What to do in the Sirinat National Park?
The Sirinat National Park (เธญเธธเธเธขเธฒเธเนเธซเนเธเธเธฒเธเธดเธชเธดเธฃเธดเธเธฒเธ) is a patch of protected land facing the Andaman Sea on the northwest coast of Phuket Island, covering four beaches, from north to south: Sai Kaew Beach, Mai Khao Beach, Naiyang Beach and Naithon Beach. While there are no hotels in the park, the place is popular with locals for camping in tents and barbecues, especially on weekends. The park is 90 km2, quite modest in size, and covered with immense casuarina trees. The most interesting attraction is probably the planes landing over the beach during the high season (they land on the other side of the runway in the low season, which is a lot less impressive.)
The beaches of Sirinat National Park
Mai Khao Beach
North of the Sirinat National Park is the immense and still natural beach of Mai Khao. This 11-kilometre-long beach is protected, and the few luxury resorts built along the sea have respected a certain distance to the beachfront. Guests just have to cross a hundred metres lawn to reach the sand. There are no vendors or even beach chairs on the beach, and the atmosphere is peaceful, making Mai Khao a great place for romantic strolls, especially at sunset.
Nai Yang Beach
Nai Yang Beach is in the southern part of Sirinat National Park. Contrary to the natural Mai Khao Beach, Nai Yang is very lively, with many bars and restaurants on the beach. There are quite a few hotels in the area, from budget to luxury.
What to do around Sirinat National Park
Planes landing over the beach
The only part of Mai Khao beach to be unusually busy is the southern end, thankfully far from the luxury hotels! The start of the airport runway is just a hundred metres from the beach, and during the high season, planes of all sizes approach at very low altitudes. The sight of those giant aircraft is very impressive, and despite the signs asking people not to remain in the path, this part of the beach has become a very popular selfie playground!
Where to eat in Sirinat National Park
You wonโt find food vendors in the park itself, but there are a dozen carts at the parkโs entrance selling delicious and cheap street food, drinks and fruits. If you wish to enjoy a real meal, just walk on the beach until you reach one of the beach restaurants on Nai Yang. The tables are set on the sand and open for lunch and dinner, a real tropical treat!
Where to stay in Sirinat National Park
Here too, unless you come with a tent, there is no accommodation available in the national park itself, but there is a handful of excellent hotels nearby. The closest is DEWA Phuket Resort and Spa. A little further are The Slate Phuket, and with direct beachfront access is Phuket Marriott Resort Nai Yang.
The Slate Phuket
The Slate Phuket is a superb 5-star hotel in a spacious property with a fantastic and unusual design inspired by the tin mining era of Phuket. The layout, decoration, rooms and outlets often described as โIndustrial Chicโ are surprisingly familiar, making it one of the best hotels in Phuket. Read more
Check the rates with your favourite websites
Phuket Marriott Resort Nai Yang
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang is the ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The beautifully designed rooms feature Thai influences and modern amenities. The hotel has three excellent restaurants, and Quan Spa provides a range of excellent treatments, while the vast swimming pool offers ample space for relaxation and recreation. Read more
Check the rates with your favourite websites
More photos
Sirinat National Park Info
Address: 89 Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket 83140
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 076 328 226
Area: 90 kmยฒ
Management: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Established: July 1981
