What to Do in Naithon Beach?
Naithon Beach is one of those quiet spots on Phuket’s northwest coast, just a short drive south of Nai Yang Beach. It’s a long, wide stretch of soft sand, shaded by tall trees, with clear water during the high season. There’s not much in terms of nightlife or water sports, but that’s the charm. You’ll find a few small restaurants and shops across the road, and sunbeds for rent on the sand. The wooden staircase at the northern end has become a bit of an Instagram favourite. It’s a good place to stop if you’re looking for a peaceful beach day away from the crowds.
Naithon Beach Video
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Pros and Cons of Naithon Beach
Pros:
- Secluded and peaceful: Away from major tourist areas, offering a tranquil escape.
- Beautiful beach: Long, wide stretch with soft white sand and clear water during the high season.
- Natural shade: Tall trees provide relief from the sun along the beach.
- Local dining options: A handful of restaurants along the beach road with authentic Thai food.
- Luxury accommodations: Features upscale resorts like Pullman Arcadia and Trisara.
- Easy access to the airport: Just 7 km from Phuket International Airport.
Cons:
- Limited nightlife: Very little entertainment options; not for partygoers!
- Seasonal swimming risks: Swimming is unsafe during the monsoon season (July to November).
- Can appear neglected in low season: Some areas may accumulate debris during off-peak months.
- Changing landscape: Some restaurants on the beach have closed, reducing beachfront dining options.
WHAT TO DO IN NAITHON BEACH?
There are no jet skis or parasailing in sight yet, only a few longtail boats bobbing here and there, and beach vendors are still discreet. Parking your car is relatively easy in the shade of trees anywhere along the beach. Across the road are bars, restaurants, a mini-mart and even a tailor and a dive shop.
The Beach of Naithon
Naithon is one of Phuket’s incredible beaches with soft white sand and clear warm water during the high season. The beach is somehow divided into two areas: the main beach in the north and a smaller and more price cove just passed a boulder hill. The beach is an amazingly long and wide strip, well-shaded by tall trees and divided in two by a small rock formation. Walk beyond these rocks to reach an even more private area of Naithon. The sand is smooth, and swimming is excellent during the high season. Loungers, umbrellas and drinks are available, as well as a small restaurant in the very south of Naithon. Naithon is one of the best beaches in Phuket.
The Town of Naithon – Eat and Shop Along the Beach
Tall trees provide a welcome shade all along the beach, and people often have a nap in their hammocks. Naithon still has the rare charm of a small seaside town not yet invaded by tourism during the high season, unlike most beaches in the south of Phuket. Enjoy it while it lasts because things tend to change fast!
Keep in mind that it may look a little neglected during the low season, and swimming between July to November is not recommended. Just keep an eye on the flags.
Stairway to Heaven
These partly hidden wooden staircases are a popular Instagram spot in Phuket. They have been around for a long time, but as usual, people would drive by too fast to even notice them. They go down all the way from the road to the beach, but their condition is degrading, so enjoy them while they still stand! Note that the condition of the beach below varies with the seasons. During the low season, a lot of debris can be brought in by the strong tides.
Banana Beach
Banana Beach is a little hidden cove hiding from the crowd, not far from Naithon. It has remained relatively quiet because it is far from the main roads and a bit challenging to find and access, and most tourists are quite lazy when going to the beach requires effort. The beach is beautiful, with tall coconut trees all along the soft white sand and clear blue water. There is a local restaurant during the high season.
Nai Yang Beach
Nai Yang Beach is just about 10 minutes north of Naithon Beach, making it an easy stop for a relaxed day out. It has a different feel, a bit more lively but still very local. What I like most here are the many small Thai restaurants and bars set right on the sand. You can sit with your feet in the sand, order grilled seafood or a cold drink, and just watch the sun go down. It’s especially nice in the evening when everything lights up and the breeze picks up. It’s a great place to end the day after Naithon.
Naithon Noi Beach
Naithon Noi Beach is a stunning little cove just south of Naithon Beach. Technically public like all beaches in Thailand, but access is blocked by private land, mostly from the luxury villas and Andaman White Beach Resort above. The sand is soft, the water is crystal clear, and there are no vendors or buildings on the sand. It really feels untouched. If you are a guest of the Andaman White Beach Resort, it’s one of the most peaceful beaches in Phuket.
