If you are tired of too much civilization and want to enjoy the beauty of a wild coastline, head straight to Mai Khao Beach on Phuket Island. The natural golden sand pleasantly caresses your feet, and the crystal-clear water, even during high tide, invites you to take a swim.
Mai Khao Beach is located on the western coast of Phuket's northern part and is adjacent to Nai Yang Beach. The Mai Khao shoreline stretches almost up to Phuket International Airport and extends for 11 km, nearly reaching Sarasin Bridge.
To this day, Mai Khao Beach is considered one of the quietest and most untouched beaches in Phuket. In the past, large leatherback turtles used to lay their eggs here, but due to environmental issues and increasing tourism, this is now a rare sight. However, since 1981, the beach has been part of a national park where you can walk and encounter many exotic animals and birds.
Entrance to the national park costs 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child. However, people say that tickets are rarely checked, and you might enter for free. The scenery here is breathtaking. Crystal-clear waves, soft sand, and stunning nature — it's a place you could admire forever. But tourists come here not only for the views.
Because the beach is located near the airport, all eyes are drawn to one thing — airplanes. The metal birds fly so low that it seems like you could reach out and touch them. It is an incredibly spectacular sight and, most importantly, completely free.
Of course, the area where the planes fly overhead is quite crowded. But since this is the widest beach on the island, there is plenty of space for everyone. You can enjoy the view to the fullest or take hundreds of amazing photos with the planes.
Visiting Thailand and not swimming even once — impossible! The crystal-clear turquoise ocean and soft sand create the perfect setting for a relaxing vacation. You can set up directly on the sand, including in the shade of the trees further from the water. In fact, the abundance of shade is one of Mai Khao’s biggest advantages. However, you’ll need to bring a mat or towel with you — there are no sunbeds here.
If you are traveling with children or are not a strong swimmer, be extremely careful. The underwater current constantly erodes the sand, creating sudden drop-offs just a few meters from the shore. There is almost no shallow water at Mai Khao, but many tourists turn this into a fun activity — where else can you enjoy playing with the waves like this?
The only exception is the area near Sirinat Park, where swimming with children is safe thanks to a gentle and shallow entry into the water.
Overall, Mai Khao is a wild beach with no lifeguards or designated swimming zones. However, near some of the few hotels, you can find small areas set up for safer swimming.
When visiting the beach, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat. The Phuket sun is very intense — in just 20-30 minutes, you could get sunstroke. The most dangerous time to be on the beach is from 12:00 to 16:00 — in just 15 minutes, you could end up looking like a boiled lobster.
If you love shopping, nightclubs, and bustling cafes, this beach is not for you. The infrastructure here is minimal. You’ll find a few small local restaurants, a small grocery store, and the tiny Turtle Village shopping center.
The main attractions are long walks along the beautiful beach and watching airplanes take off. There are no regulations against bonfires, so you can enjoy an evening gathering with friends here.
Interesting fact! Among locals, Mai Khao is known as a great picnic spot. Thai families often come here together to relax in the shade of the trees.
Renting jet skis or banana boats is not possible here. Since the beach is part of a nature reserve, motorized water activities are prohibited.
The area is quiet, modest, and incredibly cozy. This is the perfect place for solitude with nature, peaceful company, and beach relaxation. Forget about everything and just enjoy the scenery, the airplanes flying overhead, and your wonderful vacation.
The range of activities here is not very wide. Of course, the main attraction is the airport — or rather, the planes. Metal birds fly overhead about every 10 minutes, but keep in mind that it is quite a noisy experience.
If you love nature, you can take a walk through the nature reserve. It’s also a great place to find some shade from the relentless sun.
Among the dense green trees, you might encounter a variety of exotic birds, lizards, snakes, and even small animals. Be cautious and do not disturb them.
The Splash Jungle Hotel is home to the only water park on Phuket. Inside, you’ll find a variety of slides, tubes, a wave pool, and even a children’s play area with a shallow pool. The water park is especially fun for kids.
There are not many hotels in Mai Khao. One of the most popular ones is Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket. Here, tourists will find everything they need: restaurants, bars, internet, swimming pools, and even a water park. You can book a standard room, a luxury suite, or even a private villa.
Another option, Coriacea Boutique Resort, is slightly more affordable. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. Each room has a minibar, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and all the necessary amenities.
Another top-class hotel is Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa Phuket. Here, you will feel like royalty. The hotel offers several swimming pools, a golf course, a spa, and a wellness center.
Of course, a vacation at Mai Khao Beach is not for everyone. The lack of infrastructure and budget accommodation might discourage some tourists, but that is what makes this beach so special. It is one of the few places where you can enjoy peace and solitude even during peak season.
It is far from popular tourist beaches and attractions. There are few shops and restaurants within walking distance. Most of the infrastructure is located within the hotels and at the Turtle Village shopping center.
A long, beautiful beach with plenty of shade and almost no crowds. The beach is home to excellent 5-star hotels. It is located just 10 minutes from the airport, and planes land and take off directly above the beach (in a specific zone), offering great photo opportunities.
It is situated in the northwest of Phuket, far from the popular tourist beaches. The travel time to Phuket Town or Patong is a little over 1 hour. To the southern part of the island (Rawai, Nai Harn), it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From the airport, it is about a 10-minute drive.
