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Phuket

Mai Khao Beach

4.6(1,527 reviews)

Space is the whole point here. This is the longest beach on Phuket and one of the least built up, running for kilometres along the northern tip with nothing much on it but sand, sea and a handful of hotels. Walk five minutes in either direction and you'll have a stretch to yourself, even in high season. If you want beach clubs, jet skis and someone selling you a sarong every ten minutes, go south instead.

Getting to the sand means a walk of roughly a kilometre through tree-lined forest, though you can take a tuk-tuk. The water's clear and the sand is soft, and late afternoon into sunset is when I'd come. The other thing people notice is the planes: Phuket International is right there, and aircraft pass low overhead every few minutes. Some travellers find that a novelty worth photographing, others find it ruins the quiet. Know which one you are before you commit the day.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Mai Khao Beach, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

🌊 Mai Khao Beach — A Peaceful Escape in Phuket Mai Khao Beach is one of Phuket’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, perfect for travelers who prefer peace, space, and nature over crowds and commercial beach scenes. Located in the northern part of Phuket, this beach stretches for kilometers, offering a calm and almost untouched atmosphere that feels refreshingly different from the island’s busier areas. ⸻ 🌴 Natural Beauty & Atmosphere What truly sets Mai Khao Beach apart is its raw, natural charm. The beach is wide and clean, with soft golden sand and clear blue water, framed by casuarina trees and open skies. Unlike Patong or Kata, there are no rows of beach clubs or vendors, making it ideal for quiet walks, sunset views, or simply relaxing with the sound of the waves. The sunsets here are especially stunning — peaceful, dramatic, and perfect for photography. ⸻ ✈️ Unique Experience: Planes Over the Beach Mai Khao is famous for its airplane landing views, as it sits right next to Phuket International Airport. Watching planes fly low over the beach is a unique and memorable experience, especially near the northern end. It’s a favorite spot for aviation lovers and photographers, adding a special touch that you won’t find on many beaches in the world. ⸻ 🏊 Swimming & Safety The sea at Mai Khao can be strong and unpredictable, especially during the monsoon season. While the water looks inviting, swimming is not always recommended. This beach is better suited for walking, relaxing, and enjoying nature rather than water activities. ⸻ 🏨 Resorts & Surroundings Mai Khao Beach is home to several luxury resorts, offering privacy and a high-end, tranquil vibe. Despite the upscale resorts, the area still feels quiet and uncrowded, making it ideal for honeymooners, couples, and travelers looking to disconnect and unwind. ⸻ 👍 Pros • Very quiet and uncrowded • Clean, wide, and natural beach • Beautiful sunsets and scenery • Unique airplane spotting experience • Perfect for relaxation and long walks 👎 Cons • Limited shops and restaurants nearby • Strong waves; swimming not always safe • Not ideal for nightlife or water sports

Beautiful beach. Pollution free. Visited this place twice for beach as it is less crowded, spent good amount of time at beach in water. Once in afternoon during our stay and once in the evening during sunset. Beautiful sunset. Made lot of beautiful memories.

The beach is amazing, clear water. Already on the way to the beach, the place is beautiful, trees, forest, clean and well-kept, you can get on a tuk tuk. The distance is about a kilometer to the beach. The experience of the planes landing every 5 minutes. And all the people ready for an interesting photo. It is an unforgettable experience.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,527 reviews on Google.

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Mai Khao Beach: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mai Khao Beach worth visiting?

Mai Khao Beach holds a 4.6★ rating from 1,527 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated beaches in Phuket.

When is the best time to visit Mai Khao Beach?

The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas).

Where is Mai Khao Beach located?

Mai Khao Beach is at Mai Khao Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around

  • Grab (widely available)
  • Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
  • Motorbike rental
  • Airport bus to Phuket Town
  • Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands

Where to stay near Mai Khao Beach

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Tips for Visiting Beaches

Check Monsoon Windows

Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.

Go Early for Empty Sand

Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.

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