Mai Khao Beach

Imagine a serene and pristine beach away from the noise and crowds of tourist hotspots – that’s Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, Thailand. Located on the northwestern side of the island, this tranquil haven offers a unique experience for those in search of peace and quiet while soaking up the beauty of Phuket. Ready to explore? Let us take you on a journey to the most unique beach on Phuket.

Experience the serenity of Mai Khao Beach, the thrill of plane spotting, the beauty of Sirinat National Park, and the excitement of Splash Jungle Water Park. Discover a wide range of accommodations and indulge in delicious local cuisine at beachside restaurants. Let’s dive in!

Short Summary

• Explore Mai Khao Beach on Phuket for a tranquil escape featuring unique activities like plane spotting and close proximity to the airport.
• Enjoy serenity in lush vegetation, plane spotting at the Airplane Viewpoint, and fun attractions such as Sirinat National Park or Splash Jungle Water Park.
• Visit between November – February when swimming is safe. Don’t miss turtle release events during Songkran Festival & nearby attractions of Wat Mai Khao Buddhist temple & Nai Yang Beach.

Discovering Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach, also known as Mai Khao Beach Phuket or Hat Sai Khao, is the longest beach on Phuket Island, stretching over 11 kilometers along the Andaman Sea. The beach is part of the Sirinat National Park and offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of other popular tourist destinations, such as Patong Beach. This beach is perfect for those seeking relaxation and tranquility, with its bamboo beach huts and serene atmosphere.

Despite the pollution along the shoreline during the off-season, Mai Khao Beach remains a popular destination for tourists visiting Phuket Town due to its unique feature of plane spotting and its close proximity to Phuket International Airport. To reach Mai Khao Beach, simply follow the signs leading to Turtle Village and continue past the large hotels.

Experience the Serenity

The northernmost part of Mai Khao Beach boasts lush vegetation, with a profusion of bushes and verdant trees along the beach, similar to Sai Kaew Beach. This untouched natural beauty creates a peaceful and picturesque setting for relaxation.

Mai Khao Beach is also home to the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, established to protect nesting turtles in the area and promote clean seas and beaches on the island. The foundation organizes annual turtle release events during the Songkran Festival, contributing to the conservation of these magnificent creatures.

The Airport Beach Connection

Mai Khao Beach’s close proximity to Phuket International Airport makes it a popular spot for plane spotting. The beach is located just south of the airport, near Marriott’s Mai Khao Beach resort.

The Airplane Viewpoint, situated just south across a small lagoon from Mai Khao Beach, near the Mai Khao Dream Resort, offers an awe-inspiring experience as planes take off and land. Watching the aircraft fly close to the beach and cast large shadows on the turquoise water is a sight not to be missed.

Top Attractions at Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular include plane spotting, exploring Sirinat National Park, and spending a fun-filled day at Splash Jungle Water Park.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience, plane spotting at Mai Khao Beach is a must. If nature and adventure are more your speed, the beautiful Sirinat National Park offers hiking trails, diverse marine life, and pristine beaches.

For families and thrill-seekers, Splash Jungle Water Park provides a day of excitement with water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Plane Spotting Excitement

The excitement of watching planes take off and land is a unique experience at Mai Khao Beach. The western end of Phuket International Airport’s runway is located at the southern end of the beach, making it the perfect spot for plane spotting.

The best time to observe aircraft at Mai Khao Beach is between 9 and 10 in the morning and 5 and 6 in the afternoon, which coincides with the stunning sunset. With a festive atmosphere and dramatic photo opportunities, plane spotting at Mai Khao Beach is an unforgettable experience.

Sirinat National Park Adventures

Sirinat National Park, a protected area situated on the west coast of Phuket, is home to a variety of marine life, hiking trails, and serves as a critical breeding ground for turtles. The park offers activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, boat trips, kite surfing, and beach exploration.

The cost of admission to Sirinat National Park is 200 Baht for foreign visitors and 40 Baht for local and expatriate guests. Visitors can also enjoy authentic local food at nearby food stalls, making it an ideal destination for a day of adventure and relaxation.

