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Beaches & Viewpoints

Mai Khao Beach

Long, quiet beach famous for views of aircraft landing nearby.

Drive: 10 min About 5 km from HKT
From HKTAbout 10 min
AreaSirinat National Park
Good forPlane spotting, walks
SwimmingStrong currents May–Oct

About Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao is Phuket's longest beach, stretching for around 10 km along the north-west coast inside Sirinat National Park. It is quiet and undeveloped, with a few resorts set back from the sand.

The southern end, right beside the runway, is famous for planes passing low overhead as they land – a favourite with photographers.

Getting there by car

From the airport, take the local road towards the coast and follow signs for Mai Khao. For plane spotting, head to the southern end of the beach next to the runway.

Highlights

Plane spottingAircraft fly just above the beach on final approach.
Long, empty sandOne of the best beaches in Phuket for a quiet walk.
Turtle nesting beachSea turtles nest here in some years – respect any protected areas.

Parking

Where to leave the carInformal parking is available near the runway end and at the beach access roads. Leave nothing valuable in sight.

Tips before you go

Tip

Currents

The beach shelves steeply and can have strong currents. Swim only when it is calm.

Tip

Sun protection

There is little shade at the runway end – bring water and a hat.

Tip

Stay safe near the runway

Follow all signs and fences around the airport boundary.

Opening hours, entry fees and boat schedules change – please check with the site or your operator before you go.

Questions about visiting Mai Khao Beach

About 10 min (5 km) in light traffic. From the airport, take the local road towards the coast and follow signs for Mai Khao. For plane spotting, head to the southern end of the beach next to the runway.

Informal parking is available near the runway end and at the beach access roads. Leave nothing valuable in sight.

Currents: The beach shelves steeply and can have strong currents. Swim only when it is calm.

The main highlights: Plane spotting, Long, empty sand and Turtle nesting beach. See the highlights above for details.

Other places in the same area include Nai Yang Beach, Wat Phra Thong, Phang Nga Bay – easy to combine on a road trip with your rental car.

Yes – with your own car you can arrive early before the crowds, stay as long as you like and combine it with nearby sights, instead of fitting in with a tour schedule. Stay safe near the runway: Follow all signs and fences around the airport boundary.

Nearby

Combine it with

All places to visit
Nai Yang Beach10 min Relaxed beach close to the airport, ideal for a quick stop. How to get there
Wat Phra Thong15 min Famous half-buried Buddha and historic temple near the airport. How to get there
Phang Nga Bay~30 min Limestone cliffs, sea caves and the famous James Bond Island. Pier, parking & tips

Explore Mai Khao Beach at your own pace

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