What to Do in Mai Khao Beach?
There are quite a lot of fun things to do in Mai Khao Beach, from unique plane spotting to turtle conservation experiences. This quiet stretch of Phuket’s north coast offers everything from watching aircraft land overhead at the airport to having fun in a water park. You can explore the longest beach on the island, visit cultural sites like Wat Mai Khao temple, enjoy family fun at water parks, or discover local wildlife at the Soi Dog Foundation. With activities spanning from adventure sports like wakeboarding to peaceful temple visits, things to do in Mai Khao Beach suit both relaxation seekers and adventure lovers.
The Beach!
Mai Khao Beach stands as Phuket’s longest and most undeveloped stretch of coastline, extending approximately 11 kilometres along the northwestern shore. As part of Sirinat National Park, this protected beach maintains its natural character without commercial development on the beach itself. The beach also serves as one of Thailand’s few remaining sea turtle nesting sites, with annual conservation releases during April. Combined with its dramatic sunsets, undisturbed natural environment, and proximity to luxury resorts, Mai Khao represents Phuket’s last frontier of unspoiled beach paradise.
Plane Spotting
Aircraft approach Phuket International Airport directly over Mai Khao Beach, providing spectacular viewing opportunities for selfie enthusiasts. Planes descend as low as 10-20 meters overhead during high season (December to April) when winds favour westward landings. The experience includes watching various aircraft types from commercial jets to wide-body planes against the turquoise backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Access requires either walking approximately one kilometre from parking areas or taking motorbike taxis. Peak viewing occurs during morning hours when flight frequency is highest and lighting conditions are optimal for photography.
Baan Ar Jor House Museum
This restored Chinese-Colonial mansion dates to 1936 and functions as both a heritage museum and a Michelin-recommended restaurant. The three-story structure showcases original furniture, vintage photographs, and family artefacts from Phuket’s tin mining era. Built by businessman Tan Jin Nugn, the house remained abandoned for decades before the fourth generation transformed it into a cultural attraction. The museum preserves the architectural heritage of Phuket’s Chinese community with proceeds supporting local education initiatives. The on-site Toh-Daeng restaurant serves traditional Phuket cuisine using family recipes passed down through generations. Visitors can also book overnight stays in the heritage homestay accommodation.
Splash Jungle Waterpark
Located adjacent to Phuket International Airport, this tropical-themed water park spans six acres with attractions for all ages. Featured attractions include the Super Bowl slide, Boomerango, a 335-meter lazy river, a wave pool, and children’s aqua play areas. The park includes various water slides ranging from family-friendly options to adrenaline-pumping attractions for thrill seekers. Equipment rentals include lockers and towels for the visitor’s convenience. The facility features restaurants serving Thai and international cuisine throughout the park grounds.
M Beach Club
This beachfront bar operates within JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, featuring barbecue cuisine and cocktails with Andaman Sea views. The venue combines dining with entertainment, including live music performances and fire shows on select evenings. The club specialises in smokehouse barbecue dishes paired with tropical cocktails, creating an atmosphere suited for sunset viewing. Located directly on Mai Khao Beach, the venue offers both casual dining and special events.
Wat Mai Khao
This temple complex includes a traditional Buddhist temple and a unique bird sanctuary located behind the main structures. The sanctuary features a small lake surrounded by trees where white birds, likely cattle egrets, nest and feed. The temple itself follows minimalist design principles without ornate decorations, housing relics of revered teachers, including current abbot Phra Ajahn Daeng. Visitors can drive through the grounds and around the lake area, with donations welcomed for temple maintenance. The sanctuary provides a peaceful environment for wildlife observation and meditation. Appropriate dress code applies with covered shoulders and knees required for temple areas.
Nai Yang Beach
Next to Mai Khao Beach, this crescent-shaped beach offers dining facilities and recreational activities unavailable at Mai Khao. The beach features multiple beach restaurants serving Thai and international cuisine, making it fun for a dinner with sunset views. The beach serves as the primary dining destination for Mai Khao visitors due to limited food services directly on Mai Khao Beach itself. The area has a more developed beachfront compared to Mai Khao’s natural setting.
Sports Wake Park
This wakeboarding facility operates a full-size cable system approximately five minutes from Phuket International Airport. The park features both beginner and advanced options with a training cable for newcomers and a main cable for experienced riders. The facility includes obstacles, jumps, and rails for advanced riders, plus coaching services for beginners. Professional instructors provide lessons for first-time wakeboarders and skill development sessions for intermediate riders. On-site amenities include a restaurant, accommodation options, and an equipment shop selling wakeboarding gear.
Soi Dog Foundation
Established in 2003, this non-profit organisation focuses on street dog and cat welfare throughout Asia, with headquarters in Mai Khao. The foundation operates comprehensive CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programs, having sterilised over one million animals since inception. Current facilities house over 1,800 animals in modern veterinary hospitals and shelter buildings. Guided tours showcase rescue operations, medical facilities, and rehabilitation programs for visitors interested in animal welfare work. The foundation played an instrumental role in Thailand’s 2014 animal welfare legislation and in ending the domestic dog meat trade. Educational visits demonstrate animal welfare practices and conservation efforts throughout Southeast Asia.
Baby Turtle Release
Annual turtle release events occur during Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) in April, organised by various resorts and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. Participants can sponsor turtle releases with donations supporting conservation programs throughout the region. The ceremonies typically release rehabilitated green sea turtles aged 12-15 months that have been raised in protected environments. Events are organised by the Phuket Marine Biological Centre and supported by local resorts, including JW Marriott and Anantara properties. Natural nesting season occurs from November through February, with hatchlings released the following year after protective care. Multiple release events happen annually at different resort locations along Mai Khao Beac,h providing conservation education opportunities.
Sirinath National Park
This protected area encompasses Mai Khao Beach and the surrounding coastal ecosystems, with entrance fees required for foreign visitors. The park includes mangrove forests, bird watching opportunities, and wildlife viewing, including monitor lizards and various bird species. Visitors can observe white-bellied sea eagles, Terek sandpipers, and collared kingfishers within park boundaries. The protected area serves as an important habitat for migratory birds and marine life conservation. Limited facilities are available with basic amenities for picnicking and camping activities. The park experiences annual closure periods duringthe monsoon season for environmental protection and maintenance.
Your Mai Khao Beach Travel Guide
