Mai Khao and Nai Yang, how to choose
| Mai Khao | Nai Yang | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Very quiet, long beach, few shops | A few more restaurants and some life |
| Distance from the airport | A few minutes | About 9 minutes for a beach hotel (booking site) |
| Who it suits | Couples, resorts, total calm | Families, longer stays |
| Hotels named on booking sites | Maya Phuket Airport Hotel (4 stars) | Naiyang Park Resort (4 stars), Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Phuket Naiyang (3.5 stars) |
Distances come from booking sites: check when booking. The beach and area are described in Mai Khao and Nai Yang beach.
Hotel pick: Meliá Phuket Mai Khao (Booking score 9.0, read 30 October 2026): directly on the beach; outdoor pool; free airport shuttle. Limit: it sits away from Patong (check the map), so plan a taxi or other transport for outings.
Hotel pick: Ideo Phuket Hotel - Naiyang Beach (Booking score 8.9, read 30 October 2026): in Nai Yang Beach; central location. Limit: it sits away from Patong (check the map), so plan a taxi or other transport for outings.
Hotel pick: Happy Mountain Airport Resort (Booking score 9.2, read 30 October 2026): in Nai Yang Beach; terrace. Limit: it is a 2-star property, so keep expectations modest.
Pros and limits
- Pros: wide, little-visited beach, airport close, Sirinat National Park nearby (check the entry fee).
- Limits: little evening life; you need a taxi, scooter or car to reach Patong, Kata or the piers; swimming is limited from May to October.
Excursions
Boat departures are in the south or east: allow for the trip to the departure point; see getting around Phuket. For beaches further south, see beachfront hotels. For a quiet beach nearby, see Naithon.
FAQ
Mai Khao or Nai Yang?
Mai Khao for quiet, Nai Yang for more restaurants.
Is it far from Patong?
About an hour by car depending on traffic.
Can you swim there all year?
Not always: from May to October, respect the red flags.
