Exploring Nai Yang Beach, Phuket

Phuket is one of my favourite places in Thailand for stunning beaches but some of them can feel a little busy and overwhelming. If you want to escape the crowds then head North where you’ll find soft, almost deserted stretches of sand. Nai Yang Beach, Phuket is one of the best. Here’s what you need to know.

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Things to do in Nai Yang

Nai Yang beach has a very relaxed vibe so there’s really no need to do much at all. The sand is soft and the water warm, perfect for chilling out with a good book. If you want to hire a sunbed for the day you can do so from the hotels or restaurants that border the beach or just bring a towel and find a quiet spot for the day. You’ll find plenty of shaded areas under the trees at the end of the beach.

Snorkelling at Nai Yang Beach

Nai Yang is home to a coral reef a short way out to sea where you’ll find plenty of pretty tropical fish. This makes it one of the most popular places in the North of Phuket for snorkelling. Bring your own mask and don’t forget your water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky seabed.

Watersports

Nai Yang is a great place for paddle boarding and kayaking. The water is pretty calm and there are a couple of tiny islands nearby you can paddle out to. You can hire boards from right on the sand. It’s not expensive. You can also try Wakeboarding and kite surfing although this is a bit more expensive.

Nai Yang Market

If you fancy a snack or want a quick shopping fix then head to Nai Yang fresh market. You’ll find plenty of street food stalls (I highly recommend a fresh coconut to stay hydrated) but also several typical Thai stalls selling cheap clothes and toys. The market is only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Grab a massage

There are plenty of massage shops around Nai Yang Beach. These range from the super cheap walk in types to luxurious spas in opulent resorts. You’ll find them on the road bordering the beach.

Take in the sunset

Nai Yang is a brilliant place to watch the sunset in Phuket. The sky really does light up with all colours imaginable. Grab a cool drink from one of the street vendors, find a spot on the sand and take it all in.

Still looking for things to do? Have a look at my list of family friendly activities in Phuket.

Sirinat National Park

Nai Yang beach is located in Sirinat National Park which is mainly made up of the sea but also includes the land bordering the coast which is covered in beautiful pine trees and a mangrove forest.

The main entrance to the park is located at the Northern end of Nai Yang beach. There’s a small charge to enter. 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for kids. There’s an extra small charge if you drive in.

Turtles visit the beaches of Sirinath National park between November and February to lay their eggs. Although they have drastically reduced in number over the last few years.

If you fancy camping you can bring a tent and camp in Sirinath National park for a very nominal fee.

Nai Yang beach Phuket hotels

The North of the island is one of the best aras to stay in Phuket. I love the relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches. These are some of the best places to stay in Nai Yang. But if you’re interested in other parts of the island, have a read of my post on the best areas to stay in Phuket.

The Slate

For ultimate luxury, book in at the Slate, right on Nai Yang Beach. It’s a stunning contemporary hotel with modern design and a very laid back vibe. The restaurants are first class and service is first class.

The Dewa

The Dewa is a gorgeous 5 star resort with the option to book pool villas, two bed suites or slightly cheaper delux doubles. The hotel is home to a stunning spa, gorgeous pool with a bar and some lovely restaurants.

Check prices for the Dewa Nai Yang

The Marriott

The Marriott Resort Nai Yang is another excellent luxury hotel overlooking Nai Yang Beach. This is a great one to pick if your staying in Phuket with kids as it has an excellent kids club. I recommend treating yourselves to a beach villa for the ultimate extravagance.

Check prices for the Marriott Nai Yang

Nai Yang Park Resort

My favourite 4 star hotel in Nai Yang is the Nai Yang Park Resort. Located just across the road from one of the prettiest parts of the beach. Rooms are bungalow style are very spacious. Each has a private outdoor terrace and are beautifully decorated. The restaurant serves excellent Thai favourites and has a pool table to keep the kids (and grown ups) entertained.

Check prices for the Naiyang Park Resort

The Proud Phuket Resort

Located just a few minutes walk from Nai Yang beach is The Proud Phuket Hotel. This is a great value four star resort with bright modern rooms, gorgeous pool and a pretty decent restaurant.

Check prices for the Proud Phuket Resort

For more great hotel ideas have a look at my list of the best resorts in Phuket.

Nai Yang Beach Restaurants

When you get hungry you’ll have plenty of options to eat at Nai Yang Beach. From food stalls bordering the sand to high end restaurants within the many resorts it really does just depend what you fancy. Simply stroll along the sand until you see somewhere you like the look of but a few of our favourites are listed below.

The Good View Restaurant is a popular option with seats right on the sand of Nai Yang. It serve well priced Thai food and is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. We also loved Naiyang Park Restaurant which again serves excellent Thai specialities at very reasonable prices.

For something more luxurious and with a price tag to match, try the Black Ginger restaurant at the Slate Hotel. Serving gourmet Thai dishes in absolutely stunning surroundings, this is definitly one to save for a special occasion.

Read Next: Visiting Samet Nangshe Viewpoint North of Phuket.

How to get to Nai Yang Beach Phuket

Nai Yang beach is right next to Phuket’s international airport. This is why it’s one of the best places to stay on the island if you are short on time. A taxi from the airport to Nai Yang should only take around 5 minutes.

Nai Yang is really easy to find from all over Phuket. Just jump on the main road and head towards the airport. You’ll see signs to Nai Yang as you near the North of the island. As a rough guide, it’s around 40 minutes drive from Bang Tao, an hour from Patong and an hour 15 from Kata.

Other Beaches in the North of Phuket

Mai Khao

Mai Khao is the longest beach in Phuket and stretches over 10km. It is absolutely stunning and a lot quieter than the others further South. Being located right next to the airport you’ll often see huge jets come in to land, it feels like they’re going to come down right on top of you but does make for a pretty funny selfie.

Nai Thon

Nai Thon is much smaller and very secluded. Home to several high end resorts so has a very luxurious feel.

Sai Kaew Beach

This is the Northernmost beach on Phuket and is very rarely visited. It’s home to a pretty decent restaurant but very little else. I love it for its deserted feel.

Read Next: the best beaches in Phuket.

In conclusion, Nai Yang is a stunning beach in The North of Phuket. It’s very secluded and makes for a perfect quiet escape for the whole family. Make sure to add it to your Phuket itinerary.