Beaches · Far North Phuket

Sai Kaew Beach, Phuket: A Quiet Northern Coastline

Sai Kaew Beach (Haad Sai Kaew) is a scenic, tree-backed stretch of sand near Phuket’s northern tip, south of Sarasin Bridge. Come for coastal scenery and a slower-paced stop, rather than expecting a conventional swimming beach with organised facilities.

Sai Kaew Beach, with sand, coastal trees and the sea beyond. — Sai Kaew Beach on Phuket’s far northern coast.

Is Sai Kaew Beach worth visiting? Yes, especially for a quiet look at northern Phuket’s open coast, photographs and a walk beside the casuarina trees. The main stretch is visible beside Route 402 just before Sarasin Bridge. Swimming conditions and lifeguard cover have not been confirmed, so do not plan a swim on the strength of a calm-looking sea.

A different side of Phuket

Sai Kaew has none of the busy beach-town atmosphere visitors associate with Patong or Kata. The appeal here is simpler: an extended sandy shore, a fringe of casuarina trees and an open view across the water. In places, fallen branches and driftwood make the coast look rugged rather than manicured.

It is the sort of place to visit with time to look around, rather than arrive expecting a full day of beach services. The northern coast also feels different from the nearby Mai Khao shoreline , although the two areas are geographically close.

Driftwood and coastal trees along the sandy shoreline of Sai Kaew Beach. — Trees and weathered timber give the shoreline its natural character.

A view along Sai Kaew Beach towards the tree-lined coast to the south. — Looking along the long, tree-backed stretch of sand.

Casuarina trees, driftwood and open sand

The most memorable details are often at the edge of the beach. Branches lean towards the water, fallen timber lies on the sand and the trees break up the light and shade. These are good reasons to bring a camera and explore at an unhurried pace.

Shade varies by the part of the beach and the time of day. Trees near the back of the sand do not mean there will be shade where you choose to sit.

Fallen branches and exposed timber resting on the sand beside the sea. — Driftwood and fallen branches form part of the landscape.

A wooden swing hanging beneath casuarina branches beside the beach. — A simple swing beneath the coastal trees.

Getting to Sai Kaew Beach

As you drive north along Route 402 towards Sarasin Bridge, Sai Kaew Beach comes into view on your left along the final stretch of road before the bridge. The road runs very close to the sand, so this is an easy coastline to spot even if you are only making a short stop.

You can park at suitable roadside stopping spaces along this stretch and walk down towards the beach. Stop only where it is safe and permitted, keep clear of traffic and do not obstruct the road. There are also small restaurants along Route 402 where visitors sometimes stop for a meal or a drink.

For the more secluded northern end, access is less straightforward: a smaller coastal road runs from the restaurant area around the headland towards Pak Phra Strait, then slopes down towards the shore. That section is different from the roadside beach shown on the map. If you simply want to enjoy Sai Kaew, the Route 402 section is the easier place to start.

Roadside stopping area with a small vendor cart and shelter near Sai Kaew Beach. — A modest roadside stopping area near the northern beach.

Small roadside stops, not a serviced beach resort

Small eateries or stalls have been reported near the approach to the northern beach. They can make a useful stop before or after exploring, but opening hours and the facilities available to non-customers have not been established.

Do not count on public toilets, showers, sunbeds or a staffed beach service without checking on arrival. A business with a toilet is not necessarily offering a public facility.

Small roadside food vendors operating beneath trees near Route 402. — Roadside stalls are part of the approach; availability can change.

A broad stretch of sand beside turquoise water with distant land on the horizon. — A wide view of the northern coastline.

What about swimming?

We would visit Sai Kaew for the landscape, not specifically to swim. Our editor has explored this coastline but has not swum here and does not recommend treating the beach as an assured swimming spot.

Visitor accounts disagree about swimming, and descriptions of the seabed differ between sources. The open Andaman-facing shore should also be distinguished from the tidal waters closer to Pak Phra Strait. Neither the absence of obvious waves nor a photograph showing pale water confirms depth, current strength or safety.

Check conditions and any warnings on the day. Do not enter the water when warning flags are displayed or when currents, waves or access to help are uncertain. For wider seasonal guidance, see our Phuket beach safety guide .

Sand and shallow-looking water patterns beside the northern shoreline. — Sand and water patterns near the northern shore; depth and currents cannot be judged from a photograph.

Sai Kaew Beach on Google Maps

This map is centred on the main Sai Kaew Beach stretch alongside Route 402, where the beach is visible from the road before you reach Sarasin Bridge heading north. Look for a safe, permitted roadside stopping place; the map does not mark a designated car park.

Map pin: the Route 402 beach area, not the northern headland or a designated car park. Choose a safe, permitted stopping place before walking to the sand.

Open Sai Kaew Beach in Google Maps ↗

Practical facts for a visit

Location Northern Phuket, between the Mai Khao coast and the Sarasin Bridge area

Best reason to go Scenery, walking, coastal photography and a quieter stop

Access and parking Beach visible from Route 402 before Sarasin Bridge; roadside stopping and a short walk where parking is safe and permitted

Food and drink Small roadside eateries and stalls reported; hours vary and are unconfirmed

Toilets and showers Current public availability not confirmed; ask any nearby business directly

Lifeguards and swimming Current patrol coverage not verified; swimming conditions vary and require a same-day assessment

Shade Casuarina trees along parts of the backshore; not continuous shade across the sand

Good to bring Water, sun protection and shoes comfortable enough for uneven beach approaches

Sai Kaew Beach: Frequently asked questions

Is Sai Kaew Beach suitable for swimming?

Do not assume so. The available accounts conflict, and we have not verified current sea conditions or lifeguard cover. We recommend coming for the scenery rather than planning a swim.

Is Sai Kaew Beach easy to reach?

The main beach is visible beside Route 402 on the approach to Sarasin Bridge, and you can stop at suitable roadside parking spaces where permitted. Reaching the quieter northern headland by smaller local roads takes more care.

Are there restaurants and toilets?

Small roadside food outlets have been reported. Their current hours and whether customers or passers-by can use a toilet are not confirmed; do not assume public facilities are available.

Explore more of northern Phuket

For the bridge and strait setting, explore Haad Pak Phra Beach . For a much longer sandy coastline, see Mai Khao Beach , or browse all Phuket beaches .