The peaceful Naithon Beach in the north of Phuket is perfect for tourists who want to relax, escape the hustle and bustle, and unwind. This is not a place for entertainment; here, you can comfortably disconnect and meditate while looking at the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.
Compared to other popular beaches on the island, Naithon Beach is relatively small. It stretches about 1 km, with a shoreline width of around 50 meters during high tide. At low tide, the sandy shore becomes even wider.
The entire shore is covered in golden sand, which sparkles beautifully under the sun. Keep in mind that by midday, the sand gets very hot, making it difficult to walk barefoot to the sea.
Interestingly, the sand at Naithon makes a squeaky sound underfoot, similar to Karon Beach. Locals call it "singing sand," while for some visitors, it sounds more like snow crunching underfoot on a frosty day.
Both adults and children will enjoy relaxing and swimming here. The shoreline is free of rocks and shells, making the entrance to the water clean and comfortable. However, in the central part of the beach, the depth can change suddenly—at times, it gets deep quickly, then shallow again. But there is still plenty of shallow water near the shore for kids.
The water is clean, almost crystal-clear, with a stunning turquoise color. This beach looks like something out of a "Bounty" commercial—golden sand, no rocks or litter, and crystal-clear blue water. The only thing missing is a palm tree with a swing on a rope.
Tall pine trees line the beach instead of palm trees. This lush greenery provides shade only in the morning. After 11 AM, you’ll need to find another way to escape the sun—bringing an umbrella is a good idea. You can settle in the tree line, but given the width of the beach, this won't be the most convenient option if you plan to swim frequently. Running across the scorching sand isn't very pleasant.
In the past, Thai vendors rented out sun loungers and umbrellas here. They weren’t too numerous, leaving enough space for those who preferred to sunbathe on their own towels. However, due to local government regulations, these amenities have been removed. Now, there are no restaurants or stalls on the beachside road.
The beach is rarely crowded with tourists. There are just enough people to avoid feeling completely alone, but not so many that it feels crowded. Most visitors stay in the northern part of the beach. If you walk a bit further south, you can find secluded spots where you’ll hardly see anyone.
Swimming is allowed only in the high season. In summer, as storms and strong winds set in, the beach is lined with red flags, warning of dangerous swimming conditions. But honestly, the towering waves make the warning unnecessary. During this time of year, the area becomes very quiet, as most tourists leave.
Naithon is a small but cozy area. There are only a few shops, and no large supermarket chains. Across the road from the beach, you'll find several small Thai stores selling various trinkets.
During the day, street vendors set up stalls along the road, and a few charming restaurants are open. You can also arrange a massage. Prices here are slightly higher than in most other areas of Phuket. For shopping, it’s better to head to nearby districts, where you can also rent a motorbike.
There are no street vendors on the beach itself, which may be part of why it feels so quiet and peaceful. One downside is the lack of public restrooms; the only ones available are in local cafes. Free freshwater showers can be found under the shade of the casuarina trees.
One major inconvenience is the lack of public transportation. If you want to explore Phuket, you’ll need to rent a bike or take a taxi. However, for those planning to explore the island, renting transportation is necessary anyway. Using public transport for sightseeing is not very convenient.
Relaxing at Naithon Beach is slow and peaceful. It’s a great place to swim in the warm sea and sunbathe (while following safety precautions, of course). But if you get bored, finding something different to do is quite difficult.
The main attraction is the Sirinat National Park, located on the neighboring Nai Yang Beach. A walk through the park allows you to see many exotic animals living in untouched jungle and mangrove forests.
In the southern part of the beach, past the rocks, there is another small hidden beach. To reach it, you walk across a long, beautiful bridge. Tourists from all over the island come here for photo sessions.
If you have a snorkeling mask, bring it along! On the left side of the beach, there is a rocky coral reef underwater. Many marine creatures gather here, making it an interesting spot for experienced snorkelers.
Hotels are located along the shoreline and within walking distance of the beach, happily welcoming guests. Most visitors to the beach are actually guests of these hotels, as they don’t need to travel specifically to Naithon Beach.
Prices for accommodation vary. There are private villas with their own pools, as well as standard rooms equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay between exploring Thailand.
One of the most popular options is Naithonburi Beach Resort, which is located right in the center of the beachfront. On both sides of the beach, on small hills, you’ll find excellent five-star hotels with top-notch service - Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach and Malaiwana Residences — an elite haven. Another great choice for those planning a longer stay rather than a short visit to Phuket is Naithon Condo.
