Mai Khao Beach – What to Do in Mai Khao (Updated 2020)

What to Do in Mai Khao

Mai Khao Beach starts at Sirinath National Park, right where Nai Yang Beach ends, and run for eleven kilometres to the very north of the island at Sai Keow beach, close to the bridge. There are few highlights worth mentioning in Mai Khao, excluding those five-star resorts.

The National park where locals like to picnic or camp for the weekend with kids playing all day in the water is not very large nor very interesting, but a 200 baht fee is still required at the entrance (or 40 if you are a local or expat). If your plan was to cross to go to Nai Yang Beach, you better take the other road a bit farther from the airport.

Plane Spotting

Then our favourite spot is to go watch the planes landing at the very end of the runway of Phuket Airport. It’s a bit of a walk in the sun, but it is very impressive and loud. They get close to the beach as you can see on the photos, and watching these monsters casting their massive shadow on the turquoise water is just amazing. Read more

Splash Jungle Waterpark

Next to the Phuket Airport is the Splash Jungle Waterpark, Decent in size, it probably won’t impress you if you are a waterpark fan. Few attractions include sliding down tunnels and spinning funnels, a quite impressive high slider and a pool with artificial waves. Kids love it anyway, but the entry fee is rather high. Read more

Wat Mai Khao

Less known, but worth a photo, is the Mai Khao Temple (Wat Mai Khao). The temple itself is tucked away from the road and doesn’t have any particular architectural interest, but it hides a little treasure: a small bird sanctuary hidden in the park behind it. Surrounded by a protective wall, a small lake with trees growing in the water is the shelter for a large number of white birds, probably cattle egrets. Since it is quite a strict temple, it’s not recommended just to drive through.

Baby Turtle Release

Once a year on Mai Khao Beach, during Songkran Festival, you might be lucky to witness the baby turtle release, usually supported by one of the nearby resorts. It is a magic moment and a fun experience to sponsor one of the baby turtles and bring it yourself near the water. Unfortunately, we all know that the chances to see these turtles coming back are quite thin.

Where to Stay in Mai Khao

Despite being a national park, a few properties and resorts appeared and most are amazing. We loved Sala Phuket, Renaissance Phuket or Mai Khao Dreams Villas further north. The beach remained mostly untouched, and it is such a welcome contrast with the crowded beaches in the south of Phuket. Read more about Hotels on Mai Khao ►►►

Sala Phuket

Sala Phuket Resort and Spa is one of our all-time favourite hideaways in Phuket, but it is not a hotel for everyone. Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort is a romantic resort fully dedicated to couples, with a unique setting and total privacy. Such a feature doesn’t come cheap but still is affordable. Read more

Renaissance Phuket

Renaissance Phuket is a great luxury resort if you want to enjoy the relaxing side of a tropical island and still have the option to drive to discover the restless nights of Patong Beach. With so many restaurants and outlets, you can choose to chill in the resort or use it as a base to explore the north of Phuket. Read more

JW Marriott Phuket

JW Marriott Phuket is an immense resort with a more traditional layout. It is known for having many excellent restaurants, immense conference rooms and best for families: it has a fantastic kids club!

Holiday Inn Mai Khao

Holiday Inn Mai Khao is the latest resort to open in this part of the island and probably the only one so far in the north. The resort is convenient and affordable but while it is very close to the sea, it offers a very narrow beachfront behind a line of trees.