Mai Khao Beach

Phuket's longest beach, 11 km of quiet sand inside Sirinat National Park, with planes landing over the south end and no loungers or jet skis.

4.6(1,527)

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Featured in: The 13 Best Beaches in Phuket, Ranked

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Finding your way around Mai Khao Beach

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Getting there and around

Mai Khao runs 11 km from Nai Yang to the island's northern tip near the Sarasin Bridge, inside Sirinat National Park.
The plane-spotting end is the south, by the runway of Phuket International Airport.
Phuket Town is about 34 km away and Patong about 41 km.

Details

Address: Mai Khao Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Tours that include Mai Khao Beach

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Mai Khao Beach.

Mai Khao Beach: tickets, guides & combos

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Why go, and how to do it well

Space is the whole point here. Mai Khao is the longest beach on Phuket, 11 km of sand running from Nai Yang up to the northern tip near the Sarasin Bridge, and because it's inside Sirinat National Park it's still empty for long stretches. There are no beach chairs, no umbrellas, no jet skis and almost no vendors, and you can walk for kilometers passing only a few people fishing. If you want beach clubs and parasailing, go south instead.

The other thing people come for is the planes. The southern end sits right by the runway of Phuket International Airport, and aircraft come in low over the beach to land, close enough to throw their shadows on the water. Some travelers find it the best photo on the island, others find it ruins the quiet, so know which you are before you pick a spot.

A handful of big resorts sit well back from the sand, including JW Marriott, Renaissance and Sala Phuket, but the beach itself has stayed mostly untouched. The sand is a little coarser than on the southern beaches but still soft, and the water is clear and warm in the high season.

Sea turtles nest on Mai Khao from November to February, which is part of why the shore is protected, and rehabilitated turtles are released here each April around Songkran. December to March are the driest months. Bring water and sun cover, because there's little shade or food once you're away from the hotels.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Tours that include Mai Khao Beach

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Mai Khao Beach.

Mai Khao Beach: tickets, guides & combos

Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead

See prices

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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.

Mai Khao Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Beaches

Go Early for Empty Sand

Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, 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.

Explore Beyond the Main Strip

Every popular beach area has quieter alternatives nearby. Rent a scooter and ride 10 minutes from Patong to find Freedom Beach, or head to Phuket's northeast coast for nearly empty shores.

Mai Khao Beach: Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you watch the planes at Mai Khao Beach?

At the south end of the beach, where the runway of Phuket International Airport meets the coast. Landing aircraft pass low over the sand.

Are there sunbeds at Mai Khao Beach?

No. Because it's in a national park there are no beach chairs, umbrellas, jet skis or vendors, except near the south end by the airport.

When do turtles nest at Mai Khao?

From November to February. Rehabilitated green turtles are also released here each April around Songkran.

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: May – October (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).