Mai Khao Beach: 11 km of Empty Shoreline Near the Airport

Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach in Phuket: 11 kilometers of golden sand without a single sunbed. It's located 5 minutes from the airport and is part of Sirinat National Park. From November to February, sea turtles nest here. There are almost no people even during peak season. This is a beach for those who want silence, long walks, and the feeling of being on a deserted island — while the airport is just a three-minute drive away.

Beach Description

Mai Khao occupies the entire northwest of Phuket. Eleven kilometers of sandy coastline stretch from the Sarasin Bridge (connecting Phuket to the mainland) in the north to Nai Yang Beach in the south. The sand here isn't snow-white like Karon's — it's golden-beige with crushed shells mixed in. But it's firm, making it great for running and cycling.

The beach is wide: 30-50 meters from the water's edge to the vegetation. Casuarina trees ("Thai pines") create natural shade along the shore. The water entry is gentle, with depth increasing slowly. In high season the sea is clean and calm, with visibility up to 10 meters.

Mai Khao's defining feature is emptiness. There are no beach clubs, jet skis, or touts. You can walk a kilometer without meeting another soul. This is a stark contrast to Patong or Kamala, where sunbeds are packed side by side.

From November to February the beach becomes a nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles. It's one of the few beaches in Thailand where turtles still lay eggs. The national park fences off the nests and monitors the process. In February-March they hold a baby turtle release ceremony — it's open to the public and free.

Another attraction is the airplanes. The northern part of Mai Khao runs right under the airport's flight path. Planes fly overhead at just 50-100 meters altitude. It's not as loud as you'd think (the beach is 11 km long, after all), but it makes for incredible photos. The most popular spot for plane-watching, though, is actually Nai Thon rather than Mai Khao. At Mai Khao the planes are visible too, just from a different angle.

Facilities

Facilities at Mai Khao are minimal — and that's part of its charm. Here's what's available:

Hotels. Several five-star resorts sit on the beach: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, and AKOYA Hotel & Spa. All are right on the beachfront. Prices range from 5,000 to 25,000 baht per night depending on the season. There are no budget guesthouses on the beach itself — the nearest are in Mai Khao village (2-3 km from shore).

Food. Hotel restaurants are available but at tourist prices (500-1,500 baht per dish). Near the national park entrance there are a couple of Thai eateries with normal prices (80-150 baht per plate). Mobile vendors with fruit and corn occasionally appear on the beach — but this isn't Kata, where there's a cart every 20 meters.

Amenities. Restrooms and showers are only at the national park entrance and at the hotels. There's nothing on the beach itself. Parking is free at the park entrance (but limited spaces; arrive by 9 AM on weekends). No beach equipment rental — bring your own.

Nightlife. There is none. At all. The nearest bar is in the JW Marriott lobby. If you want evening entertainment, this is not your beach. Bang Tao with its bars is 20 minutes' drive south.

How to Get to Mai Khao Beach

From the airport. This is the closest beach to Phuket Airport. By taxi — 5 minutes and 200-300 baht via the meter (Grab/Bolt). The perfect option for your last day: pop in for a swim before an evening flight.

From Patong. 35-40 minutes by taxi, 600-800 baht one way. No direct buses. By bike — about 30 minutes via Thepkrasattri Road.

From Kata/Karon. 50-60 minutes, 800-1,000 baht by taxi. The route goes through the center of the island along the main highway.

By rented bike. The most convenient option for independent travelers. National park entrance coordinates: 8.1742, 98.3015. Good asphalt road.

By public transport (songthaew). It exists in theory, but in practice the route ends at the airport. From the airport to the beach is another 3 km — you'll need to walk or catch a tuk-tuk.

Best Time to Visit Mai Khao

Best period: November-April. The sea is calm, rainfall is low, water temperature is 28-30 degrees Celsius. This is the only time when swimming at Mai Khao is truly comfortable.

November-February brings the bonus of turtles. If you're lucky, you may spot nesting tracks at dawn. The park foundation posts news about baby turtle releases on the Sirinat National Park Facebook group.

May-October is low season. Waves are big, currents are strong. Red flags are up almost every day. Swimming is dangerous, and there are no lifeguards. But the beach is absolutely empty (even by local standards), and after rain the sunsets are incredible.