Splash Jungle Water Park Fun

Located adjacent to Phuket International Airport, Splash Jungle Water Park offers a variety of pools, slides, activities, and themed sections from various parts of the world. With attractions such as tunnels and spinning funnels, a high slider, and an artificial waves pool, there’s something for everyone at Splash Jungle Water Park.

A day pass for adults costs 1,450 baht and 700 baht for children, with complimentary admission for children under five. Splash Jungle Water Park is the perfect place to cool down and have fun with the whole family during your visit to Mai Khao Beach.

Mai Khao Beach Accommodations

From boutique resorts to luxury villas, Mai Khao Beach offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Options include resorts, private rooms, apartments, and villas, with an average price per night ranging from $51 to $168.

Top resorts in the area, such as Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, SALA Phuket Resort, and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, provide lush gardens, beachfront pools, villas with private pools and sundecks, and spa facilities. These luxurious accommodations ensure that your stay at Marriott’s Mai Khao Beach is comfortable and memorable.

Dining and Drinking Options

Satisfy your taste buds and eat authentic local food at various food stalls and beachside restaurants near Mai Khao Beach. Just north of the airport and Airplane Viewpoint, food and drink stalls offer an array of options, such as fried noodles, fresh pastries, and buckets of beer.

For a more upscale dining experience, visit Andaman Grill at JW Marriott Phuket, Black Ginger Phuket, Bill Bentley Pub, Ginja Taste at JW Marriott, Rim Nam Pool Bar, La Sala – Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, or Zest Restaurant at Marriott Mai Khao Beach Resort. These dining options provide a diverse selection of delectable dishes and refreshing beverages to complement your Mai Khao Beach experience.

Transportation Tips

Getting to and around Mai Khao Beach is easy with a variety of transportation options. Due to the lack of public transportation from the airport, a taxi is the most practical option. Alternatively, airport transfers, buses, and private transportation services are available. Local taxi services and limousine services can also be arranged for transportation to and from the airport.

To explore Mai Khao Beach, consider renting a bicycle. A pathway situated just behind the shoreline provides a convenient and enjoyable way to traverse the beach. If you prefer a motorized option, motorbike and car hire are also available with an international driving permit.

Best Time to Visit Mai Khao Beach

The best time to visit Mai Khao Beach is between November and February, during the dry season. During this time, the climate is pleasant and the ocean is tranquil, making it ideal for swimming and enjoying the beach to its fullest.

While the temperature on Phuket Island remains relatively consistent throughout the year, there is a slight increase from February to April. The monsoon season from May to October brings large waves, an unpredictable undertow, and hazardous riptides, making swimming inadvisable during this period.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Mai Khao Beach is considered safe from November to February. However, caution is advised from May to October due to the monsoon season, which brings hazardous sea conditions, including large waves, unpredictable undertow, and dangerous riptides.

Though Mai Khao Beach is not recommended for swimming due to its steep drop into the sea and potential strong currents, it is an ideal beach for strolling and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Always be aware of the current conditions and exercise caution when swimming in the ocean.

Turtle Release Events

The annual baby turtle release event at Mai Khao Beach takes place during the Songkran Festival, usually on April 13th and 14th. The event is organized by the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation to protect and conserve turtle populations.

During the turtle release event, infant turtles are released into the ocean, ensuring their safe journey and helping to maintain the turtle population. Witnessing this inspiring event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a unique way to contribute to the conservation of these fascinating creatures.

Nearby Attractions

While Mai Khao Beach offers a peaceful retreat, there are also several nearby attractions to explore in the Mai Khao Village area. Wat Mai Khao is a renowned Buddhist temple, providing a tranquil and spiritual experience for visitors. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Blue Canyon Country Club, a distinguished golf course featuring two 18-hole courses and a magnificent clubhouse.

Nai Yang Beach, a tranquil and soothing beach situated to the south of Mai Khao Beach, is another beautiful destination worth visiting. With its seaside cottages, lush surroundings, and relaxing atmosphere, Nai Yang Beach offers a serene escape from the tourist crowds of other beaches on Phuket Island.

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