Mai Khao Beach

Things to Do

Mai Khao is a beach for walking, watching and slowing down — not a party or swimming beach.

Airliner on final approach over Mai Khao Beach
Photo: The Cosmonaut, CC BY-SA 2.5 ca, via Wikimedia Commons

Plane spotting

The southern end is right next to the runway of Phuket International Airport — planes come in low over the beach. The most popular spot is the Mai Khao Beach Flight Viewing Point, with free parking on Soi Mai Khao 7. Please do not fly drones or shine lights at aircraft.

Leatherback sea turtle on a beach (illustrative photo)
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Sea turtles

Mai Khao is one of the sea turtle nesting sites in Phuket. The nesting season is reported as roughly November to February. The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation is based on the beach.

Casuarina trees along Mai Khao Beach
Photo: Mikhail Deynekin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pine tunnel & sunsets

A shaded tunnel of casuarina trees runs along the sand inside Sirinat National Park — a favourite spot at sunset. End of Soi Maliwan Uthit, next to the Administrative Court, Moo 3.

Long sandy shore of Mai Khao Beach
Photo: Michelle Maria, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Long beach walks

About 11 km of sand and few buildings — the best beach in Phuket for a long, quiet walk. In the north it continues into Sai Kaew Beach, near Sarasin Bridge.

Swimming

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Swim with care

Swimming is risky because of the steep seabed and currents.

Read the safety guide →