Mai Khao Beach, Phuket
Phuket’s longest beach — quiet sand, sea turtles and planes landing overhead.
Photo: Athichitra, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Today at the beach
Loading current conditions…
Forecast data: Open-Meteo. Always follow the flags and lifeguard instructions on the beach.
About the beach
Mai Khao is the longest beach in Phuket. It runs along the north-west coast from Nai Yang Beach, past Phuket International Airport, to Sai Kaew Beach — about 11 km of sand.
~11 km of sand
Phuket’s longest beach.
National park
Part of Sirinat National Park.
Turtle beach
One of Phuket’s sea turtle nesting sites.
Next to the airport
Planes land just behind the southern end.
Facilities
Cash
Card payment is limited near the beach — bring cash.
Lifeguards
Locations and hours: being verified — check back soon.
Toilets & showers
Locations: being verified — check back soon.
Sunbeds
Rental and prices: being verified — check back soon.
Safety & rules
Steep seabed
The sea gets deep quickly — swimming here is risky.
Monsoon currents
Strong currents and red flags are common from May to October.
Red flag = no swimming
Never enter the water when red flags are up.
Airport zone
Do not fly drones or shine lights near the airport.
Things to do
Plane spotting
Watch planes land right over the beach at the airport end.
.jpg){kind=link}
Sea turtles
Mai Khao is one of the last turtle nesting sites in Phuket.
Pine tunnel & sunsets
A shaded casuarina tunnel along the sand, best at sunset.
Where to eat
Getting there
From the airport
About 5–20 minutes by car, depending on which part of the beach you go to.
From Patong or Kata
About 45–60 minutes by taxi.
Beach access
Via the small lanes (soi) off the main road in Mai Khao village.
FAQ
Can you swim at Mai Khao Beach?
Swimming is risky: the seabed is steep and deep, and strong currents are common from May to October. Most visitors walk and relax instead. Never swim when a red flag is up.
How do I get to Mai Khao Beach?
It is right next to Phuket International Airport — about 5–20 minutes by car. Access is via the small lanes (soi) off the main road in Mai Khao.
Is Mai Khao Beach worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a quiet beach: it is Phuket’s longest, with plane spotting at the airport end and a turtle nesting area.