Mai Khao and Nai Yang beaches (Sirinat National Park): turtles, planes and tips

Updated on October 19, 2026

Mai Khao and Nai Yang are the beaches of north-west Phuket, a short distance from the airport. They are part of Sirinat National Park: long stretches of sand lined with casuarina pines, far quieter than Patong or Kata. Mai Khao runs for about ten kilometres up to the end of the airport runway, where you can watch planes pass very low; Nai Yang, further south, is more sheltered and easier for swimming. Allow half a day, preferably outside the rainy season.

Highlights

Mai Khao at sunset

The beach is long, wide and almost empty away from the hotels in the north. Waves and currents can be strong: swim carefully and respect the flags.

Nai Yang and its casuarinas

A sandy beach with shade under the trees, a few beach restaurants and seafood sellers, popular with families and locals.

Planes just above the water

The southern end of Mai Khao is known for watching landings a few dozen metres above the beach: it is loud, but the show is free.

Practical info

Tips

According to the guides consulted in October 2026, the Sirinat National Park entrance fee is 200 baht for a foreign adult and 100 baht for a child, but sources disagree: access to the beaches themselves is described as free, and the fee depends on the entrance used. Check at the park post. The Thai National Parks site says no turtle eggs have been seen since 2013, while travel sites still mention a nesting season between November and February: do not count on seeing turtles, and never touch a nest or an animal. Swimming is not advised when red flags are up, especially in the monsoon. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: there is little shade on Mai Khao. For a livelier beach with services, see Surin beach or Bang Tao beach; to reach the north from the airport, read from Phuket airport to the beaches.

How to get there

Mai Khao and Nai Yang are in the north-west of the island, about 5 to 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport Taxi, Grab or scooter from the airport or from the west coast (Bang Tao, Surin): agree the price before getting in Public buses are rare in the area: ask your hotel or count on a taxi

Opening hours

Best: Late afternoon, November to April

The beaches are accessible all day. The Sirinat National Park post is open during the day; exact hours were not confirmed by an official source. Check on site.