WHERE TO STAY ON NAITHON?
There are quite a few small, affordable hotels along the beach, and you only have to cross the street to reach the sand. If you want something more sophisticated with unique villas, great restaurants and a fantastic view, look at the popular Pullman Arcadia Naithon.
Pullman Arcadia Naithon
Over the Beach |
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon is a superb resort located on the still peaceful Naithon beach, a surprisingly beautiful beach away from any main road on the upper west coast of Phuket. The hotel is far from the usual crowds but not isolated and near a less known local life, making it an exciting starting point to enjoy what Phuket offers if you are not a partygoer. Read more about Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon
Range: 5-star
Swimming pools: 2
Restaurants and bars: 2 restaurants, 3 bars
Distance to the closest beach: down the stairs
Check the rates
Trisara Phuket
If you can afford it, Trisara Phuket is one of the most exclusive resorts on the island and with a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it comes at a staggering price. Read more about Trisara
Range: 5-star
Swimming pools: 1
Restaurants and bars: 2
Distance to the closest beach: on its small beach
Check the rates
Andaman White Beach Resort
On The Beach |
Andaman White Beach Resort is a secluded hotel near the airport. It may not be as luxurious as other hotels, but its beach is unique, immense, private and superb. This setting is great for enjoying taking Instagram photos that will make all your friends jealous. The pool has a decent size, and the restaurants offer sea views. Read more
Check the rates
WHERE TO EAT IN NAITHON?
There are quite a few restaurants along the beach road of Naithon, plus two nice spots by the beach: Drift Beach Club and the casual Inthanin Naithon Restaurant.
Tony Restaurant
Address: 23 27 Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: +66 97 308 7339
Inthanin Naithon Restaurant
On The Beach |
Inthanin Naithon is a delightful tiny restaurant hidden on the soft sands of the beach. The place is hard to find, but it is worth the effort. First, the location right on the beach of the understated Naithon Beach is unique and enjoyable. Secondly, it is near the very popular Naithon staircase that is so popular on Instagram.
Vero Trattoria & Wine Bar at Pullman
We tried Vero Trattoria & Wine Bar in the evening, the Italian restaurant above Elements. It was a real treat, both sophisticated and casual at the same time, perfect for a romantic dinner with a sunset. Most guests prefer to eat outdoors to enjoy the stunning views of the Andaman Sea, but as the heat can be relatively high in May, we chose to enjoy the decor and comfort of the aircon room.
Pru at Trisara
One Star Michelin |
Pru Restaurant at Trisara Phuket has become the first and only restaurant to receive a star from the new Michelin Guide. Michelin only arrived in Phuket in 2018 with much-anticipated nominations. While many restaurants around the island received BIBs and Plates from the Michelin Guide, being the only one with a star means a lot and raises the customers’ expectations.
Shameena Restaurant
Shameena Restaurant is a small family-run place just across the street from Naithon Beach. The owner cooks every dish herself, focusing on a short menu of around 30 Thai classics. Each meal is prepared fresh, using quality ingredients, and the food they serve is known to be bold and authentic. The restaurant is very casual and friendly, with indoor and outdoor seating. They also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and the prices are reasonable for the location.
How to Get to Naithon Beach
The easiest way to reach there is to drive to the airport, turn left at the T intersection just before entering it, drive a few kilometres, and turn right at the signs pointing to ‘Andaman White Beach Resort’ and Trisara Phuket Resort. The closest beach not to miss is the hidden Banana Beach, just 3 kilometres away.
Fast Facts about Naithon Beach
⛱️ Beach condition: | Excellent |
⛱️ Beach nearby: | Naiyang Beach |
⛱️ Hidden beach: | Banana Beach |
💎 Hidden gem viewpoint: | Naithon Wooden Staircase |
🧳 Best hotel nearby: | Pullman Phuket Arcadia |
🧳 Best luxury pool villas: | Trisara Phuket |
🚙 Distance to Patong Beach: | 27 km |
🚙 Distance to Phuket Town: | 31 km |
✈️ Distance from Phuket International Airport: | 8 km |