Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, Thailand: Relax by the Shore

Mai Khao Beach is located on the northwestern coastline of Phuket Island and is included in the territory of Sirinat National Park, which is one of the very few natural and unspoiled beaches on the island, where the focus is on protecting nature and tranquillity over commercialism. The beach, with its almost 11 km long stretch of sand, presents enormous unoccupied areas, silky sand and a sense of primal tropical wilderness that feels like a different world from the crowded tourist areas. The casuarina trees and coastal shrubs that are found in the vicinity amplify the tranquillity and quietness that are characteristic of this beach.

Mai Khao Beach, being an area under strict protection, has very few beach loungers, parasols, and commercial vendors, which allows the tourists to have a truly peaceful experience that is ideal for strolling, jogging, meditating or simply enjoying the company of the Andaman Sea waves. On the other hand, the lack of heavy development opens the area up for nature and bird watching, which can be quite inspiring. The dry season usually marks the best time for swimming, but the beach is still a picturesque spot to visit in all seasons.

Fun Fact: Mai Khao Beach is among the very few spots in Phuket which allow visitors to see huge commercial planes overhead as they zoom in for landing at Phuket International Airport - this has become a popular activity for both photographers and aviation enthusiasts. 

Seasonal Tip: December-April, the dry season, presents the best opportunities for swimming and lying on the beach, while the period from May to October is marked by higher tides but fewer people, thus being perfect for tranquil walks and impressive ocean photography.

• Longest Beach in Phuket: Almost straight 11 km of pure white sandy area is for everyone who wants a chance to take long beach walks, and some quiet time for themselves, or just for soaking under the stars since it is so far away from the crowds at beaches like Patong or Kata.
• Aeroplane Spotting: The very southern part of the beach next to the airport runway has earned a reputation all over the world as the best spot to actually see commercial planes coming down directly at the Phuket International Airport, a remarkable event indeed.
• Sirinat National Park Setting: The beach belongs to this national park that is under protection, so it is going to be a coastal ecosystem, mangrove forests, and wildlife habitats that are going to be preserved, and the like are going to include such great animals as turtles from the ocean and birds from the coast.
• Sea Turtle Nesting: During the period of November to February, the critically endangered sea turtles, including the Green Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle, come to the beaches, lay their eggs, and the eggs, as well as the hatchlings, are protected by conservation measures.
• Peaceful Natural Scenery: Apart from the minimum interruptions caused by the commercial sector, the visitors have all the time relaxing walks, jumping waves, and absolutely calming sunset views through the Andaman Sea.
• Nearby Luxury Resorts: The high-end beachfront hotels Anantara Mai Khao Villas and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, among others, provide the best accommodation, delightful dining, and spa experiences at this uncrowded beach.

• Location: Northwest coast of Phuket Island, Thailand
• Beach Length: ~11 km (longest in Phuket)
• Beach Type: Natural, quiet, undeveloped shoreline
• Sirinat National Park: Encompasses Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Naithon, and Sai Kaew beaches — all protected and rich in biodiversity.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips:

• Sirinat National Park: Explore coastal trails, mangrove forests, and picnic areas within the park.
• Splash Jungle Water Park: A popular family water park with slides, wave pools, and children’s activities, just a few minutes from the beach.
• Nai Yang Beach: Just south of Mai Khao, this calm crescent beach offers more dining and beachside activity options.
• Temple & Bird Sanctuary (Wat Mai Khao): A lesser-known local temple with a small bird sanctuary behind it — tranquil for a short visit.
• Turtle Village Mall: A small open-air shopping complex with boutiques, cafés, and essentials close to the beach entrance.

Day-Trip Tip: Combine Mai Khao Beach with Nai Yang Beach and Sirinat National Park for a full day of outdoor exploration and relaxed beach time.

1. Walk the Uncrowded Shoreline: Stroll, jog or let your curiosity take you over miles of wide sandy beach where you will hardly meet anyone else — ideal for meditative trips or dawn walks.

2. Capture Aeroplane Landings: Visit the southernmost part of the beach next to the airport and treat yourself to the plane's landing views just above the beach — this is surreal and, at the same time, a very exciting experience not only for photographers but also for the general public.

3. Sea Turtle Watching (Seasonal): In the period from November to February, it is possible to see the critically endangered sea turtles coming to the beach to lay their eggs or, on the contrary, chicks — it all takes place in the context of the beach's conservation efforts.

4. Swim and Wade During Dry Season: It is that time of the year, from December to April, when the ocean is relatively calm looking from the weather side and is the most inviting for the laid-back swimming and wading activities of the hottest month, although at times there are still strong currents — swimming should always be done with caution.

