Mai Khao Beach, Phuket: A Beautiful Coast Beyond the Airport

Mai Khao stretches for roughly 11 kilometres along Phuket's north-west coast. It feels very different from the island's busier resort beaches: the horizon is wide, the sand seems to go on and on, and some sections have little built development immediately behind them.

It is the sort of beach worth visiting without an elaborate plan. Walk a comfortable distance, look at the changing shapes of the shore and enjoy the sense of space. The photographs below show why the coast is interesting in its own right, quite apart from the aircraft near its southern end.

Mai Khao faces the open Andaman Sea. Waves, currents and the slope of the shore can make entering the water hazardous, particularly during the south-west monsoon, broadly May to October. Conditions are often more settled during the drier months, but that is not a guarantee of safe swimming.

Do not assume that a quiet-looking stretch has a lifeguard. Check warning flags and local advice, and stay out of the water when surf or currents are strong. For families, this is a beach to appreciate from the sand unless conditions and suitable supervision have been established on the day. See our Phuket beach safety guide .

Mai Khao has become well known for the aircraft that can pass over the beach as they approach Phuket International Airport. The viewing area is beside the airport at the southern end of the Mai Khao coastline, not up by the northern access described above.

Whether arriving aircraft pass overhead depends on runway use and wind direction; the best view is not guaranteed at a particular time. Keep to permitted public areas, never cross barriers or approach the airport fence, and respect any instructions from local authorities. Allow time to reach the viewpoint on foot rather than assuming your car can stop directly beneath the flight path.

Some stretches have coastal trees and shade; others, especially around the airport approach, are much more open. You will also find resort areas and occasional local food businesses, but Mai Khao does not have a continuous strip of shops and restaurants along the sand.

Do not rely on finding a toilet, shower, drinking water or a staffed lifeguard station at your chosen entry point. Visitor reports about toilets near the aircraft-viewing area have been mixed, and they do not establish the condition of facilities along the rest of the beach. Bring water and sun protection, and check practical arrangements before setting off.

Mai Khao is associated with Sirinat National Park and the protection of Phuket's north-western coastline. Sea turtles have historically used this coast for nesting. That makes it important to treat the natural beach carefully, whether or not wildlife is visible during your visit.

Do not disturb animals, tracks, nests or marked conservation areas, and take litter away with you. Park entry rules and fees can apply to particular managed access areas; they should not be confused with a universal charge for every route onto Mai Khao Beach.

The wet season can bring dramatic skies and energetic surf; the drier months are often more comfortable for long walks. For current forecasts, consult the Thai Meteorological Department before travelling.

This map identifies Mai Khao Beach as a whole, not a surveyed parking space or guaranteed beach entrance. Check whether you want the quieter northern section, a resort area or the airport viewpoint before choosing your route.