Phuket's longest undeveloped beach, home to sea turtles and upscale resorts near the airport.
Mai Khao stretches for roughly 11 kilometres along Phuket's northwest coast, backed by national park and luxury resorts. It is one of the few beaches where sea turtles still nest between October and March.
Development is low-rise and spaced out, giving a sense of space rare on the island. The beach faces open sea and can have stronger waves than sheltered bays.
Walk the long empty shoreline, visit the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, watch sunset plane spotting near the airport runway, book spa days at SALA or Marriott resorts, and drive to Sarasin Bridge for Phang Nga views.
Marriott Phuket Beach Club, SALA Phuket, and Renaissance Phuket cater to luxury and family travellers. Villas and apartments suit multi-generational trips.
Resort dining dominates; Turtle Village and Anantara Layan are nearby for upscale meals. Local seafood restaurants sit along the main road toward the airport.