5. Sunset Photography: Sunset over the Andaman Sea, captured in stunning colours, is the kind of picture that Mai Khao Beach, with its open horizon and absence of tower blocks, can provide you.

6. Nearby Mangrove and Forest Trails' Exploration: Sirinat National Park is a paradise for those who like being in the company of nature, offering quiet paths and promoting eco-friendly travel for hikers interested in coastal ecology and nature trails.

7. Enjoy Resort Dining & Relaxation: The Anantara and JW Marriott are some of the resorts that are within the nearby area, where you can get the best food in the world, enjoy the ocean view, and have spa services for maximum relaxation after spending the day at the beach.

• Entry Fee: Free access to Mai Khao Beach itself.
• Sirinat National Park Fee: Some sections of the park may impose a conservation fee for foreign visitors (varies by year).
• Best Access Points: Multiple access points along the coast with parking near Turtle Village or resort entrances.

Pro Tip: Bring cash for parking, local transport, and refreshments, as card facilities may be limited close to the natural beach.

• Open Hours: Open 24 hours — ideal for early morning or sunset visits.
• Peak Dry Season: December–April — clear skies, calm seas, and the best swimming weather.
• Shoulder Months: March–May — warm weather with fewer visitors.
• Monsoon Season: May–November — dramatic waves and stormy views (best for photography).

Best Time Window for High-Quality Photos: 09:00–11:00 and 15:00–17:00, when lighting enhances beach colours and plane landings are frequent.

• From Phuket International Airport: Just 5–10 minutes by taxi or ride-share
• From Patong, Kata, or Karon: Around 45–60 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
• By Scooter: Scooter rentals are common and provide scenic rides along the coastal road.
• Public Transport: Ride-share options (Grab or Bolt) are available, though public buses do not directly serve the northern beach.

Parking is available at key points near resort access roads and Turtle Village Mall.

• You should take your own beach mat or towel since there are no direct rentals of umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach.
• Get there early for the dawn and see the wild animals, among them birds and turtles which are in the nesting season at that time.
• In the rainy season, swimming safety flags are a must — if possible, swim close to the lifeguard posts.
• Aircraft observation is most enjoyable when the wind is blowing towards the runway — this usually happens during the peak season.
• A beach day could be coupled with going to the Splash Jungle Water Park, which is a world of fun for the whole family.

Dining Options:

• Sea.Fire.Salt at Anantara Mai Khao – Signature seafood and oceanfront dining with upscale ambience.
• Kin Dee Restaurant – Local favourite for authentic Thai food near the beach area.
• SALA Phuket Restaurant & Rooftop Bar – Beachside dining and cocktails in a chic setting.
• Roadside Stalls – Fresh coconuts, Thai snacks, grilled seafood, fruit smoothies.

Shopping Spots:

• Turtle Village Mall – Boutiques, beachwear, cafés, and essentials close to the beach.
• Mai Khao Plaza – Convenience stores, souvenirs, and travel necessities.

For a larger mall experience, visit Central Phuket in town.

Morning:

• Sunrise beach walks along Mai Khao’s quiet sand.
• Capture planes landing at the southern end.
• Explore coastal trails in Sirinat National Park.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a beachfront resort restaurant.
• Relax beneath casuarina trees or swim (high season).
• Visit nearby Nai Yang Beach for shallow swimming and eateries.

Evening:

• Sunset views looking west over the Andaman Sea.
• Dinner at Kin Dee or SALA Phuket.
• Cool beach stroll under evening skies.

1. Walk the pristine beach from north to south.
2. Capture low-flying aeroplane landings.
3. Observe sea turtles and mangrove ecosystems.
4. Visit Splash Jungle Water Park for family fun.
5. Enjoy a seafood dinner with ocean views.

Mai Khao Beach, Phuket, is not only a beach but a paradise that merges with the offered nature, big space, wild animals and unforgettable experiences. The deserted and lengthy beach invites the visitors to give up their stress, to be curious and to get back in tune with the ocean's beats. The rare chance to see the planes passing just above the beach and to take tranquil beach walks, and to be in the turtle nesting areas makes Mai Khao one of the most special and fruitful coastal spots in Phuket in 2026. If you are a couple wanting to share the quiet sunset with each other, a photographer looking for dramatic scenes or a naturalist ready for conservation activities, then Mai Khao Beach has the unique Thai experience for you.

For a seamless trip, choose customised Phuket tour packages from Pickyourtrail that include Mai Khao Beach alongside nature, resort, and slow-travel experiences.