Best time of day is early morning (before 8:00 AM) and evening (after 4:00 PM). During the day the sand is scorching hot and there's little shade. Mai Khao sunsets are among the best on the island — a long horizon line with no islands or boats in the way.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Longest beach in Phuket — 11 km uninterrupted
• Minimal crowds even in high season
• Sea turtles — a unique experience for Phuket
• 5 minutes from the airport — perfect for first/last day
• National park — clean and undeveloped
• No vendors, noise, or touts
• Quality five-star hotels on the beachfront
• Wide firm sand ideal for jogging

Cons

• Complete lack of beach infrastructure (no sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes)
• Far from tourist centers (35-50 min to Patong/Kata)
• No nightlife or entertainment
• Limited budget accommodation
• Dangerous currents in low season
• No snorkeling — sandy bottom, no corals
• No public transport

Who Mai Khao Is For

This beach isn't for everyone. It's ideal for a specific type of traveler:

Couples seeking solitude. Romantic walks along an endless empty beach — no exaggeration. You can walk for an hour and not see a soul.

Runners and athletes. The firm wet sand near the water is the perfect surface. Many expats from northern Phuket run here at sunrise.

Families with small children. Gentle water entry, no boats or jet skis, a wide beach for playing. But keep in mind — little shade, zero infrastructure.

Transit travelers. If you have a late flight and a free day, Mai Khao is the only right choice. Swim, dry off, hop in a taxi, and you're at the airport in 5 minutes.

Not suitable for those who want: beach parties, snorkeling, water sports, a wide selection of restaurants, or walkable shops.

Restaurants Near Mai Khao

There are practically no restaurants on the beach itself, but there are some worthy spots nearby. In Mai Khao village (3 km from shore), 5-6 Thai cafes offer dishes from 80 baht — my favorite is the place with the green sign on the main road, which makes excellent khao pad (fried rice with chicken). The JW Marriott and Sala Phuket hotel restaurants offer upscale dining: steaks, Mediterranean cuisine, Thai set menus — budget from 500 to 2,000 baht per person. At the market by Sarasin Bridge (15 minutes north), seafood is cheaper than anywhere else on the island — locals shop here.

Parking

At the Sirinat National Park entrance there's free parking for 30-40 cars. Weekdays are fine; on weekends arrive before 9 AM. There's always room for a rented bike. If you enter the beach from the south side (near JW Marriott), roadside parking is free. Important: don't leave valuables in an open bike storage compartment — the area is deserted and petty theft does occur.

Personal Experience

I visit Mai Khao two or three times a month, usually early in the morning. It's my beach for recharging: alarm at 6:00 AM, jump on my bike, and 40 minutes later I've left the south of the island for a different world. Eleven kilometers of empty sand, just me and the ocean. I run along the water for about 40 minutes, then swim and lie on my towel, listening to the surf and the roar of planes on approach — the combination of nature and technology creates a surprisingly meditative effect. By 10 AM I'm back home, energized for the entire day.

What to See Nearby

Sirinat National Park. Mai Khao is part of the park. You can walk a trail through mangrove forests (1.5 km, free with paid entry). The trail starts at the visitor center.

Sarasin Bridge. Connects Phuket to the mainland. The lookout point offers views of both shores. There's a local seafood market nearby where prices are lower than anywhere else on the island — this is where Thais themselves shop.

Splash Jungle Water Park. A water park at the Centara Grand West Sands hotel — 5 minutes from Mai Khao. A great option for kids if the beach gets boring. Entry: 1,500 baht for adults.

Turtle Center. The national park operates a small center with information about the turtles. Free. Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Practical Tips

• Bring water (at least 1.5 liters per person) — there's nowhere to buy it on the beach
• Sunscreen is essential — almost no shade
• If coming by bike — fill up beforehand, no gas stations near the beach
• No smoking, campfires, or littering in the national park
• Best spot for airplane photos — coordinates 8.1650, 98.3058 (southern section)
• If visiting in February — watch for baby turtle release announcements in the park's Facebook group
• For dinner after the beach, head to Mai Khao village — 5-6 Thai cafes with prices from 80 baht

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Mai Khao Beach?

Yes, swimming is possible. In high season (November-April) the sea is calm with almost no waves. In low season there can be strong currents and red flags — on those days it's best not to go deeper than knee level.

How far is Mai Khao Beach from Phuket Airport?

The beach is a 5-minute drive from the airport (about 3 km). It's the closest beach to Phuket Airport, making it perfect for your last day before a flight.

When do sea turtles nest at Mai Khao?

Sea turtles nest at Mai Khao from November to February. Hatching occurs about 60 days later. The Sirinat National Park runs a baby turtle release program — usually in February-March.

Are there restaurants and shops at Mai Khao Beach?

Infrastructure is minimal. There are a few local cafes near the national park entrance and restaurants at JW Marriott and Sala Phuket hotels. The nearest 7-Eleven is 3 km from the beach.

Do you have to pay to enter Mai Khao Beach?

The beach is part of Sirinat National Park. Entry for foreigners is 100 baht for adults, 50 baht for children. But if you enter from the south side (near JW Marriott), no fee is charged.