Phuket’s pickleball scene.
Phuket Pickleball Directory (Updated Regularly)
Pickleball is moving fast in Phuket — and so is this list. New courts and clubs are opening all the time, so we’ll keep updating this directory as the scene grows. Bookmark this page, share it with your playing partners, and if you know a spot we’ve missed, drop us a message so we can add it in. 🏓🌴
Final Word
Pickleball is here to stay in Phuket. What started as a niche sport has quickly become a movement, and the island now has the courts and community to back it up.
Whether you’re looking for a casual hit on holiday, a new group of friends to play with, or a competitive outlet to sharpen your game — there’s a court waiting for you.
And this guide will keep growing. If you know of a new spot or have updates on one of the clubs listed, drop us a message or comment. We’ll add it in so the whole community can stay in the loop. 🏓🌴
