Phuket is one of the most popular and visited islands in Thailand, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. However, if you are looking for a more quiet and peaceful experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots, then you might want to consider Mai Khao Beach.
Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach in Phuket, stretching for 11 kilometers along the northwest coast of the island. It is also one of the few beaches in Phuket that has retained its natural beauty and charm, as it is part of the Sirinat National Park and protected from development and pollution.
Mai Khao Beach offers a tranquil and relaxing escape from the crowds and noise of other beaches, as well as a unique opportunity to witness the wildlife and the culture of the area. It is home to a sea turtle conservation area, where you can see the endangered leatherback and green sea turtles nesting and hatching on the beach from November to February. It is also the venue for the annual Songkran festival, which is the Thai New Year celebration that takes place in mid-April, where you can join the locals and tourists in splashing water and having fun on the beach.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Mai Khao Beach, including why you should visit, when you should visit, what you can do, and how you can get there. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, as a family, or as a group, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate on this stunning and serene beach.
Why You Should Visit Mai Khao Beach
There are many reasons why you should visit Mai Khao Beach, but here are some of the main ones:
- Mai Khao Beach has soft white sand and clear blue water that are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, walking, cycling, and kite surfing. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the sunset from the beach. The beach is spacious and uncrowded, so you can have plenty of space and privacy to relax and unwind.
- Mai Khao Beach is also a popular for Plane spotting in Phuket, thanks to the ease of access to the western end of Phuket International Airport's runway, at the southern end of Mai Khao Beach. The place is idyllic: Mai Khao Beach is almost 50 metres wide at high tide at this spot, and the turquoise colours of the sea, especially between 10pm and 2pm, offer watchers stunning photo opportunities. With a capacity of 30 flights per hour at Phuket Airport, you don't need to wait for too long in between planes.
- Mai Khao Beach is a haven for wildlife lovers, as it is the nesting ground for endangered leatherback and green sea turtles. You can witness the turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea from November to February, or join the conservation efforts by volunteering or donating to the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. You can also visit the foundation's office and museum to learn more about the turtles and their conservation.
- Mai Khao Beach is also the venue for the annual Songkran festival, which is the Thai New Year celebration that takes place in mid-April. You can join the locals and tourists in splashing water and having fun on the beach, or watch the traditional ceremonies and performances at the nearby temples and shrines. The festival is a great way to experience the culture and the spirit of Thailand.
- Mai Khao Beach is a good base to explore the other attractions and activities in the area, such as the Splash Jungle Water Park, the Sarasin Bridge, the Sirinat National Park, and the Laguna Phuket. You can also find some of the best hotels and resorts on the beach, such as the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and the Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort.
When You Should Visit Mai Khao Beach
The best time to visit Mai Khao Beach depends on your preferences and priorities, but here are some general guidelines:
- The best time to visit Mai Khao Beach is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear. This is also the peak season for tourism in Phuket, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices on the beach and elsewhere on the island. However, Mai Khao Beach is still less crowded and more affordable than other beaches in Phuket, so you can still enjoy a peaceful and relaxing vacation.
- The worst time to visit Mai Khao Beach is from May to October, when the weather is wet and cloudy, and the sea is rough and murky. This is also the low season for tourism in Phuket, so you can expect less crowds and lower prices on the beach and elsewhere on the island. However, Mai Khao Beach is not very suitable for swimming or water sports during this time, as the waves and the currents can be dangerous. You can still enjoy walking or cycling on the beach, or visiting the nearby attractions, but you might not get the best beach experience.
- The most special time to visit Mai Khao Beach is from November to February, when you can see the turtle hatchlings on the beach, or in mid-April, when you can join the Songkran festival on the beach. These are the times when you can witness the unique and amazing aspects of Mai Khao Beach, and create some unforgettable memories.
What You Can Do on Mai Khao Beach
On Mai Khao Beach, you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as:
- Swimming, sunbathing, walking, cycling, and kite surfing on the beach. You can rent bikes and kites from the nearby shops or hotels, or bring your own equipment. You can also find some shaded areas under the pine trees or the beach umbrellas to relax and unwind. The beach is clean and safe, but you should always be careful of the tides and the currents, and follow the lifeguards' instructions.
- Observing the turtle hatchlings on the beach from November to February. You can watch them from a safe distance or join the guided tours organized by the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. You can also visit the foundation's office and museum to learn more about the turtles and their conservation. The foundation is located at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, and you can contact them at +66 76 338 000 or info@maikhaomarineturtlefoundation.org.
- Enjoying the water sports and attractions at the Splash Jungle Water Park, which is a short drive from the beach. You can have fun on the slides, pools, rides, and games, or relax at the spa and sauna. You can also find some restaurants and shops at the park. The park is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance fee is 1,295 baht for adults and 650 baht for children. You can book your tickets online at [Splash Jungle Water Park] or call them at +66 76 372 111.
- Visiting the nearby attractions, such as the Sarasin Bridge, which is a scenic and historic bridge that connects Phuket to the mainland. You can walk or bike across the bridge and enjoy the views of the sea and the mangroves. You can also find some souvenir stalls and seafood restaurants at the bridge. The bridge is open 24 hours a day, and there is no entrance fee. You can reach the bridge by taxi, bus, or car from the beach.
- Indulging in the local cuisine at the beachfront restaurants and bars, which serve a variety of dishes, such as seafood, Thai, Chinese, and Western. You can also find some cafes and convenience stores at the beach. You can enjoy the food and drinks while listening to the waves and watching the sunset. Some of the recommended places to eat and drink on the beach are the Kin Dee Restaurant, the Seaside Cottages Restaurant, the Mai Khao Beach Bar, and the Sand Box Restaurant.
How You Can Get to Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is located on the northwest coast of Phuket, about 15 kilometers from the Phuket International Airport and 40 kilometers from the Phuket Town. You can get to Mai Khao Beach by different modes of transportation, such as:
- Taxi: You can take a taxi from the airport or the town to Mai Khao Beach, which will cost you about 500 to 800 baht and take you about 20 to 40 minutes. You can find the taxi stands at the airport or the town, or book a taxi online or by phone. You can also negotiate the fare and the route with the driver before you get in. Some of the reliable and reputable taxi companies in Phuket are [Phuket Taxi], [Phuket SRC Travel], and [Phuket Airport Taxi].
- Bus: You can take a bus from the airport or the town to Mai Khao Beach, which will cost you about 50 to 100 baht and take you about 30 to 60 minutes. You can find the bus stops at the airport or the town, or ask the locals for directions. You can also check the bus schedule and route online or on the bus. You can pay the fare to the conductor on the bus. Some of the bus routes that go to Mai Khao Beach are the [Airport Bus Phuket], the [Phuket Smart Bus], and the [Blue Songthaew].
- Car rental: You can rent a car from the airport or the town to Mai Khao Beach, which will cost you about 1,000 to 2,000 baht per day and give you more flexibility and convenience.
Conclusion
Mai Khao Beach is a hidden gem in Phuket, Thailand, that offers a tranquil and relaxing escape from the crowds and noise of other beaches. It is the longest and most peaceful beach in Phuket, where you can enjoy the natural beauty, the wildlife, the culture, and the activities of the area. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, you will find something to suit your taste and budget on Mai Khao Beach.
If you are ready to experience the best of Phuket, then book your trip to Mai Khao Beach today and discover the wonders of this stunning and serene beach.
