Hat Mai Khao Beach

Address: Mai Khao Beach (Hat Mai Khao), Thalang District, Phuket, Thailand

Hours: Daily (public beach)

Admission: Free (public beach)

Hat Mai Khao is a long sandy beach on the northern edge of Phuket island in Thailand and is the island’s longest beach, measuring roughly 11 kilometers.

A broad, low-rise shoreline with shallow water and long sandbars is the main attraction. The wide stretch suits walking, low-impact water activities and beachside restaurants; the length also gives quieter sections compared with more built-up Phuket beaches.

The area overlaps with protected coastal habitat and is known for sea turtle nesting; conservation groups work locally to protect nests and hatchlings.

The beach sits on the northwest coast of Phuket, in Thalang district, directly north of Phuket International Airport and roughly 25-30 kilometers from central Phuket Town by road.

• Length: About 11 kilometers of continuous sandy shoreline, making it the longest beach on Phuket.
• Wildlife: Sea turtle nesting is regularly recorded and local conservation groups monitor nests along the beach.
• Airport proximity: Adjacent to Phuket International Airport so aircraft noise can be noticeable in parts of the beach.

Mai Khao Beach (Hat Mai Khao) sits on the northwest tip of Phuket island immediately north of Phuket International Airport. From Phuket Airport it’s a 10-15 minute drive north (about 4-6 km) along the airport access road/Thepkasattri corridor; from Phuket Town expect about a 30-40 minute drive (roughly 30-35 km) via the main north-south road. Taxis, airport shuttle buses and hotel transfers serve Mai Khao; local songthaews and airport buses stop near the beach with a short walk to the sand.

• Visit the northern stretch of Mai Khao inside Sirinat National Park early in the morning or late afternoon for the quietest sand and best light - the long, undeveloped beach is widest and least built-up at the north end.
• Enter via the Sirinat National Park access road rather than through resort driveways; park at the designated lot to avoid disturbing protected areas and to see the signs marking turtle-nesting zones.
• If you want a quieter beach experience, walk farther north past the main resort clusters - that stretch is where local conservation staff post nest locations and where the beach is most natural and uncrowded.